If you have ever had abnormal blood test results. you probably never realized that they can reflect what's happening inside your mouth. While not all abnormal values will reflect oral abnormalities, you should be on the lookout for gum and dental problems if your blood test results are not within normal limits. Here are three ways abnormal blood tests can reflect oral health:

Low Platelet Count

Your blood platelets have an effect on the way your blood clots. If your complete blood count, or CBC, reveals an abnormally low platelet count, you may experience bleeding gums. Not only might your gums bleed when you brush and floss, but they also may bleed without provocation if your platelets are exceedingly low.

In addition to bleeding gums, low platelets may also cause nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding after cuts or scrapes, and blood in the urine. If you experience bleeding gums, with or without an abnormal platelet count, make an appointment with your dentist to rule out other causes such as gingivitis or periodontitis. 

Decreased Iron

If your physician tells you that your iron levels are low, you may notice that your gums look pale. Low iron often signifies the presence of anemia, and in addition to gingival pallor, anemia can also cause bleeding gums, and paleness of the tongue and lining of the cheeks.

Other symptoms of anemia may indicate dizziness, shortness of breath, jaundice, and fatigue. If you are deficient in iron, your physician may recommend that you take an iron supplement. Once your iron levels have returned to normal, your gums will "pink up," and bleeding will slow down.

Serum Glucose

High serum glucose, or blood sugar levels, may mean that you have diabetes. While certain medications such as beta blockers and corticosteroids can cause high blood sugar levels, diabetes is usually the culprit. If your serum glucose level is high, you may be at a heightened risk for developing an oral fungal infection, known as candidiasis.

Oral fungal infections can cause white patches to develop on, or underneath your tongue, and on the back of your throat. If you notice this, see your dentist. He or she may prescribe an anti-fungal oral rinse that will help clear your infection. In the meantime, try to maintain tight control over your blood sugar levels by taking your prescribed medications, keeping a healthy weight, exercising, and following your therapeutic diet. Once your serum glucose levels have returned to normal, you will no longer be at high risk for oral fungal infections. 

If your physician tells you that the above blood tests are abnormal, follow the treatment plan that will be prescribed for you. In the meantime, make an appointment with your dentist. He or she will monitor your oral cavity so that problems can be recognized and treated as soon as possible.  Look at this for more help.