What Health Problems Your Teeth May Be Signalling

November 6, 2018

Oral health is important for the overall health and well-being of a person. Healthy teeth and gums prevent many problems and improve self-esteem. The mouth can speak for the rest of the body, signaling various problems. For example, oral lesions can be the first signs of HIV infection; aphthous ulcers – Crohn's disease; bleeding gums – blood disorders; and changes in the appearance of teeth can indicate bulimia or anorexia.

Through saliva, you can determine the presence of alcohol, nicotine, opiates, drugs, hormones, antibodies, and toxins in the body. Bacteria from the mouth can cause infections in other parts of the body when the immune system is weakened by a disease or medication (for example, infective endocarditis). Oral hygiene is paramount for the health of the whole body, so you should never ignore dental problems.

Diseases your teeth can indicate

1. Dementia

De Visu / Shutterstock.com

The gradual loss of cognitive function is often manifested by confusion, memory loss, disorganization, and unhealthy oral cavities. Infections from an oral cavity can enter the bloodstream and lead to general toxication of the body, which can aggravate the pathological neurological symptoms if they were already present.

2. Osteoporosis

Although osteoporosis does not change the teeth, it affects the bone that supports them. This can be evidenced by a receding gum line or a gap between the teeth.

3. Heart problems

Inflamed gums and loose teeth can be a sign of heart disease. And vice versa: bacteria in the gums can make their way to the heart and contribute to coronary artery disease, as well as the formation of blood clots in the arteries, which can interfere with blood flow to the heart.

4. Eating disorders

Often, people with anorexia or bulimia try to hide their condition, and a dentist may be the first to discover it. Eating disorders can lead to bleeding gums and dry mouth. Erosions of the tooth enamel or the roof of the mouth by stomach acid can be a sign of self-induced vomiting in a person suffering from bulimia.

5. Type 2 diabetes

Eviart / Shutterstock.com

Periodontal disease can also make it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of periodontitis, a more serious form of periodontal disease that can damage soft tissues and the bone supporting the teeth. In fact, people with diabetes are three times more susceptible to developing periodontitis.

6. Nighttime reflux

This is a condition in which stomach contents enter the esophagus. The erosion of the enamel of the teeth from the inside, especially the upper posterior molars, is a signal of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Refluxes can cause various diseases of the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and even esophageal cancer), larynx, oral cavities, and even asthma.

7. Autoimmune disease

pathdoc / Shutterstock.com

If the mouth feels very dry, some medications may be to blame, but one of the possible causes is Sjogren's syndrome. This disease affects the glands that produce tears and saliva making your mouth and eyes dry as a desert.

Do you understand now why you should visit a dentist twice a year? Our dental problems can tell us about serious diseases, which dentists are likely to notice first. Don’t forget to brush your teeth, pay attention to changes in your mouth, and be sure not to skip the dentist appointments. Stay healthy!

Source: Dental Health Foundation, Reader's Digest, EVERYDAY HEALTH

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.