Dental exams can be life-saving
1/11/2006 Gaylord, MI Mary Jergenson Gaylord Herald Times (www.gaylordheraldtimes.com) Having a dental exam every six months is not just a good idea, it can save your life, according the Dr. Margo Forsyth of Forsyth Family Dentistry in Gaylord. Dentists are able to diagnose more than gingivitis and tooth decay when they look into your mouth because periodontal disease may be an indicator of hormonal changes, diabetes, cardiovascular problems and even cancer. “When we see bleeding gums, we look for an underlying cause, such as a change of habits, or medications,” Forsyth explained. “A hormone change such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause can cause gums to bleed.” Conditions such as bulimia, acid reflux and meth amphetamine use cause breakdown in tooth enamel leading to tooth decay. Another leading cause of decay is regular pop consumption. “Mountain Dew is the worst, but all soft drinks can lead to tooth decay,” Forsyth said. Certain conditions such as sore throats, mononucleosis, and even HIV have certain telltale symptoms which can be discovered during an oral exam, according to Forsyth, who noted the presence of white or red spots (lesions) on the tongue, lip or gum, or a cold sore that won't heal often indicate a more serious health condition. “During a routine check-up I noticed a small white lesion on the throat of a patient who I knew to be a smoker. We immediately sent him to his doctor for a biopsy,” related Forsyth. Though, in this case the biopsy showed no sign of [...]