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Most people, when they go to the dentist, they expect to have their teeth examined and cleaned, and probably told that they're not flossing enough. But few realize that a number of physical conditions and diseases, which can affect your overall health, have an impact in your oral cavity.

Oral cancer claims more lives than several, more well-known cancers. And oral cancer, as its name suggests, begins in the mouth and, depending on what part of the oral cavity it begins, may be detected by a comprehensive oral exam prior to reaching a life-threatening state.

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body in various ways if not controlled. In the mouth, it may slow down healing. In fact, if your dentist sees an area of your mouth that doesn't heal as quickly as it should, he/she might refer to you your physician for some testing. Diabetes can make control of periodontal (gum) disease more difficult, leading to early tooth loss.

Osteoporosis may be suspected if the bone density of your dental x-rays doesn't appear as it should.

There is a suspected link between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease, based on the ability of oral bacteria having the ability to get into the blood stream and circulate to the heart.

Building on this access to the blood stream, periodontal (gum) disease has been suspected as having the potential to cause pre-term birth in pregnant women and low birth-weight babies.

Persons awaiting kidney transplants should have their teeth and gums treated. Circulating bacteria can also impact the success of transplant.

So, as you can see, your dentist does a lot more than just fix cavities.

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