Most people think of a dentist as one who only takes care of their teeth and not someone who could diagnosis medical conditions.  However, “often, it’s your dentist who’s first on the case diagnosing medical problems, all because of what we discover in your mouth”, says Dr. Joseph Kravitz, who along with Dr. Eric K. Morrison, runs the Center for Dental Health in Washington, D.C.

The list of ailments a dentist may be able to diagnose include:

* Oral Cancer - Oral cancer is expected to strike more than 34,000 Americans this year….but it’s preventable and can be discovered by a routine, regularly scheduled dental exam that could just save a life! A typical symptom is white spots on the gums, but it can strike any part of the mouth, including lips and tongue. It often appears as a tiny growth or sore that doesn’t go away. It is characterized by pain, tenderness or numbness. People may have difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your jaw or tongue. They may experience a change in the way their teeth fit together. 75 percent of oral cancers are related to tobacco use.

* 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.

* Adult Onset Diabetes -Bad breath or bleeding gums can be a symptom of adult onset diabetes, according to Drs Kravitz and Morrison. 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.

* Kidney Disease -A buildup of wastes in the blood (called uremia) can make food taste different and cause bad breath. People get a metallic taste in their mouth and some call the sensation ammonia breath. Patients have said they have a foul taste in their mouth, almost like they’ve been drinking iron. People may also notice that they stop liking to eat meat, or that they are losing weight because they just don’t feel like eating.

* 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, a person 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.

* Osteoporosis - An oral health assessment and dental x-rays can often be used to screen for osteoporosis. A dentist can discover signs of the disease if a patient's jawbone doesn't look as dense, if gum disease is progressing too rapidly or if she is losing teeth. Women are especially vulnerable to tooth loss after menopause. A bone density test is usually recommended.

* Leukemia - Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells, usually the white blood cells. Symptoms a dentist can spot include swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath and impacted teeth.

* High Stress Levels -Events are not stressful, but the way people interpret and react to them are! Common symptoms of stress include headaches, aching teeth, jaw and neck. Often the problem is caused by poorly aligned bites or missing teeth. Another cause is grinding or clinching teeth while a person sleeps. The grinding can eventually lead to damaged and lost teeth. In all cases, people should see their dentist at the first sign of discomfort.

* Sleep Apnea -If a person snores loudly and often wakes up gasping for air he may have sleep apnea. A sleeping partner can certainly help notice the symptoms. Often, a dentist can help by fitting the person with a dental appliance or oral device designed to combat Sleep Apnea.

* Bulimia - Bulimia is a psychological eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by purging. One of the most common signs is erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents. Other common symptoms are dental cavities and sensitivity to hot or cold food.