6 dental signs that speak about your health

Although these signs may be related to other less serious ailments, it is important to take them into account and bring them to the attention of the specialist in case any treatment is necessary.

In the teeth, gums and the rest of the oral tissue, certain signs are usually observed when there is a health problem.  These dental signs are often ignored, although they could say much more than any other symptom.

The mouth is the letter of introduction of every person, nothing beats a good smile. However,  hundreds of bacteria are housed in it and if they spread,  they could give rise to different types of diseases.

Proper cleaning that is carried out several times a day, which includes a good mouthwash, can help keep oral health in better condition. Still, it’s important to watch these dental signs carefully.

Worn and flat teeth

• May Indicate: Chronic Stress

Some people grind their teeth at night and don’t realize it. Bruxism can be a sign of stress, both emotional and physical .

In some cases it is possible to notice that the teeth are flattening. You also tend to feel pain when you squeeze the joint. In addition, in some cases recurring headaches appear.

Brittle teeth with small cracks

• May indicate: Gastroesophageal reflux

Over the years, teeth weaken due to the decrease in the enamel that covers and protects them. This symptom is common in older adults, but in minor cases it could occur at young ages .

When the problem develops at an early age, it is likely that the person has gastroesophageal reflux, that is, stomach acid moves up into the esophagus. Due to the short distance between the esophagus and the teeth, part of the acid reaches them and causes this wear on the enamel .

Mouth ulcers or sores that do not go away

• May indicate: Oral cancer

Sores caused by a bacterial infection are not serious. However, if they go two or more weeks without getting better , or get worse, it may be a symptom of a more important condition.

It would be advisable to go to the specialist to determine what it is, since it could be an indicator of oral cancer. This type of cancer tends to develop more frequently in those over 60 years of age and rarely do they survive it, since in most cases it is detected at a very advanced stage.

For this same reason, it is recommended to pay extreme and precise attention in case you get to observe some type of sore that persists for more than a couple of weeks in the mouth. The ideal would be to go to a specialist, so that they can recommend an appropriate treatment, according to the characteristics of each person.

Swollen gums

• May indicate: Problems with medication

This symptom often occurs regularly in those taking medications for heart health and usually occurs as a result of an overdose.

Inflamed gums can cause some pain and in extreme cases can cover an entire tooth, as if it were a coating around it. For this reason, at the first warning sign, it is insisted that it is very important to consult the doctor to detect what the problem is.

loss of tooth

• May indicate: Gingivitis and periodontitis

With proper oral hygiene it is difficult to lose teeth. However, small infections can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) which, if left untreated, could worsen.

Periodontitis is a generalized inflammation of the tissue that supports the tooth. If it becomes weak, it could cause the loss of parts. And if left untreated, it could lead to other complications.

Bad breath

• It can indicate: Hepatic, renal or intestinal problems

90% of halitosis cases are associated with bacteria that accumulate on the upper part of the tongue, teeth and gums.

In these cases, you will most likely need to improve your oral hygiene to kill the germs. However, if this is not enough and the problem persists , it could be indicating  type 2 diabetes, or dysfunctions in the liver, kidneys or intestines.

If you notice any discomfort in the mouth, slight bleeding in the gums, sensitivity to cold, then do not let it go. See a specialist before it’s too late.

Finally, it is important to remember the importance of visiting the dentist at least 2 times a year . It is not necessary to wait for a particular case or something very extreme to take the initiative to go for a basic check-up or a simple rigorous cleaning.