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
Read also:
- Parliamentary Meetings in the Federal Diet of Germany this Week
- Anemia: A Potential Threat and Treatment Strategies
- Insulin refusal during gestational diabetes is possible, but it may have detrimental impacts on both mother and baby.
- Shoulder surgery for osteoarthritis: Expected outcomes, advantages, potential complications
