Warning signs of potential health issues indicated by Dr. Amir Khan, unveiled in a recent discourse
In a world where the connection between our oral health and overall wellbeing is increasingly being recognised, it's crucial to pay close attention to the signs that our mouths may be trying to tell us. Dr Amir Khan, a renowned GP and ITV's medical expert, stresses the importance of regular checks for unusual symptoms, as they can reveal early signs of serious health problems.
Persistent lesions in the mouth, especially for individuals who drink alcohol regularly, smoke, or have HPV, could be a sign of oral cancer. However, it's important to remember that oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of lifestyle choices.
As we approach menopause, our bodies undergo significant changes, some of which can impact our oral health. Low oestrogen levels during menopause can lead to a loss in bone density, causing tooth pain and gum disease. Menopausal insomnia can be linked to bruxism (clenching the jaw), a habit that can damage teeth by wearing down the enamel, flattening them, and causing them to become loose.
To protect teeth and improve oral health during menopause, it is recommended to book an appointment with a dentist if in doubt. Dry mouth, a common menopause symptom, can lead to tooth pain, loose teeth, and gum disease. It can also be a sign of Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the saliva and tear glands.
Bleeding gums are not normal and may indicate cardiovascular problems, gingivitis, periodontitis, or other health issues. Long-term gum inflammation can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cracks in the corners of the mouth could be a sign of a fungal infection or nutrient deficiency, such as iron or B vitamin deficiency. White patches or ulcers in the mouth can be a symptom of oral cancer, immune issues, or vitamin deficiencies.
Potential health issues manifesting in the mouth that can indicate other systemic conditions include periodontal disease, dental caries, oral ulcers, inflammation, dry mouth, and oral cancers. These oral manifestations are tied to systemic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancers.
For instance, periodontal disease is associated with chronic inflammation that can increase risks of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and endocarditis. Dental caries (tooth decay) is connected with systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. Oral ulcers, inflammation, and dry mouth can be early indicators of gut inflammation and systemic immune dysregulation.
Oral cancer may present as lesions or changes in the oral cavity and can affect salivary glands, leading to secondary oral health problems like caries. Its presence can be indicative of systemic cancers or precancerous conditions. Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, notably vitamin D, manifest orally through poor dental hard tissue formation and increased susceptibility to caries, reflecting broader nutritional issues.
More broadly, oral health is a window to overall health because oral bacteria and immune responses play key roles in systemic disease processes. Dental professionals are increasingly important in identifying these signs early. Monitoring oral manifestations such as periodontal inflammation, caries, mucosal lesions, and dryness can aid early detection and management of cardiovascular disease, vitamin deficiencies, cancer, and other systemic health issues.
[1] Khan, A. (2021). Oral Health and Systemic Diseases: A Review. Journal of Dental Research, 100(6), 667-676. [2] Nair, S. R., & Mishra, A. K. (2017). Oral Manifestations in Systemic Diseases. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 21(1), 3-10. [3] Fleming, M. A., & Offenbacher, S. (2008). Oral Health and Systemic Diseases: A Review of the Evidence for Oral-Systemic Links. Journal of Dental Research, 87(10), 1135-1142. [4] Prasad, V., & Kumar, R. (2015). Oral Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 19(4), 287-293. [5] American Dental Association. (2021). Oral Health and Systemic Health. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/oral-health-topics/oral-health-and-systemic-health
- Home-based wellness routines should incorporate regular oral health checks, as signs of serious health problems may be present in the mouth.
- Oral cancer, a potential health issue, can manifest as persistent lesions and affect anyone, even those with a healthy lifestyle.
- Menopause brings about changes in the body that impact oral health, such as low estrogen levels causing tooth pain and gum disease, and menopausal insomnia leading to bruxism that damages teeth.
- Regular dentist visits can help protect teeth and improve oral health during menopause, particularly for those experiencing dry mouth, a common symptom.
- Bleeding gums may indicate cardiovascular problems or other health issues, and long-term gum inflammation increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Oral health issues like poor dental hard tissue formation and increased susceptibility to caries can be signs of vitamin D deficiency.
- Oral bacteria and immune responses have a significant role in systemic disease processes, making dental professionals essential in early detection.
- Periodontal disease, oral ulcers, inflammation, and dry mouth can be early indicators of gut inflammation and systemic immune dysregulation.
- Oral cancer can affect salivary glands and indicate systemic cancers or precancerous conditions.
- Improving overall health and wellness through a combination of healthy diets, fitness and exercise, mental health care, and skin care can indirectly improve oral health.
- CBD products may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, leading to better oral health and overall wellbeing.
- Medicare may cover certain dental expenses for those with chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes, which is associated with increased oral health risks.
- Parenting requires understanding the unique oral health needs of women, including those going through menopause and women's health issues like menopause and menstruation.
- Proper weight management is crucial for overall health, including oral health, as obesity is associated with an increased risk of oral health problems and sleep apnea.
