Key symptoms of adult-onset diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis, may be found in the mouth of as many as one in four adults in the 45-64 age bracket. Recognition of these symptoms and their potential indications may help you recognize a "silent" serious medical condition.

Diabetes--Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to developing oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients. Diabetics who don't have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems.

Oral symptoms of diabetes include: bad breath and bleeding gums, dry mouth (xerostomia) which may cause increased tooth decay, and receeding gums due to plaque responses when diabetic.

Heart Disease--Research suggests that periodontal (gum) disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and age. New studies suggest that people who have gum disease seem to be at higher risk for heart attacks.

The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can dislodge, enter the bloodstream and travel through the arteries to the heart.

A sore or painful jaw could indicate an impending heart attack or heart disease. Periodontal disease may exacerbate a pre-existing heart condition.

Osteoporosis--Dentists may be able to detect the first stages of osteoporosis through dental x-rays. These x-rays have the ability to show the amount of bone loss from year to year, signifying advancing stages of the disease.

Receding gums and bone loss around teeth are key indicators of osteoporosis, as osteoporosis increases the risk factors for tooth loss and periodontal disease. Possible other warning signs may include: dentures becoming loose, or ill-fitting dentures that lead to mouth sores and/or difficulty speaking or eating.