Dentists: The first line of defense in overall health

Read time: 3 minutes

“Eyes are the window to the soul.” We’ve all heard this metaphor that suggests someone’s eyes can reveal a lot about who they are as a person, as well as their emotions and thoughts.

Here’s another: “Oral health is the canary in the coal mine.” At first glance, this one could be a bit of a headscratcher. But if you look beneath the surface, it makes sense: In addition to the vital oral health care dentists provide, they are also the first line of defense in identifying many other health issues.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 100 health conditions can produce signs in the mouth, and dentists are very adept at spotting these clues in the teeth, gums, tongue, palate, lips, jaw, face and neck.

Conditions and their clues

Here are just a few health conditions and the signs they can present in and around the mouth that can put dentists on alert for that particular illness.

Diabetes

Of the 38.4 million Americans who have diabetes, nearly 9 million are undiagnosed. It might turn out that it’s their dentist who finds it. When sugar levels are elevated in the blood, they’re also elevated in saliva. Bacteria in dental plaque feed on that higher level of sugar, fueling inflamed and bleeding gums. Diabetes can also lead to dry mouth and oral infections that take longer to heal.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is four times as common among older women than men. The progressive loss of bone density that’s part of this condition might show up on X-rays of the teeth and jaw. Missing and loose teeth can also be a sign of osteoporosis because with the loss of bone density, the jawbone becomes weaker, and teeth lose their stability.

Sleep apnea

More than a quarter of American adults have sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by a pattern of frequent lapses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by heavy snoring. Without treatment, it raises the risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Clues that might cause a dentist to suspect sleep apnea include enlargement of the tonsils, tongue, or jaw muscles; a red throat; or signs of teeth grinding.

Acid reflux

With heartburn, gastric acid can sometimes reach a person’s mouth. Eroded enamel on back teeth is a major sign someone has acid reflux, and their teeth may also be discolored.

Oral cancer

Head and neck malignancies account for only about 4% of all cancers in the United States, but this type of cancer is more common in older adults. Possible signs of head and neck cancer that a dentist would look for are rough spots, swelling, bumps, or unexplained bleeding in the mouth, as well as irregularities in the face, lips, jaw or neck.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders affect girls and women twice as often as males — and dentists are often the first health care professionals to recognize the signs. For example, deterioration of the back teeth and enamel erosion due to acid can be a sign that the patient purges by vomiting.

It’s understandable to think your dentist’s only (but vital) role is to care for your oral health … to identify and treat plaque, cavities, gum disease and more.

But you can also take comfort knowing your dentist plays a vital role in your overall health. Keeping up on your regular dental checkups will give your dentist the opportunity to watch for signs of a health issue, which could lead to treatment sooner rather than later.

In the market for dental insurance?

If you or a loved one are shopping for dental insurance, look for coverage that:

Has no annual maximum on the cash benefits you can receive
Has no deductible
Gives you the freedom to see any dentist — and enjoy savings from network providers
Provides immediate benefits for preventive and basic care
Pays benefits for a wide range of dental procedures … from cleanings and fillings, to crowns, root canals, and dentures
Has guaranteed acceptance regardless of your dental health