How Your Gums May Reveal Blood Disorders

During your dental visit, your dentist can determine if you cavities, an abscessed tooth, or gum disease. While these are the most common findings, your dentist may notice other things during the examination that may reveal systemic health conditions such as blood disorders. Here are some blood conditions that your gums may reveal and which symptoms they may cause:

Platelet Disorders

If you have a platelet disorder, you may experience abnormal bleeding, including heavy bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss. Your dentist may suspect a platelet disorder when he or she probes your gum tissue with dental instruments.

While some bleeding is normal during dental cleanings and examinations, prolonged or heavy bleeding may signal decreased platelet aggregation. This condition refers to the inability of your blood to effectively clot, and while it is common in people who take prescription anticoagulant medications or aspirin, it can develop as a result of an infection or chronic illness. If your dentist believes that you have a problem with your blood platelets, you may be referred back to your family physician for further evaluation and treatment. 

Anemia

Another systemic disorder that your dentist may be able to diagnosis simply by examining your gums is anemia. This blood disorder refers to low levels of either iron, hemoglobin, or hematocrit. Low levels of all of these blood components may be present in those with anemia, or only one of them. If your gums look pale or grayish, your dentist may suspect that you are anemic. Anemia may also cause gum bleeding, irritation, and inflammation.

In addition to these manifestations, anemia may also cause your tongue and lining of your cheeks to lighten. Also, certain types of anemia can cause a smooth or sore tongue, and in some cases, you may develop small purple dots inside your mouth. This is caused by microhemorrhages under your skin, and in addition to oral manifestations, purple dots may appear on your skin if you are anemic. 

If you notice any abnormalities in your mouth, visit your dentist. If he or she believes that you may have a medical disorder based upon your dental examination, you will be advised to make an appointment with your family physician. He or she will order a complete blood count, or CBC, to evaluate your platelets and other blood components to see if you have a clotting disorder or anemia. Once these conditions have been diagnosed, an effective plan of care can be implemented.