Regular dental care is essential for the health of a person’s teeth and gums. What many people don’t realize is that a dentist in Utica, NY can often find signs of non-dental medical issues in a patient’s mouth during the exam. Some of the conditions and diseases that show signs in a person’s mouth are found here.
Diabetes
Some of the tell-tale signs that a person may be suffering from diabetes include gums that are dry, bleeding and receding, dry mouth and even loose teeth. The inability to fight disease effectively and poor immunity also make it more difficult for infections at the gum lines and oral wounds to heal in patients with diabetes. Keep in mind; bleeding gums don’t automatically mean a person has diabetes, as this can also be a symptom of gingivitis, as well as other gum diseases.
Infections
If a dentist in Utica, NY finds any signs of an infection in the mouth, they may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the issue. A person may develop an oral infection after trauma to the mouth, after a dental procedure, or some other issue. Some of the signs of an infection include redness, swelling and severe pain around the affected area, fevers, a surface that is warm to the touch and drainage around the tooth or wound. Infection may spread to other areas of the body, including the heart and lungs, so it is essential to have it treated right away.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is an extremely common type of cancer, with over 30,000 new cases being found each year. Dentists can evaluate the mouth to see if there are any signs of this condition and help the patient take action to treat it if this is an issue.
Seeking the care of a dentist two times a year is highly recommended for people of all ages. Doing this will help ensure their mouth, teeth and gums remain healthy and that no serious, non-dental issues arise. If more information is needed about dental care and the importance of dental checkups, a person can contact the staff at Business Name. Being informed is the best way to prevent serious oral health issues.