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Show May 21, 1992 17 Hilltop Times Dental exams give clues about several diseases During routine oral dental examinations, dentists check for more than tooth decay, gum disease and orthodontic problems, they look for everything from cancer to diabetes to eating disorders. The mouth is often called the body's barometer or mirror of health, because it's easy to observe and because many health problems and diseases have oral signs and symptoms. It serves as your alarm system. body's built-ito the American Dental According more than 40 serious ailAssociation, ments can manifest themselves in the mouth and tongue. Dentists have been trained to recognize signs of disease with oral manifestations and to refer patients to physicians for further examination and treatment. To a dentist, a loose tooth may be a sign of gum disease, and bleeding gums can be the result of overzealous brushing. Each of these symptoms, however, could mean a much more serious illness, making the difference between life and death. Dentists are often the first health care professionals to detect early signs of oral cancer. Warning signs of oral cancer include white, smooth or scaly patches in the mouth or on the hps; swelling or lumps in the mouth; sores on the lips, gums and mouth that" do not heal; and repeated bleeding in the mouth without apparent cause. Other disorders that can show up in the mouth include: D Vitamin deficiencies: A burning or sore tongue is a common symptom of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Bleeding gums can be a warning not only of gum disease, but also of a vitamin C deficiency. Diabetes: Early signs can include red, swollen gums and teeth that are sensitive to tapping. Leukemia: Signs can include sores inside the cheek, in the throat and on the tonsils and lips. Bulimia: The compulsive pattern of binging and then vomiting can lead to loss of tooth enamel and dentin on the inner sides of the teeth. Often, this enamel loss is the only outward sign that something is wrong. Thus, dentists are frequently the first to diagnose this eating disorder. Infectious mononucleosis: Symptoms include inflamed gums and tiny hemorrhage spots on the roof of the mouth. II Sinusitis: The inflammation of the sinus cavity can be mistaken for a toothache. n always been the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and they can also help you care for the rest of your body. Article courtesy of the American Dental Association. Dentists can also detect early stages of herpes, AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, hypertension and multiple sclerosis from oral symptoms. Regular dental examinations have Ron A. Frost DMD NOW OPEN! June 1st Until School Starts: ) Automotive Repair & Detailing RV Detailing (Hand Wash & Wax) Tune-Up- s - Brakes - Clutches CHILD PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE COSMETIC BONDING NITROUS OXIDE AVAILABLE INSURANCE PLANS WELCOME MILITARY INSURANCE ACCEPTED FREE ESTIMATES We Take Pride In You! DEVELOPMENT 1 Summer Camp Programs W 12th St. 181 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME 6217734 1868 No. 400 West CALL FOR APPOINTMENT Right Across from IRS Sat. Mon Fri 6 30-- LAYTON 774-819- 0 9-- 5 8 COMPLETE FAMILY DENTISTRY One for Children Another for Children Crafts, Field Trips, Sports, Music, Games. (Hill Field Road) 2-- 6 7-1- 2 III NEVER A DULL MOMENT! 5:00 a.m.-Sat. 6:00 a.m.-6:0- Hours: IA-- F 0 1 J Ml x; $&. " - ' ,; ill "- -It :30 a.m. p.m. 360 East Center St. 773-730Clearfield 3 ffftiwjS Mill i T V kit . . 30 Minute Service I Licensed by the State of Utah MILITARY GUARANTEED with 6 Months or More on Post 394-l- H '514 Washington Blvd. I E II W AC. i Ofldon. Utah iiii yt-jii- mm i r;. A n ,(;!! ifi it 3 mm0i;m ,4 il ; ; i , U ; - ,'riF |