Oral health, general health

(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)

POOR dental hygiene may cause cognitive decline.

Complications of kidney disease and osteoporosis can lead to tooth loss.

These are just some of the telltale signs that oral health issues can raise the red flag when it comes to overall health.

The signs that teeth tell about general health is outlined by Barbara Sadick writing for the American Association of Retired Persons.

“While we know that regular brushing, flossing and general dental care can prevent common problems such as cavities and gum disease, your teeth can also offer clues to brewing health problems,” Ms. Sadick writes.

Take for example damaged tooth enamel. It can be a sign of eating disorders.

Bulimia, an illness characterized by a cycle of binge eating and self-induced vomiting, often leads to tooth damage.

“Acid created in the stomach by vomiting erodes the inner enamel or thin outer coating of the teeth,” Dr. Leila Jahangiri, a  Clinical Professor and Chair of the ?Department of ?Prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry, tells Ms. Sadick.

The acid may cause damage to the back of the teeth but will usually spare the bottom of the front teeth. However, the damage may be so extensive that the enamel is completely gone and teeth are thinner and can be seriously chipped.

Anorexia, another serious illness characterized by weight loss, difficulty maintaining an appropriate body weight and distorted body image, may also damage the tooth enamel.

Pale gums can be a sign of anemia which is caused by the lack of healthy red blood cells.

The low level of red blood cells may cause tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and an irregular heartbeat.

Dr. Domenica Sweier, Clinical Professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, tells Ms. Sadick that anemia can cause the gum tissue to become pale pinkish-white.

Please note that anemia cannot be diagnosed from gum color but rather should be diagnosed with blood tests.

Osteoporosis, a bone disease, can put people at risk for tooth loss, Ms. Sadick continues. Osteoporosis develops when bone density, mass and structure in the body changes. It can lead to loss of bone strength and risk of bone fractures.

Along with age, genetics, hormonal changes and smoking, osteoporosis can be a risk factor for tooth loss, says Dr. Erinne Kennedy, Director for Predoctoral Dental Education at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine.

“There are lots of bones around a tooth?, and indications of osteoporosis include tooth recession, mobility and increase in pockets between teeth,” says Dr. Mary Grace Ash, a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Course Director of Gerontology for Dental Hygienists. “And a dentist should be able to spot it.”

Tooth loss, however, is not always a sign of osteoporosis, Ms. Sadick notes, adding that many other conditions can cause the loss of teeth as people grow older.

Complications of kidney disease can also lead to tooth loss. Kidneys filter extra water and waste out of the blood and make urine. When this fails, it causes kidney disease which is indicated by dryness of the mouth, changes in taste and malnutrition.

Kidney disease may compromise immune systems and cause chronic inflammation. A compromised immune system is susceptible to the overgrowth of bacteria or fungus in the body  which, in turn, can lead to gum disease.

Poor dental hygiene can be a sign of cognitive decline, indicating not taking good care of oral health. Brushing and flossing may be more difficult to do.

Research has also linked tooth loss to a higher risk of dementia, Ms. Sadick observes.

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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists;  Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.

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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN

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