At your appointment with Dr. Stewart, we will take a full medical health assessment to determine if any of your health conditions could be affecting your mouth. How much do you know about your oral systemic health? See if you can match up which health problems and oral problems are related.
Health Problem: Dental Symptom:
1. Headaches a. Advanced periodontal disease
2. Pregnancy b. Mouth sores
3. Cancer c. Dry mouth
4. Loose teeth d. Enamel erosion
5. Heart attack e. TMJ
6. Medications f. Inflammation
7. Acid Reflux g. Swollen gums
Best Answers:
1. Headaches – TMJ: Frequent headaches could be a sign of TMJ disorder. Tooth grinding and clenching puts extreme tension on your facial muscles. Other dental symptoms of TMJ include jaw pain, popping, worn down teeth, and chipped teeth.
2. Pregnancy – Swollen gums: Pregnant women are likely to develop a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause tender and swollen gums. If left untreated, the bacterial inflammation can cause premature births.
3. Cancer – Mouth sores: If you notice any unusual sores or lesions in your mouth, contact Dr. Stewart immediately. Oral ulcers are often raised, red, or white bumps on your tongue, roof, or cheeks. Other health questions may ask about your tobacco usage, which can also increase your risk of oral cancer.
4. Loose teeth – Advanced periodontal disease: Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. If your teeth feel loose, ask Dr. Stewart how he can treat your gum problem and secure your teeth. If it’s too late, he can still restore and replace missing teeth.
5. Heart attack – Inflammation: When inflammation from your mouth spreads to your body, it could block your arteries and cause blood clots, heart attacks, or stroke. It’s important to tell Dr. Stewart if you have a family history of heart problems, because gum disease can further your risk.
6. Medications – Dry mouth: Some medications that you may be taking for your health conditions can reduce the saliva flow in your mouth. Other symptoms of dry mouth include excessive thirst, bad breath, and burning.
7. Acid Reflux – Enamel erosion: If the outer layer of your teeth has deteriorated, it could be a sign of the hidden Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux. In this condition, the acid from your stomach comes back up to your mouth. When it touches your teeth, it is strong enough to dissolve your enamel.
It’s a great time to assess your health history because January is “Staying Healthy Month.” Knowing your complete medical history will allow Dr. Stewart to treat you appropriately to help protect both your mouth and your body. Contact our dentist office in Livonia, MI, at (734) 425-4400 to schedule an appointment. We welcome families from the surrounding areas of Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Novi, Dearborn, Redford, and other nearby communities.