The mouth is the gateway to your body, and it can reflect many underlying conditions affecting your overall health. Experienced dentists are usually skilled enough to spot insightful clues about their patient’s health and lifestyle in as early as their initial appointment. It is important to remember that a comprehensive exam will evaluate not only your teeth or the cavities therein, but also the soft tissues in your mouth like your tongue and gums, and the bone structures that support the jaw and teeth. In addition, it is common for dentists to inquire about your health in order to outline certain dental problems. Nonetheless, here are five surprising things your dentist can notice about you during your oral exam.
- If you floss regularly:
Gum health is progressive, which means that it won’t happen overnight. If you are in the habit of flossing, you will notice your gums will be pink and will not bleed even if you floss vigorously. On the contrary, if you do not floss regularly, there will be plaque accumulated beneath the gums, making them red, puffy, and prone to bleeding. Gingivitis and pero disease can be controlled with frequent professional cleanings. - A dentist can tell if you have had an eating disorder:
Bulimia is a condition that affects lots of people, particularly women. When someone vomits regularly, the acids from the stomach destroy the enamel of teeth, making them extremely prone to fractures and cavities. Anorexia is also an eating disorder that can cause fragile tooth enamel due to the depletion of vitamins and minerals in the body. Tooth fracture can be resolved with a crown or with an implant. - Multiple tooth fractures in a short time span and/or very aggressive, generalized bone loss can be the result of osteoporosis:
This can be verified by comparing dental x-rays from different dates. Osteoporosis is a disease that wears away bone density, mass, and structure. It affects millions of Americans, especially if they’re over 50 years old. Most people with osteoporosis do not know about it until they experience multiple bone fractures, but oftentimes your dentist can notice its first indications. Partial acrylic dentures and crowns or bridges can resolve missing teeth due to fractures. - Teeth grinding can be a sign of a very stressful lifestyle and/or anxiety:
Tooth wear by grinding is evident to a dentist immediately. It is normally on the front teeth, and it gives your teeth a flat look. The condition of teeth grinding is called bruxism, and it generally has psychological causes, especially if the patient had previously not shown wear before. The effects of bruxism can be curved with a nightguard. - Dentists can detect gastrointestinal issues:
As mentioned before, the acids in the stomach can cause tooth erosion. Acid reflux can be the cause for it, as it is incredibly irritant. Acid reflux can also cause tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and thinning of the enamel. Another clue is chronic bad breath. Normal bad breath can be caused by bacteria in the mouth, but if in spite of good oral health, the symptom persists, it can be rooted in a gastrointestinal issue.
These are just five examples of how your overall health can be reflected in your mouth and teeth. However, there are other clues that have been under study. For example, there have been recent discoveries of a link between oral health and diabetes or high blood pressure. Habits like tobacco use, habitual drug abuse and cognitive decline are also things that can be noted in dental exams. Your mouth is a window to your body, which is why it is always good to give it quality care. At the Costa Rica Dental Team, we strive to make dental care affordable so that more people can get the attention they deserve. We are located in San Jose, Costa Rica, just a few hours away from the major airports in the United States. We have about 15 years of experience treating patients from all walks of life that visit us from all over the world, so you will be in trusted hands. Don’t hesitate to contact us to start getting the dental care you need.
