Things That Your Teeth Reveal About Your Health

Suffering from a toothache or puffy gums? Or trying hard to get rid of bad breath or stained teeth issues? With poor dental hygiene and consumption of acidic food, oral issues are quite common to have. But if you follow a strict oral hygiene regimen but still facing the dental issues, it can be a warning sign to watch out for.

Your teeth can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside your body.  From bleeding gums to yellow teeth, dental issues can be good indicators of other serious health problems. So, it is essential to pay attention to your teeth especially when there are changes.  Here are some common ways your teeth give clues about what’s going on in your body.

Bleeding Puffy Gums

Noticing red or bleeding gums? Well, most people think it is normal for the gums to bleed. But do you know such gum disease can potentially affect your heart by inflaming your arteries?

While reacting with the inflammation in your mouth, your body is chronically stressed. This can further lead your way to other chronic issues like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and osteoporosis.

Do whatever it takes to prevent gum disease. Follow regular oral care practice like brushing and flossing and go for regular teeth cleanings.  Your gum should be pink and firm, not red and swollen.

Yellow Teeth

It is quite common to have yellow teeth, especially for the aged people. But yellow teeth can also indicate dental disease. There are some medications that can result in discolored teeth. But if you think it is not due to the medication, speak to your dentist.

White, yellow, or brown spots and pitting on the tooth’s surface can also indicate celiac disease. If you see such types of marks on your teeth, see your dentist for an evaluation.

Bad Breath

It can be the garlic from lunch that is causing your dragon breath. But if you are facing the bad breath issue even after following a solid brushing and flossing regimen, something more may be at play.

Diseases like post-nasal drip, diabetes, gastric reflux, and kidney failure also result in bad breath. If you have smellier-than-usual breath, check with your dental professional.

Inflamed Gums

Poor oral hygiene usually results in periodontal disease. But it can also be associated with diabetes and heart disease. So, it is advised to go for a dental checkup if you’re showing such symptoms. Periodontal disease can also cause loose teeth and swollen, inflamed gums that are sore to touch.

Pale Gums

Light to medium pink gums is considered healthy while deep pinks or reds can be a cause for concern. If you have super pale gum, it can be a sign of anemia. In this condition, the red blood cell count becomes low, and the body lacks the iron-rich protein hemoglobin which gives blood its color.

This causes paleness in your gums. If you are noticing pale gums and having other symptoms like fatigue and dizziness, you must bring it up with your doctor.

Dry Gums

If your gums are as dry as a desert, it can be more than just a normal dental issue. An autoimmune disorder like Sjogren’s syndrome can also cause dry gums by affecting the mucus membranes of your eyes and mouth.  This lowers the levels of saliva and tears and hence results in dry gums.

Tooth Ache

A little discomfort in your mouth might be something you can easily self-treat. But when you feel a sharp pain in your teeth while biting down or chewing food, you must see your dentist.  Pain in the top teeth may signal a sinus infection. With an x-ray, your dentist will be able to figure out whether your sinuses are clogged.

Cracked Teeth

The enamel of your teeth becomes weak over time. But if you are experiencing more than the usual wear and tear in your enamel and noticing cracked teeth, it can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, stomach acid travels up the esophagus and spill over into your mouth. As a result, it damages your teeth

Mouth Sores

It is normal to accidentally bite yourself while eating and getting a sore as a result.  But if the sores seem too stubborn to go away, it needs to be diagnosed by the dentist.

When the sore is seemingly invincible, it can be a symptom of oral cancer. So you must consult your dentist right away if you notice stubborn sores on your mouth.

Wrapping Up

Your oral health is more crucial than you think. It serves as a window to your overall health.  So, next time you feel any oral discomfort, stop and check your teeth for any of the above clues. If you get any of the above clues, visit your dentist to make sure you do not have any serious health complications.

 

Author Bio

Brett is a writer and editor, specializing in dental health care. He loves to write about dental health issues to create awareness among the audience. He works with the team of OpenCare to offer actionable dental health care information to people.

 

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