What Your Smile Is Really Saying About Your Health
Know your smile.
Your smile can do more than light up the room you enter. Your smile is actually a reflection of what is happening inside your body. From the condition of your gums to the condition of your tooth’s enamel, your mouth can offer clues about the status of your overall health. At Farless Dental Group, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, our team wants to make sure your teeth are flawless—along with your everyday health.
Bleeding gums may signal more than just a dental issue.
Do your gums bleed when you bush? No matter how gentle you’re being? Your first inclination may be that you have early gum disease. However, bleeding gums can mean inflammation of your gums or somewhere else in your body. Possible links to bleeding gums include heart disease, diabetes, and even a shift in hormones. Bleeding gums can also signify a deficiency of vitamins C or K, or even a tooth infection. If you notice your gums are bleeding while you’re flossing, you may be using improper flossing techniques. The Farless Dental Group team can give you tips for flossing if this is the case.
Worn or chipped teeth could be a sign of stress.
It is natural for teeth to wear down over time, but if you notice a significant change in your teeth, like they are worn or chipped, you could be suffering from bruxism. In simple terms, bruxism is the grinding of the teeth against each other. This often occurs at night while sleeping, and many people who suffer from bruxism find that stress is the cause. Anxiety can also be a cause of bruxism, as well as poor sleep quality.
Another concern for those who suffer from bruxism is temporomandibular joint issues (TMJ). The TMJ connects the jawbone to the skull and acts as a hinge, allowing the jaw to chew and move around for speech. Bruxism can lead to TMJ issues, which can lead to difficulty chewing. If you notice pain in your jaw, especially while chewing, visit Greenboro’s Farless Dental Group for a comprehensive dental evaluation to check on your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Chronic bad breath might mean more than poor oral hygiene.
Not only is a proper brushing routine great for your teeth, but it can also do wonders for your breath. Part of a good oral hygiene routine involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, as well as flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash.
If you are still having issues with bad breath after following this oral hygiene routine, there could be other issues that are leading to your bad breath, including a sinus infection, acid reflux, or dry mouth disease due to a medication you might be taking. Persistent halitosis, or bad breath, could also be a hint at uncontrolled gum disease. If you have concerns about your breath, contact Farless Dental Group for a dental checkup to see what may be happening in your mouth.
Is it time to check bone health?
Your jawbone keeps your teeth in position. If you notice your teeth feel loose, it might be time to look into your bone health. Loose teeth could be linked to periodontal disease or bone density issues. First, make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet, and if you aren’t already, use a toothpaste and mouthwash that are fortified with fluoride. Both calcium and fluoride help build up bone density, which can help make your jaw stronger.
Dry mouth may be a clue to medication side effects.
Not all medications are created equal. Unfortunately, medications prescribed by your doctor for one thing may have side effects that cause other issues for your body. One of those other side effects is dry mouth, and it is common in those who take blood pressure medication, allergy medication, and antidepressants. Dry mouth is a problem because it can cause gum irritation and increase the risk of cavities. Make sure you are staying hydrated if you find you are suffering from dry mouth.
Visit Farless Dental Group.
Your mouth is a window into your health and is the starting point of many of your body’s systems. So, if you find you are experiencing dental issues, there could be something else going on in your body, or it could be a medication side effect. To help keep your smile on track, make sure you schedule a visit with Farless Dental Group for a biannual checkup today!
