What Your Teeth Say About Your Health

Your teeth and your health

It has been shown that dental and oral discomfort may sometimes signal more serious health issues such as anaemia, diabetes, Crohn’s disease and more! Of course, if you are experiencing oral discomfort, it is not a guaranteed indicator that you should be concerned about your health. The first step to take if you are experiencing any of these concerns is to visit your dentist to assess the situation through the eyes of a professional.

Conditions linked to oral health

• Sore tongue: A red, smooth and sore tongue along with mild inflammation at the angles of the mouth (stomatitis) and recurrent mouth ulcers may be associated with anaemia (a deficiency of red cells in the blood, often resulting in lethargy).
• Dry mouth: dry mouth along with gum disease may be an indicator of uncontrolled diabetes.
• Bad breath: if you are experiencing bad breath along with red and swollen gums, and a thickening of the oral lining, it may indicate a gastrointestinal condition such as Crohn’s disease.
• Recurring mouth ulcers: these are often associated with excessive stress.

It’s vital to visit your dentist at least every six months for professional cleaning and once a year for a comprehensive check-up. During your checkup, these conditions can be identified and addressed. If necessary, your dentist may refer you to a doctor. The key takes away is that your dentist can be a key player in not only your oral health but your overall health too!

Keep your teeth healthy

Keeping your teeth and oral health in good shape is easy with these tips!

1. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time.
2. If you use a manual toothbrush, hold your brush in the same way you would hold a pen to avoid excessive force on your gums.
3. Do not use a scrubbing brush action on or near the gums. Instead, use small circular motions.
4. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste which contains fluoride.
5. Avoid rinsing directly after brushing. Spit out excess toothpaste and leave your teeth “coated”. You should avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow for optimum absorption of the fluoride into the enamel.
6. Don’t neglect your tongue and palate when brushing.
7. Floss at least once a day.
8. Mouthwash is not as essential as brushing and flossing although it does maintain oral hygiene.
9. Avoid a high sugar diet as bacteria in the mouth feed off these sugars which may lead to tooth decay.

Incorporating these tips into your oral hygiene routine as well as scheduling regular visits to your dentist, you can ensure that your oral health is in good condition!