By Dr. Ricardo S. Bocanegra, DDS
Haight and Ashbury. Hollywood and Vine. Your mouth. What do they have in common?
Besides being busy intersections, all serve as barometers of the times. A unique meeting place of teeth, skin germs and stresses, a mouth is a monitor of how the body deals with itself. Your mouth says a lot about you. When your dentist looks at your mouth, he is looking for more than cavities.
Over forty serious diseases including diabetes, bulimia, tumors and AIDS, can be detected in the mouth. Changes in gum color and texture, persistent sores, chipped and eroded teeth, and bad breath may be evidence of underlying ailments. Your dentist might be first to discover hyper-tension or osteoporosis.
Likewise, certain blood diseases such as anemia, can be detected early on in the mouth. For example, a burning or sore tongue and paler gums could be symptoms of iron anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency. Congestive heart failure can shoe on the tongue, while various cancers may manifest in the roof or floor of the, mouth. A dry mouth might indicate diabetes, or signal an autoimmune disease. Is that jaw pain coming from an abscessed tooth, or is it an early warning of a heart attack?
Regular dental visits not only keep your teeth and gums in top form, they can save a life- perhaps yours.
As dentists, it’s our responsibility to consider your whole health. Please call with any questions, anytime.
Ricardo S. Bocanegra practices implant,
cosmetic and family dentistry at:
Porto Fino Dental
6805 Porto Fino Cir.,
Fort Myers, Fl 33912
239-482-8806
www.portofinodental.org