Your Dentist May Be a Health Detective
Did you know your mouth can contain clues about your physical health? There are several health conditions that can manifest in the mouth and dentists are trained to spot them. For many, visiting their dentist is part of their yearly health routine. For others, visiting the dentist may not be a priority. Don’t skip that oral exam. Your dentist can help you keep your mouth healthy and be a health detective.
There are many health conditions a dentist may flag. Here are a few.
Anemia
Signs: Pale gums and smooth patches on the tongue
Cancer
Signs: White or red patches, non-healing ulcers in the soft tissue of the mouth, masses in the jaw or soft tissue
Diabetes
Signs: Bad breath, oral thrush, red or bleeding gums, slow healing cuts or sores
Dementia
Signs: Neglecting self care
GERD or Acid Reflux
Signs: Erosion on the back side of teeth
Osteoporosis
Signs: Bone loss detected in x-rays
Your oral health can provide a picture of your overall health, and regular dental visits contribute to the early detection and prevention of diseases. Contact your dentist to schedule your oral exam and discuss factors that could affect your health.
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm
https://health.osu.edu/health/dental-health/health-issues-a-dentist-can-identify
For help finding a provider
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City’s Blue Medicare Advantage includes both HMO and PPO plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in Blue Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The HMO products are offered by Blue-Advantage Plus of Kansas City, Inc. and the PPO products are offered by Missouri Valley Life and Health Insurance Company, both independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.
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