Our mouths are something we use constantly.
Chatting to our friends, shouting at the kids, sipping martinis and scoffing our favourite foods. However beyond brushing your teeth and flossing how much do you really know about your mouth? What does it say about the rest of your body? Probably not a lot as 60% of us Brits haven’t had a dental checkup in over 12 months.
Your dental team are trained to spot early signs of problems, our dental professionals are trained not only to look for signs of decay but also abnormalities and early signs of disease in your neck and glands, from diabetes to cancer your mouth can reveal hidden dangers to our mouth and rest of our body.
Lumps and ulcers
A drop of Bonjella normally gets rid of ulcers pretty quickly but if the sore red lumps stay put for more than 10 days it could be due to something more serious such as a reduced immune system, iron or vitamin deficiency. Even HOV (human papillomavirus) or mouth cancer.
This is something your dentist can notice. You yourself can take notice and visit your GP air dentist if problems persist.
Bleeding and swollen gums
A few drops of blood after brushing or flossing may seem insignificant, but don’t ignore it. Bleeding gums can be a sign of inflammation in the body and reduced immune system.
Puffy gums could also be an indication of pregnancy.
Tooth wear and decay
Erosion of the tooth enamel is a major giveaway to our dentists that someone is struggling with an eating disorder. A distinct pattern of tooth wear can indicate repeated episodes of vomiting which can suggest that someone is anorexic or has bulimia. This is because stomach acids are corrosive enough to wear the enamel of your teeth away.
When an eating disorder isn’t the culprit then diet could be. Our dentist can give advice on what foods are good and bad for your teeth.
Gum disease
Gum disease is a problem which can lead to tooth loss and foul smelling breath however it can also signify other medical issues. Research has been shown to indicate hun disease and diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure are linked. Your dentist will advise you if they think you should see your GP.
Bacterial plaque
Plaque build-up can be more of a sign than the fact you may not be brushing correctly.
It could also be a factor in lung disease. Research has shown that breathing in bacterial plaque can cause lung problems. To help with this you could use a fluoride toothpaste paying attention to your gum line when you brush.
So your mouth can show you a lot about your overall health. The moral of the story is to keep your regular checkups at the dentist who can spot issues before they become a problem.
Look after your mouth – it’s the gateway to your body.