By American Heart Association News HealthDay
A visit to the dentist’s office could provide a glimpse into your heart and brain health.
More than an estimated 100 diseases can show symptoms in the mouth. For instance, periodontal disease, which results from infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that support and surround the teeth, is more common and may be more severe in people with diabetes.
Other times, prescription drugs may affect the mouth. For instance, some drugs used to treat hypertension can cause swollen, inflamed gums.
“We see a lot of systemic diseases with oral signs and symptoms,” said Dr. Jennifer Perkins, executive director of clinical education at the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry….