Cheilosis, a condition that produces painful fissures in the corners of the mouth, often strikes elderly people and those with cancers or other diseases that prevent proper vitamin absorption. Sometimes, food allergies produce dramatic streaks in the back of the throat. You see vertical bands of lymph tissue have puffed up. Medications may generate serious side effects in the mouth. Anti- seizure medications such as Dilantin can produce overgrowth of gum tissue.
Some antidepressants can dry up saliva.
Women's changing hormone levels also are reflected in their gums. She often sees gum changes stemming from pregnancy and carefully treats expectant mothers because the bacteria that proliferate in gum pockets can affect the next generation. Maternal gum disease has been linked to increased risk of delivering a premature, low-weight baby. He says, for instance, that the liver, heart, stomach and gall bladder are geographically represented on the tongue. When doctors detect the smell of acetone or an alcohol-like odor, it suggests untreated, severe diabetes.