Dental Health: Fatigue, backaches or headaches can be explained at the dentist

We may not see it but dental surgeons investigate multiple issues simply by scrutinizing our mouth. The shape or the size of the jaw, the lips, teeth, tongue, gums and our breath are for him various indications about our health. Hence, this is a good reason to ensure regular appointments at least once a year, even if in theory, there are no dental issues.

STUBBORN INFECTION AND FRUITY BREATH CAN BE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES

Numerous elements can alert the specialist – infection of the gums with frequent bleeding, teeth that move in spite of impeccable hygiene, the presence of fungus (Candida) or a sudden dry mouth. “These symptoms can reveal the possibility of diabetes, especially if the breath of the patient releases an apple smell, which is characteristic of the accumulation of ketones in the blood,” explains a professor in dental surgery. To confirm the diagnosis and treat the symptoms, it will then be necessary to conduct a blood test to measure glycaemia (rate of sugar in the blood).

DULL TEETH AND ACID REFLUX CAN BE SYMPTOMS OF A GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

“Red patches at the bottom of the throat, dental erosion (dull or yellow teeth, transparent edges, small cracks) can be the sign of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease,” adds the professor. Generally severe indigestion can’t go unnoticed but some reflux can be more discreet and cause long-term inflammation. As a result you have to consult a general practitioner to plan a better diet, a healthier lifestyle and, if needed you should take anti-acid medicine or alginates.

ILL- ADJUSTED JAWS CAN BE A SYMPTOM OF CHRONIC BACKACHE

A gap at the level of the jaw creates an imbalance of contact between teeth, which causes muscular tension. This asymmetry can also cause chronic lumbago. The dentist may be able to see the deviation with the naked eye, however specific radiological examinations are then necessary to establish a precise medical statement. Sometimes, a rebalancing by an osteopath will be enough to solve the problem. In other cases, you’ll have to wear a dental appliance, to place the jaw in a physiologically appropriate position. Athletes such as Carl Lewis have seen their performance improve after realignment.

A BACKWARD MANDIBLE CAN BE THE SYMPTOM OF SLEEP APNOEA

Generally, it is one’s bed companion who is the first to notice an irregular breathing pattern that arises due to a lack of oxygen. But a dentist can also detect sleep apnoea. It can be caused by a jaw that is too small, a moved mandible or a prominent tongue and so on. “If these signs are observed in a 50-year-old man, in an overweight or a menopausal woman who are tired with dark undereye circles, then sleep apnoea is a possibility,” insists a professor in dental medicine regarding sleep. As a result, it is necessary to go to a sleep centre to confirm the diagnosis and estimate the severity of this pathology, which can cause arterial high blood pressure, cardiac and cerebral attack and car accidents because of diurnal slumber. Moderate apnoea will be handled by wearing an orthosis at night to move the mandible forward. For more serious cases, it will be necessary to wear, at night, a mask connected to a machine that sends continuous air under pressure. “With the younger patients and those who are intolerant to the other treatments, surgery to adjust the jaw is possible,” specifies the specialist.

PERSISTENT INJURIES ON THE MOUTH CAN BE A SYMPTOM OF CANCER

It is necessary to see a doctor in cases of injuries that are not cured in the mucous membranes or lips area, despite treatment. A canker sore normally disappears in 10 days. If it is still there at the end of three weeks, it is necessary to to get it checked. It is the same for scabs that last on the lips (those caused by herpes go away in a few days). “It is essential to watch the evolution of red patches, ulcerations which look like canker sores, or white patches everywhere inside the cheeks, gums and especially on the edge or toward the end of the tongue,” assures the professor.

GRINDING TEETH CAN BE A SYMPTOM OF HEADACHES

Abnormally abraded teeth, articular noises or ungraceful swelling of the muscles of the lower part of the face can be symptoms that we grind teeth or that we sleep with a clenched jaw. As a result, we may have jaw, neck, shoulder aches and headaches when we wake up. The most classic remedy for these periods of stress would be to wear mouth guards during the night (they are custom-made, transparent and relatively discreet).

Etienne RICA