Bruxism is usually caused by stress but can also occur because the top and bottom teeth aren't aligned properly. Avoiding or limiting alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products. Kenneth Wong, DDS, of Santa Monica adds, "When patients floss right before coming for a cleaning, I can see the slices where the floss cut at the gum because they were overzealous. People who have certain heart conditions may be at higher risk of contracting disease from infections. A dentist or a dental hygienist can take a quick look inside your mouth and tell you whether you clench and grind your teeth in your sleep. Another way to tell is to bend your head over and start shaking it like a L'Oreal commercial. What Can a Dentist Tell From Your Mouth? Dentist Grove City OH They will come in with dry mouth a lot as well. It's not clear if these tests offer any additional benefit over the oral exam. One potential link is that inflammation in the mouth increases inflammation in other parts of the body, including the arteries. If you work with certain chemicals like sulfuric acid, formaldehyde or asbestos, its good to ask your dentist for an oral cancer screening test during your normal oral check ups. Special tests may involve: If your dentist discovers any signs of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, he or she may recommend: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Early detection is key to increasing the survival rate for these cancers. Some studies have also shown that bacteria in the mouth that are involved in the development of periodontal disease can move into the bloodstream and cause an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation in the blood vessels. Being unable to swallow foods or liquids or feeling pain when swallowing. Your Dentist Can Tell If You Are Pregnant Just By Looking In Your Mouth You might have gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). "If you want a healthy and predictable pregnancy, it makes sense to take care of your periodontal health as early as possible," says Donald S. Clem, DDS, a periodontist in Fullerton, Calif., and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. About cytomegalovirus (CMV). Clin Dermatol. Acute dental infections can be truly life threatening if left un-treated, and the risk becomes even worse when there are other chronic conditions present, such as diabetes, says William G. Flick DDS, MPH, Clinical Professor, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery at UIC. And it's not just diseasesdentists can discover everything from your bad habits to your favorite beverages simply by asking you to say, "Ahh! doi:10.1542/peds.2017-1487. cracked or broken teeth. This article has been viewed 97,128 times. More research is needed to determine the best way to manage gum problems to lower the risk of preterm delivery. You've heard of oral cancer right? Protect your lips from the sun using SPF. Acids do the most damage when you are very thirsty or have a dry mouth. "Often, diseases like cancer, anemia and diabetes will first be identified by the dentist in a regular examination, and this saves lives." "The first signs of oral cancer can be seen from the following: unexplained bleeding in the mouth, white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth, a change in the way your teeth fit together, swellings, thickenings, lumps or bumps or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth," explains Michael Apa, DDS, of Rosenthal Apa Group in New York City. Here's How We Know You Clench & Grind Your Teeth - Smith Dental Care A healthy mouth means a lot more than not having cavities. Left un-checked, the infection reaches the inside of the tooth (the pulp), where the blood vessels and nerves in the tissue also become infected and inflamed. Weds: 9:00am - 6:00pm Dentists can treat a wide range of conditions affecting your teeth, gums, jaws and other areas of your mouth. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The spread of bacteria from mouth to mouth, is part of the reason why tooth decay (cavities) are the single most common chronic childhood disease. But your dentist is also your first line of defense . Clinical Assistant Professor. That is dental anxiety or dental phobia happening. American Dental Association: "Pregnancy.". For instance, if your regular doctor notices an irregular lump in your mouth or throat, they may refer you to one of our oral medicine / cancer specialists. American Cancer Society. That's why it's important to make an appointment with your doctor or dentist to get a clear diagnosis. If you notice any of these symptoms, this doesn't necessarily mean you have mouth cancer. Clinical Assistant Professor. Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include: The number of people diagnosed with mouth and throat cancers has been rising over the last several years, though it isn't clear why. Your mouth problems can be related to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, certain types of cancers, among others. You'd be more prone to gum disease and your healing will usually be delayed. The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer or precancerous lesions that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured. Mouth cancer can affect almost any part of your mouth, including your lips, gums, and tongue, and it can be treated if you detect it early. In the process you will snore. Tooth Loss: Are You at Risk from Diabetes, Poor Dental Care, or Other Reasons. Feeling as if something is caught in your throat when swallowing. It mostly affects the softest top part of your mouth. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Pediatrics. "However, those who did so past the age of seven or eight may show significant changes to their bite or the position of their teeth. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. Oral cancer screening - Mayo Clinic Inspecting Your Mouth For Signs of Mouth Cancer, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Tell-if-You-Have-Mouth-Cancer-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-You-Have-Mouth-Cancer-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Tell-if-You-Have-Mouth-Cancer-Step-1.jpg\/aid4763770-v4-728px-Tell-if-You-Have-Mouth-Cancer-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"