Want to know how you’re really doing, health-wise?
The truth could be hiding inside your mouth.
Lockdown and the stress of the pandemic (along with busyness, nerves, and a general can’t-be-bothered feeling) has made many of us skip out on our usual dental checkups.
That doesn't simply mean we're passing up fillings. As a feature of your oral test, dental specialists observe different issues that can be uncovered by your teeth, tongue, and cheeks.
It turns out that without having a professional nosing around your gob, certain underlying health issues may have gone unnoticed, because your mouth really can give away quite a bit about the rest of your body.
So says Dr Azad Erumlu, who has revealed key indicators of health that can be spotted behind your lips.
Eyes are supposed to be the window to your soul and if that’s the case then the mouth is definitely the window to your health, says Dr Azad.
As dental specialists, there are numerous things we are taking a gander at when we do an examination. Teeth are only a piece of it.
With long waiting lists and access to NHS dentists more difficult than ever, we want to encourage people to make their dental health a priority.
So, what should we be looking out for?
Bleeding gums.
Gums should be pink, firm, and shouldn’t bleed when you give them a poke.
Dr Eyrumlu says: Bleeding gums might simply be an indication you are brushing your teeth or flossing too hard. So if your oral hygiene is otherwise good and your gums only bleed on occasion, it’s probably nothing to worry about.
But most often the bleeding is due to inflamed gums, which requires further attention.
If you find the basin is regularly red after you brush, then this could be an indication that you have a buildup of plaque.
Plaque structures when salivation blends in with food flotsam and jetsam and structures a tacky film on the teeth. The plaque contains microscopic organisms which, inevitably, can bother the gums and cause them to become aroused and drain.
There are various different reasons gums may begin dying, including nutrient lacks, chemical changes in ladies, certain prescriptions and a less than stellar eating routine. So assuming you are concerned, address your dental specialist.
Gum disease tends to be talked about a lot, but most of the time it can be treated if caught early. That’s why it’s so important to have regular check-ups.
Receding gums.
Noticed your gums getting further away from your teeth? This is a common sign of gum disease, which can increase your risk of serious health complications including stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
Don’t just ignore or dismiss this dental quirk.
Sore teeth.
Noticed your jaw is aching in the morning? You might be grinding your teeth in your sleep.
Dentists can often spot this habit because the teeth start to become flatter.
Teeth grinding is common and can be attributed to a number of factors including poor sleep, stress or anxiety, or as a side effect of certain medication, notes Dr Azad.
It can mean your mouth aches when you wake and can also give you a headache or a stiff neck and shoulders.
As well as being annoying, it can often mean your teeth become worn down or crack over time.
Mouth guards could be a solution, but speak to your dentist who can advise what’s right for you.
A white layer on your tongue.
Your tongue should be a fleshy red color, so if you have a white layer or any patches, it could be a sign of underlying health problems, says Dr Azad.
The tiny bumps that line the tongue, known as papillae, can become inflamed which then trap food, bacteria and dead cells – turning it white.
Such problems are rare, but they should be checked with your GP.
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