Batman battles bad guys. And so does your dentist. As far as your mouth’s concerned, your dentist is your first line of defense when it comes to fighting diseases.
But how?
Your dentist is trained to spot abnormalities in your mouth that can be a sign of a medical problem. There are more than 120 different diseases that present in the mouth!
Here are some of the common things your dentist could spot.
• Anemia
Anemia is when red blood cell count is lower than normal. If you have anemia, you may not be getting the oxygen-rich blood your body needs. Your mouth tissue could appear pale and you may have a swollen and inflamed tongue.
• Herpangina
This virus is commonly spread in elementary schools and comes with white sores in the mouth and throat. It usually lingers for about a week before your child should start feeling better.
• GERD
Dental erosion in the mouth could be a sign of GERD, a gastrointestinal disease that causes the acids in your stomach to come back into the mouth.
• Bulimia
Of diseases your dentist might spot, bulimia can create some of the most dramatic symptoms. Teeth are not only damaged but are physically altered in color, size and shape. Dry mouth, red, cracked lips and sensitive teeth are also symptoms of bulimia.
Now that you know your dentist’s super power, remember to schedule your next appointment to see the power in action. Preventive checkups are a great opportunity to keep you at your optimal performance.