A Simple Exam Speaks Volumes

-- Throat, tonsils: A doctor uses a wooden tongue depressor to look for a red throat or white coating on the tonsils, which are indicators of strep throat.

-- Inflamed gums: A periodontist looks to eliminate bacteria that invade the gums. Some research has suggested a link between mouth bacteria and blood clots that lead to heart attacks and strokes.

-- Palate, gums, other tissues: Doctors and dentists look for growths that can indicate cancer, particularly due to smoking or tobacco chewing.

-- Breath: When doctors detect the smell of acetone or an alcohol-like odor, it can be a sign of untreated, severe diabetes.

-- Tongue: Doctors of Oriental medicine look at the color, condition and coating of the tongue to learn about other organs in the body. They believe, for example, that a yellowish coating, a red color or cracks in the tongue can indicate a fever or inflammation.