THE mouth can be an excellent place to diagnose diseases which are not necessarily related to oral health. This means that a periodic visit to the dentist can help you identify illnesses linked to other areas of the body that manifest themselves in the mouth region.
Dental surgeon Marcelo Kyrillos explained that, in addition to teeth, professionals can also use their tongue to find diseases. He also warns that, even in aesthetic procedures, it is important that the dentist correctly analyzes the patient.
“Studies estimate dozens of diseases that manifest themselves through the mouth. Even the tongue is a great indicator of health. Its color, texture and odor can be decisive in diagnosing pathologies. For those interested in aesthetic procedures, it is crucial to go to a dentist who has experience in diagnosis and prioritizes a detailed oral examination, before starting any intervention. Otherwise, there is a risk of ‘masking’ several signs of illness”, explained the professional.
“Going to the dentist is as serious as blood, urine, or image check-ups. This is because dentistry is not just about teeth. Therefore, it is essential to choose professionals who prioritize an in-depth clinical examination, considering the health and function of the mouth first, placing aesthetics only as an ally.”
Check below a list of diseases that can be diagnosed through the mouth:
Osteoporosis
Tooth loss, receding gums and pronounced tooth mobility are some of the initial indicators of osteoporosis. Characterized by the gradual thinning of bone density, it mainly affects women over 50 years of age.
Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux can be diagnosed with cracked and decayed teeth. This happens because stomach acid rises back into the esophagus and can reach the mouth, dissolving the layers of the teeth. This process is irreversible and, without enamel, teeth can deteriorate quickly.
Depression and anxiety
Dental erosion can also be an indication of anxiety or depression. Patients with this condition often develop bruxism, which is the clenching of teeth, also causing serious joint problems and chronic pain in the cervical, head and neck region.
Mouth cancer
Mouth cancer has a range of symptoms that can be identified by the dentist:
- lesions in the oral cavity or lips that do not heal for more than 15 days;
- persistent pain in the mouth, throat or ear;
- difficulty swallowing;
- any swelling or lump in the mouth, throat or neck that does not go down;
- hoarseness or changes in voice that persist.
Anemia
In the case of anemia, a sign that can be noticed in the mouth is a smoother, discolored tongue, and this muscle is usually rough and shiny. The disease is characterized by a low number of healthy red blood cells in the blood and can cause fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath and dizziness.
Diabetes
Diabetes can be diagnosed through the mouth in three ways:
- bitter or salty taste in the mouth caused by a failure in the sensory cells of taste;
- increased risk of infections in the gums and bones that support the teeth, which can cause tooth loss and red gums;
- gum bleeding.
This content was originally published in Depression, diabetes and more: see diseases that can be diagnosed through the mouth on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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