MINT HILL, NC – “The mouth is a window to your health” is a common saying. It is remarkable to know that the mouth is the first place that can show signs of systemic diseases or deficiencies. Here are some examples of what to look for if you experience changes in your mouth:

• Bald / Shiny Tongue: This could mean malnutrition and/or deficiency in iron, folate, Vitamin B12. Anemia is another condition that could present itself as a bald tongue.
• Thinning of tooth structure: There are many reasons why you may experience thinning of tooth structure, such as teeth grinding. However, this could also be related to gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD), anorexia, and bulimia. Acid erosion will breakdown tooth structure as the acid travels from the GI tract and sits in the oral cavity.
• Cobblestone Appearance and /or Recurrent [Apthous] Ulcers: This could indicate early signs of Chron’s disease.
• Honeycomb Appearance: If you notice this pattern in your mouth, this could possibly be a sign for Lupus.
• White Tongue Appearance: There are several reasons for a “white tongue” but one of the most common is due to thrush, also known as candidiasis. This is a fungal infection that is usually treated with an antifungal medication.

If you notice changes and your mouth and not sure what it could be, call our office at (704) 486-4189 or visit our website at www.dawsonmoderndentistry.com to schedule an appointment. Our team will perform an evaluation to assess your oral health. If you experience any of these changes, consult with your primary physician to see if a blood test is warranted. Make sure to check out next week’s article as we discuss the importance of oral cancer screenings.