855-277-9779
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Press

Search

  • Instagram
  • tiktok
  • Español
Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
  • Find an Office
  • Savings Plan
  • Payment Options
    • Private InsuranceWe accept most dental insurance plans.
    • Dental Savings PlanOur Dental Savings Plan saves patients who don’t have insurance up to 50% off services.
    • Government PlansWe accept many child and adult Medicaid, Chip and Medicare plans.
    • Dental Payment PlansWe offer flexible financing programs with no interest (if eligible), giving you the freedom to prioritize your dental care needs.
  • Services
    • General Services
      • Preventative Dental Services
      • Teeth Cleaning
      • Dental Crowns
      • Dental Fillings
      • Dental Bridges
      • Emergency Dental Care
      • Current Specials and Discounts
    • Specialty Services
      • Invisalign Clear Aligners
      • Pediatric Dentistry – Dentists for Children
      • Braces and Orthodontics
      • Gum Disease Treatment
      • Emergency Tooth Extraction
      • Endodontist Root Canal Treatment
      • Affordable Dentures
      • 3D Dental Scan & AI Technology
      • Current Specials and Discounts
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Affordable Dental Implants
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Affordable Dental Veneers
      • Current Specials and Discounts
  • About Us
    • Careers
      • Dentists
      • Dental Hygienists
      • Office Team Members
      • Support Center
    • Blog
    • Press
    • English
    • Español
    • Instagram
    • tiktok
HomeBlogHealth Concerns Your Dentist Can Detect

Health Concerns Your Dentist Can Detect

On January 25, 2016 Written and Reviewed by JDC Content Committee

health concerns your dentist can detect

The mouth-body connection is strong. Many diseases and illnesses show symptoms in the mouth, often before other symptoms appear in the body. Staying on top of dental hygiene, as well as routine dental appointments keeps the mouth healthy and can help screen for potential complications. While your dentist may not be able to treat conditions outside of dentistry, he/she can be a first line of detection of a serious illness.

Diabetes

Diabetes can manifest in the mouth in several ways. One major sign that a patient has diabetes is that their gum disease may be difficult to treat and not respond to treatment attempts. Patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease because they have a decreased ability to fight infections.

Acid Reflux (GERD)

Your dentist may have a first look at the eroding effects of acid reflux, by simply taking a look in your mouth. Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and even into the mouth, due to an improperly functioning esophageal sphincter. The stomach acid erodes the bottom teeth over time. Substances with a pH of 5.5 and lower can dissolve tooth enamel, gastric acid can be as low as 1.5. Up to 36% of adults suffer from heart burn at least once a month.

Heart Disease

Gum disease may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. One potential link is the inflammation in the gums that can increase inflammation in other parts of the body. Patients with a family history of heart disease should be particularly vigilant of swollen gums. Treating inflammation in the mouth may reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Crohn’s Disease + Bowel Diseases

One sign of Crohn’s manifestation in the mouth are granular ulcers inside the mouth. These lesions can be deep, and occur frequently within the folds of the cheeks and gums. Another very telling sign is a swelling in the lips called orofacial granulomatosis. This inflammatory condition can manifest in the face and lips, most commonly in early adulthood.

Our Jefferson Dental Content Committee supports our team by educational and informational articles related to what we do, oral care tips, and current events in our communities.

This blog provides general information and discussions about oral health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, dental advice, diagnosis or treatment. This blog does not constitute the practice of any medical, dental or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog or website.

If you or any other person has an oral health concern, you should consult with your dentist or seek other professional dental treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical/dental advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog, website or in any linked materials. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please visit your local Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics office — we accept walk-ins.

Related Stories

How Your Pumpkin Spice Obsession is Hurting Your Smile

On October 11, 2019

Read More
Illustrated poster of Open mouth with enlarged probiotic tablet showing living cells

Probiotics: Your Oral Health Secret Weapon

On September 24, 2019

Read More
attractive-african-american-sporty-young-woman-drinking-bottle-of-water-on-red-wall-background

Does Dehydration Negatively Impact Your Oral Health

On July 31, 2019

Read More

Hours of Operation

Hours of Operation
Schedule an Appointment


    Change Office
    Please send me promotional offers via email
    Please send me promotional offers via SMS

    We value your privacy. Your email address will never be sold. View our Privacy Policy.

    Featured Blog Posts

    Making the Most of Dental Savings
    The Importance of Dental Technology
    Reasons to Smile: Summer 2022
    Dental Care In The Summer
    View All Blog Posts
    © 2017 - Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
    • Careers
    • Notice of Data Event
    • Patient Forms
    • Privacy
    • Terms of Use
    • Nondiscriminatory Policy

    We’ll be right back!

    Our booking system is temporarily unavailable for a scheduled upgrade.
    Please call

    855-277-9779

    for assistance.
    Thank you for your patience.

    • Location 
    • Time
    Zip Code

    (Optional) Show offices that offer:

    OR

    Optional: Show only orthodontic offices (braces)

    Invisalign Clear Aligners

    To get started, please type in a location or click the arrow icon to use your current location.

    Locations Near You 5 3

    Call for More Availability

    Previous
    Next

    Enter Location

    Use current location

    Or

    Request an Appointment

    [contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]