A large portion of the world has an oral disease. According to the WHO, 3.5 billion people suffer from oral disease. It's important to see your dentist regularly so that they can catch any signs of oral diseases early on. Early detection can save your mouth and your health in many ways. However, a dentist can catch many more illnesses than just what is in your mouth. Read on to learn more about diseases that dentists may catch during a routine checkup.

Anemia

Yes, dentists can get an idea about whether you have anemia without needing blood tests. There will be telltale signs like white patches in your mouth or a swollen tongue. If your dentist suggests that you may be anemic based on your oral health, you can then confirm this with a blood test.

Celiac Disease

While this disease is related to digestion, there are telltale signs, such as teeth with bright white or brown spots. They may also be translucent or pitted. You may have canker sores or a dry mouth. If your dentist remarks on these characteristics of your teeth, it may be time to visit your physician and get tested for Celiac.

Chronic Stress

One sign of chronic stress is grinding your teeth when you sleep, or sometimes even when you're awake! You can have pain in your jaw from all that tension, which can also lead to issues within your jaw later on. Your dentist will be able to tell whether you grind your jaw. They may follow up with you about how you are taking care of yourself and working to eliminate your chronic stress.

Diabetes

If your blood sugar is not under control, your body is not able to fight off bacteria as well as it could. Diabetes can also lower saliva production, so bacteria can have an easier time attacking your teeth and causing cavities. You may also have bad breath and bleeding gums. All those things can have dentists recommending you see a doctor to have your blood tested.

Heart Disease

There could be things in your mouth that indicate heart disease, like bleeding gums, bad breath, or mouth sores. Other things dentists might find are Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD) or oral cancer. The best thing to do is to visit medical professionals often, especially when you have a concern. This will give dentists the strongest chance of catching any issues early on. They'll be able to get you started on any medication or treatment, so you can enjoy your life to the fullest.

Are you worried about your oral health? Are you concerned that you may have some form of illness, showcased by symptoms in your mouth? Call our team at Scott Malik DDS today to schedule an exam with one of our experienced dentists.