Find out which oral-health symptoms you should pay close attention to and why.
1. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction: Did you know that gum disease can contribute to this issue? Impaired blood flow is a primary reason for erectile dysfunction in your body. The bacteria from your teeth can actually damage your blood vessels by seeping into your bloodstream. Recent studies have shown that erectile dysfunction (ED) is common among individuals with Parkinson's disease, where the underlying vascular issues may be exacerbated by periodontal disease, highlighting the interconnectedness of oral health and systemic conditions [1].
2. Diabetes
Diabetes: Periodontal disease, characterized by bleeding gums and small abscesses, can be a significant indicator of diabetes. The relationship is bidirectional; individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, which can worsen glycemic control, making regular dental check-ups essential for those at risk [3].
3. Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease: Your saliva plays a key role in keeping your mouth clean. When you produce less saliva, your oral hygiene can suffer. This is often seen in individuals with Parkinson's disease, leading to issues like dry mouth. Studies indicate that sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, is prevalent among Parkinson's patients, further complicating their overall health profile [2].
4. Anemia
Anemia: A deficiency of red blood cells can lead to anemia, and one side effect is a pale-colored tongue due to a lack of hemoglobin. Additionally, oral manifestations such as angular cheilitis and atrophic glossitis may occur, indicating the need for a thorough examination by a healthcare professional.
5. Heart Disease
Heart Disease: Bacteria from gum diseases can travel to your heart, potentially increasing your risk for coronary heart disease. Research has shown that patients with periodontal disease have a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, suggesting that maintaining oral health is crucial for heart health [5].
6. Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease: Canker sores can be a sign of gluten intolerance. This intolerance, known as celiac disease, damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to poor nutrient absorption. Oral manifestations, including enamel defects and recurrent aphthous ulcers, are commonly observed in patients with untreated celiac disease, indicating the importance of monitoring oral health in these individuals.
7. Reflux Disorder
Reflux Disorder: If you experience constant back-flow of stomach acid into your mouth, you might notice erosion of enamel on your teeth. This could be a clue to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can even lead to esophageal cancer. Research highlights that dental erosion is a common consequence of GERD, making it vital to inform your healthcare provider if your dentist identifies any signs of reflux [4].
If you ever have concerns about your health, you can easily talk to a doctor online. With services like an online doctor consultation, you can get advice from an AI doctor or chat doctor anytime. Remember, an online AI doctor is just a click away for all your health-related questions!
References:
- Quentin Salardaine. Typology of sexual disorders in idiopathic Parkinson's disease, a systematic review.. PubMed. 2024.
- Vinod Metta, Huzaifa Ibrahim, Mubasher A Qamar, Rajinder K Dhamija, Karolina Popławska-Domaszewicz, Hani T S Benamer, Tom Loney, Rukmini Mrudula, Cristian Falup-Pecurariu, Carmen Rodriguez-Blazquez, Haidar S Dafsari, Vinay Goyal, Rupam Borgohain, Shaikha Almazrouei, Guy Chung-Faye, Kallol Ray Chaudhuri. The first cross-sectional comparative observational study of sexual dysfunction in Emirati and non-Emirati Parkinson's disease patients (EmPark-SD) in the United Arab Emirates.. PubMed. 2024.
- Heba Assem Deraz Abdelhalim Deraz, Hanan Abdalla Hassan Amer, Muhammad Ramadan Suleiman, Ahmed Dahshan. Sexual dysfunction in a sample of Egyptian patients with Parkinson's disease.. PubMed. 2023.
- M Picillo, R Palladino, R Erro, C Colosimo, R Marconi, A Antonini, P Barone. The PRIAMO study: active sexual life is associated with better motor and non-motor outcomes in men with early Parkinson's disease.. PubMed. 2019.
- N I Veryugina, E A Lyashenko, O A Gankina. [Erectile dysfunction in Parkinson's disease].. PubMed. 2019.