Christopher Lillo, DMD, is a New Jersey-based dentist with over a decade of experience. As a principal at the Oak Ridge Dental Group, Dr. Christopher Lillo works closely with patients to address a wide range of oral health issues.
It’s common knowledge that brushing and flossing regularly are important for preventing cavities, but oral health can also be a good indicator of underlying medical issues. Below is a brief look at a few conditions that can cause noticeable symptoms in a routine dental checkup:
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition where stomach juices reflux into throat and back of the mouth. While heartburn is a common side effect of GERD, individuals with nighttime symptoms may not notice it. About one in four people with GERD experience tooth erosion, and left untreated, it can lead to esophageal cancer.
Diabetes
Although diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S., more than 25 percent of people remain undiagnosed. Diabetes can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, dry mouth, and chronic bad breath. People with diabetes also tend to heal more slowly from injuries, which may exacerbate gum infections.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects as many 700,000 Americans. Although some of the most common symptoms involve abdominal pain and loss of appetite, up to 20 percent of patients may develop mouth lesions before these other symptoms develop.
It’s common knowledge that brushing and flossing regularly are important for preventing cavities, but oral health can also be a good indicator of underlying medical issues. Below is a brief look at a few conditions that can cause noticeable symptoms in a routine dental checkup:
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition where stomach juices reflux into throat and back of the mouth. While heartburn is a common side effect of GERD, individuals with nighttime symptoms may not notice it. About one in four people with GERD experience tooth erosion, and left untreated, it can lead to esophageal cancer.
Diabetes
Although diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S., more than 25 percent of people remain undiagnosed. Diabetes can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, dry mouth, and chronic bad breath. People with diabetes also tend to heal more slowly from injuries, which may exacerbate gum infections.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects as many 700,000 Americans. Although some of the most common symptoms involve abdominal pain and loss of appetite, up to 20 percent of patients may develop mouth lesions before these other symptoms develop.