Without a doubt, dentists primarily detect oral issues like cavities, gum disease, and so on. Dentistry’s core role is to protect your smile, so you’d expect it to address mouth-related problems. Sometimes, though, dentists can also (rightly) diagnose you with some surprising medical conditions. As for the proof of this fact, let your Richardson dental practice offer up some evidence. Here are four unexpected medical issues a dentist could diagnose you with before anyone else.
Diabetes
You wouldn’t expect a dentist to say you have diabetes. Still, dental professionals can find this condition before other doctors get a chance to.
Diabetes’s symptoms aren’t limited to thirst or fatigue, regardless of rumors or stereotypes. Often enough, the relevant signs can include oral matters like bleeding gums, dry mouth, and wiggly teeth. That’s because patients with diabetes are more likely to get gum disease, as they have weaker immune systems prone to infections. So, a dentist can rightly conclude you have diabetes if you show signs of gum infection alongside other key factors.
GERD
It isn’t just GPs or specialists who diagnose GERD. After a thorough oral exam, a dentist can also detect this ailment.
GERD affects more than just your throat, you see. When stomach acid reaches your esophagus and mouth, it can dissolve enamel and create lesions near the back of your mouth. A dentist will usually make note of such things when they examine your smile at a checkup. From there, they can determine you’re dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Osteoporosis
Family physicians can certainly diagnose you with osteoporosis. However, dentists are able to do so as well.
Don’t forget that dentists take dental X-rays at checkups. Through these images of your jaw and teeth, they can see if you’re experiencing odd bone loss in your mouth. Such deterioration is what you’d expect to find in someone with osteoporosis. As such, your dentist can put two and two together and diagnose you accordingly.
Heart Disease
You can trust a diagnosis of heart disease from a cardiologist. At the same time, you can trust one that’s provided by your dentist.
Despite its name, heart disease doesn’t just have heart-adjacent signs. One of its potential symptoms happens to be swollen, red, and bleeding gum tissues. As for the reason, it’s simple: gum disease – an infection that causes gum disruptions – puts you at greater risk of heart trouble. Bacteria from ailing gums can sometimes reach the cardiovascular system, resulting in blood clots and clogged arteries.
Dentists can diagnose surprising medical conditions, so stay prepared. Your next dental checkup may lead to some shocking findings.
About the Practice
Dentistry by Canyon Creek is based in Richardson, TX. Led by Drs. Baginski, Donnelli, and Folks, our practice prides itself on its 30+ years of continuous operation. These decades show that we’ve long been helping patients get (and keep) thriving smiles in our local community. To honor such history, we’ll keep offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care for many years to come! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-379-8693.