What Is Your Mouth Trying to Tell You?

Did you know that the health of your mouth can actually tell you a lot about your overall health? When your dentist conducts your regular checkup, he or she is looking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. But your dental visit could also turn up a symptom that reveals an issue with your general health. Here are just a few dental symptoms that can sometimes be linked to more overarching health issues:

· The health of your mouth can reveal problems like eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, and poor nutrition.

· Chronic bad breath may simply be an issue of the types of foods that you eat – or don’t eat. But it can also be a sign of sinus and lung infections, diabetes, ulcers, or problems with your liver or kidneys.

· Periodontitis (severe gum disease) can sometimes be linked to cardiac infections like endocarditis. And some species of bacteria present in dental plaque have also been discovered in the arterial plaque that causes cardiovascular disease.

· Persistent dry mouth can cause an oral environment conducive to tooth decay. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain types of medication.

· One of the manifestations of diabetes can be frequent, serious gum infections.

· Dental X-rays can detect oral bone loss, which could be a sign of osteoporosis.

· Dentists regularly screen for unusual lesions, lumps, or other signs that could be symptoms of oral cancer.

· Tooth loss at an unusually early age (before age 35) has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

· Teeth grinding can cause headaches and wear down tooth surfaces.

· Stress can have an impact on oral health, since high stress levels are linked to the production of the hormone cortisol, which can cause gum problems. Stress can also lead to bruxism (teeth grinding).

· Pale gums can be an indicator of anemia.

· Disintegrating teeth in older people can also be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in which acid from the stomach wears on tooth surfaces.

· Good oral hygiene is particularly important for pregnant women, whose hormone levels are changing. Gum disease in pregnant women has been linked to premature births.

· Loose teeth or swollen, ulcerated, or bleeding gums can be associated with leukemia when paired with other health factors such as unexplained weakness or weight loss.

· Keeping dentures clean is a must. Aspirating bacteria surrounding dirty dentures can lead to pneumonia.

While there is no need to be overly alarmed if you exhibit any slightly unusual symptoms with your teeth and gums, it’s worth having a conversation with your dentist that might reveal other changes in your overall health. The important thing to remember is that practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly can protect against many more health problems than tooth decay or cavities. Think of your dentist as added protection against not only oral health issues, but other general health problems that could crop up. You know your mouth best, so if you notice any unusual changes in your oral health, see your dentist for an expert opinion about possible causes.

And remember, there are plenty of emotional benefits associated with a healthy smile. Flashing a smile releases natural endorphins that can lower blood pressure and just make us feel happier.