For Immediate Release:

Ten Medical Ailments You Never Knew Your Dentist Could Diagnose. and Possibly Cure!

How a dentist diagnosed cancer---in an oncologist!

Recently, noted Bethesda, MD prosthodontist Abraham Ingber noticed white spots in a patient's mouth. Upon closer inspection, he advised the patient to have it checked by a specialist, warning him it could be oral cancer. The patient didn't have to go far-because he was an oncologist himself. Dr. Ingber's correct diagnoses probably saved the man's life. The episode not only illustrates the importance of regular dental check-ups-it spotlights dentists' ability to discover medical problems far beyond the norm.

"Often, it's your dentist who's first on the case diagnosing medical problems, all because of what we discover in your mouth, say Ingber, who along with Vincent Prestipino and Thanos Kristallis are partners at The Washington Center for Image Dentistry.

Below is a list of ailments your dentist can diagnose. In-depth explanations follow the list:

The List

Adult Onset Diabetes
(Symptoms: Bad breath, bleeding gums)

Osteoporosis
(Symptom: tooth loss)

Heart Disease
(Symptoms: oral infections, inflammation of the gums, excess cavities and missing teeth)

Reflux Disease (GERD)
(Symptoms: burning or sour taste, tooth erosion, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and sort throat)

High Stress Levels
(Symptoms: headaches, aching teeth, jaw and neck)

Sleep Apnea
(Symptoms: loud snoring, frequent waking episodes, choking or gasping for air while asleep)

Other health concerns your dentist can discover include kidney problems (inflamed gums), leukemia (fiery red, inflamed gums), bulimia (tooth erosion) and, as mentioned, oral cancer.

In-Depth Explanations:

Adult Onset Diabetes a.k.a.: Type II Diabetes

Bad breath or bleeding gums can be a symptom of adult onset diabetes, according to Drs Ingber, Prestipino and Kristallis. So can dry mouth or receding gums. Diabetics tend to get periodontal disease three to four times as often as people without diabetes. Adult Onset Diabetes, or Type II Diabetes, is the most common type of diabetes, usually occurring in people over the age 45. It affects the way the body processes food-blood sugar in particular. Sugar can build up in the blood and pose a serious health threat. The illness can often be treated with better diet and exercise, or medications.

Osteoporosis -

An oral health assessment and dental x-rays can often be used to screen for osteoporosis.

Your dentist can discover signs of the disease if your jawbone doesn't look as dense, if gum disease is progressing too rapidly or if you're losing teeth. Women are especially vulnerable to tooth loss after menopause. A bone density test is usually recommended.

Heart Disease

A strong indicator of heart disease is pericoronitis, an infection around the third molar. The illness is also linked to root remnants, where teeth decay to the point that only a small piece of the root remains. Gingivitis-or inflammation of gums around the teeth- is also an indication of heart disease. Excess cavities and missing teeth can also be a clue.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a backflow of acid from the stomach into the throat, or esophagus. Most people suffer heartburn every once in a while, usually after a big meal. But if that uncomfortable burning sensation occurs more than once a twice a week, you could have GERD. It can cause tooth erosion from the digestive acids entering the mouth. Often the ailments can be addressed by lifestyle changes, including smaller meals. Often it requires medication, and sometimes even surgery.

High Stress Levels

One in eight Americans suffers from headaches. Often the problem is cause by poorly aligned bites or missing teeth. Another cause is a condition called Bruxism, grinding or clinching your teeth while you sleep. The grinding can eventually lead to damaged and lost teeth and dental work, in addition to the headaches. People who have poorly aligned bites can also suffer from headaches. In all cases, you should see your dentist at the first sign of discomfort.

Sleep Apnea

If you snore loudly and have often wake up gasping for air you may have sleep apnea. Your sleeping partner can certainly help you notice the symptoms. Often, your dentist can help by fitting you with a dental appliance or oral device designed to combat Sleep Apnea.