Celebrity Smiles, L.L.C.

Open Wide for the Inside Story
Summer 2008

Dental patients usually come in for checkups with one thing in mind: to make sure their teeth and gums are healthy, and to confirm that there are no problems with decay. What you might not realize is that dentists can often tell what other health problems or habits you may have too, just by looking in your mouth.

For example, you've probably noticed that heavy smokers tend to sport yellowish teeth and that they have a higher chance of developing oral cancer than non-smokers, but did you know that 41 percent of daily smokers over the age of 65 are toothless? The reason: smoking can raise your chances of developing calculus on your teeth, leading to deep pockets between the teeth and gums and eventually loss of the bone and tissue supporting your teeth.

Bleeding gums, dry mouth, fungal infections and cavities are often an indicator of a serious health issue like HIV, leukemia or diabetes. There is a proven link between diabetes and gum disease, as high blood sugar levels create a perfect source of food for bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria then attack the protective layer of enamel on your teeth until you develop cavities, in addition to periodontal or gum disease.

Patients with bulimia, an eating disorder involving repeated vomiting, can't hide their purging habits from their dentist, as the hydrochloric acid in vomit dissolves the teeth's protective outer coating, the enamel. Once the enamel wears away, the acid eats into the softer dentin underneath, quickly wearing down the teeth. While someone suffering from bulimia may not want to share that news with their dentist, it may be wise to ask for tips - everything from the need for increased brushing and flossing, to fluoride applications to help repair tooth damage, to restoring already-damaged teeth with resins or crowns - to save as much of the remaining natural teeth structure as possible.

When it comes to the connection between the mouth and the heart, there is some evidence to suggest that poor oral health - even more than high cholesterol and triglyceride levels - can increase your chances of developing heart disease. One theory is that if bacteria from infected gums enters the bloodstream, it can attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. This decreases the blood flow to the heart, aggravating high blood pressure and increasing the chances of a heart attack.

Many times osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to lose mass and become more fragile over time, is noticed first at the dental office because the patient finds themselves losing teeth. Remember that the jaw is a bone too, and will lose density just like any other bone in your body as osteoporosis progresses.

Keep in mind that many medications for various ailments contain sugar as a primary ingredient. Watch out especially for the sugar in chewable medications and many cough and cold-type syrups as a risk factor for oral problems.

There are many mouth-body connections that are important to know about, and we are happy to discuss them with you. Being aware of possible links between your oral health and general health make it more important than ever to maintain a regular schedule of dental visits and a vigilant habit of brushing and flossing, whether you're knowingly suffering from any of the diseases mentioned here or not.

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