Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Oral Systemic Conditions
Number of Conditions: 3
Diabetes-Related Oral Health Issues
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Other Oral Health Conditions
Sub-category: Oral Systemic Conditions
Symptoms:
dry mouth; gum inflammation; slow healing of oral wounds; frequent oral infections; loose teeth; burning mouth sensation; bad breath
Root Cause:
High blood glucose levels impair immune function, decrease saliva production, and promote bacterial growth, leading to oral health complications.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical oral examination, dental X-rays to assess bone loss, periodontal probing, and reviewing medical history for diabetes management.
Treatment:
Improved glycemic control, regular dental cleanings, periodontal therapy, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Medications:
Antimicrobial mouthwashes (e.g., chlorhexidine ), antifungal medications for oral infections (e.g., nystatin or fluconazole ), and salivary substitutes or stimulants (e.g., pilocarpine ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects nearly 22% of people with diabetes, with periodontal disease being more common in this population compared to non-diabetics.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor glycemic control, smoking, inadequate oral hygiene, older age, and coexisting conditions like obesity or cardiovascular disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improves with effective diabetes and oral health management but can worsen without treatment, leading to tooth loss or severe infections.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Periodontitis, tooth loss, oral infections (e.g., thrush), and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to systemic inflammation.
Cardiovascular Disease and Oral Health
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Other Oral Health Conditions
Sub-category: Oral Systemic Conditions
Symptoms:
gum bleeding; swollen gums; chronic bad breath; loose teeth; mouth ulcers
Root Cause:
Chronic periodontal inflammation and oral bacteria entering the bloodstream contribute to systemic inflammation, arterial plaque buildup, and cardiovascular risk.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Comprehensive dental examination, medical history review for cardiovascular disease, blood tests for inflammatory markers, and imaging for arterial health.
Treatment:
Regular dental cleanings, periodontal therapy, and management of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
Medications:
Antimicrobial treatments (e.g., doxycycline for inflammation), statins to lower systemic cholesterol, and aspirin for cardiovascular protection.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 47% of adults with cardiovascular disease also have periodontal disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, poor oral hygiene, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and genetics.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Regular oral care can reduce cardiovascular complications, but untreated oral infections may worsen systemic inflammation and cardiovascular outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Endocarditis, worsening atherosclerosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Other Oral Health Conditions
Sub-category: Oral Systemic Conditions
Symptoms:
jaw pain; swelling; exposed jawbone; difficulty chewing; loosening of teeth; numbness or heaviness in the jaw
Root Cause:
Inhibition of bone turnover from medications (e.g., bisphosphonates or denosumab) or trauma, leading to reduced healing capacity in the jawbone.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination of exposed jawbone for more than eight weeks, imaging (X-rays, CT scans), and reviewing medication history.
Treatment:
Conservative management with antibacterial mouthwashes (e.g., chlorhexidine), antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin or clindamycin), and surgical debridement in severe cases.
Medications:
Antimicrobial rinses, systemic antibiotics, and pain management with NSAIDs or opioids for severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1–10% of individuals receiving bisphosphonates or similar drugs, particularly in cancer therapy.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Use of bisphosphonates or denosumab, dental extractions, chemotherapy, smoking, and poor oral hygiene.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early detection improves outcomes, but severe cases may require invasive treatment or result in chronic pain and infection.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic infection, fractures, and significant impairment in oral function.