Diseases that show up in the mouth

CEBU, Philippines - The importance of seeing the dentist regularly cannot be overemphasized. Most dental problems are not easily noticed; some do not even have signs until they reach the more advanced stages which are already hard to treat. The dentist can detect problems that the patient may not even be aware of.

The recommended visit to the dentist is every 6 to 8 months. Regular dental checkups can do more than keeping one's smile beautiful; it can thwart medical conditions caused by poor dental hygiene. The website www.rd.com lists down some of the shocking diseases that only the dentist may be able to detect early.

Oral cancer. Also known as mouth cancer, oral cancer occurs when a tumor develops on the surface of the tongue, mouth, lips or gums. Its common symptoms include red or white patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue, ulcers and a lump on the mouth, among others. According to the World Health Organization, oral cancer is the eight leading cancer in the world and is more common in developing countries. In the Philippines, cancer of the oral cavity was the ninth leading cancer among males and females from 1995 to 1998. In a study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, it was found that the habits of chewing betel nuts and inverted smoking (smoking with the lit-end of the cigarette inside the mouth) among Filipinos have been associated with oral cancer.

Crohn disease. This is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the lining of one's digestive tract. According to a 2010 study conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, up to 20 percent of patients with this inflammatory bowel disorder develop lesions in their mouth that may even precede abdominal symptoms such as cramps and diarrhea. The Academy of General Dentistry says that they've seen swollen lips and dime-sized ulcers on the inside of cheeks and lips - a white center with a red halo circling it. If they suspect Crohn disease, they'll do X-rays to rule out gum disease and ask about medical history and medications. If there's no reasonable explanation for the symptoms, seeing the regular doctor is then recommended.

Diabetes. Bleeding, receding and dry gums, dry mouth, and wiggly teeth are typical oral symptoms of patients with diabetes, who are more likely to get gum disease, says a periodontist in Great Neck, New York. However, many of these symptoms result from simple bad hygiene, so dentists may not immediately assume that it is diabetes unless other risk factors are there, or these symptoms are present despite taking good care of the mouth. A dentist who suspects signs of diabetes will likely recommend a blood test. Oral health and diabetes management are closely linked. Patients who take better care of their teeth and gums may have better blood sugar control; patients with better blood sugar control may have less severe cases of gum disease.

Anemia. A pale, light shade pink lining on one's mouth is an indication for a dentist to suspect anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells circulating. As well, the tongue can lose its typical bumpy texture and become smooth looking.

GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease). Stomach acid - with a pH that's lower than vinegar - that regurgitates into the esophagus and mouth can dissolve tooth enamel and create erosive lesions near the back of the mouth. While many people with GERD recognize it by the uncomfortable heartburn symptoms, some patients only experience GERD while they sleep and may not know they have it. It's common for patients to say they're having trouble sleeping and not know why they're waking in the middle of the night.

Intense Stress. Aside from the haggard look one possesses, the state of one's mouth may also indicate stress, the kind which has taken a more serious toll than what it seems. Many stressed people turn into a teeth-grinder - a condition known as bruxism - in response to stress, which can wear down and chip the pearly whites. One dentist says that most of his patients tend to do it at night while she's sleeping, so he prescribes a customized night guard to wear while she sleeps.

These are just some of the horrid diseases that may result from a simple laxity like poor oral health, there are actually many more. It pay to be reminded of what one learned during the elementary days - that the starting point of the digestive system is the mouth and teeth, and whatever one puts in it and however one treats it may make or break one's total being.  (FREEMAN)