Many patients see their dentist at least twice a year, sometimes more, for regular treatments. During a standard dental checkup, the dentist may be the first health provider to find signs of disease or other indicators of a patient’s overall wellness. According to WebMD, dental exams may give a provider the first clues of chronic disease.
When examining the gums, if the dentist notices inflammation, swelling, and bleeding, this may be a sign of diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic condition. Unusual spots in the mouth may be an indicator of oral cancer or HIV, even before other noticeable symptoms start. A dentist may also be able to see signs of stress if the teeth are worn down or chipped. Some practitioners use salivary testing to measure bacteria levels or potential periodontal disease.