A leading dentist and gum specialist has shared the nine oral health signals that can indicate you have a health problem – and why they should never be ignored.
Dr Reena Wadia, from London, said you should never neglect your dental checkups, as these can indicate a range of serious problems – from diabetes to Crohn’s disease.
‘A regular dental and gum checkup can tell you more than you think,’ Dr Wadia told FEMAIL.
So what should you look out for?
Dr Reena Wadia (pictured), from London, said you should never neglect your dental checkups, as these can indicate a range of problems – from diabetes to Crohn’s disease
1. Redness around the corners of the mouth
If you suffer form redness around the mouth, it’s possible you’re deficient in iron or B vitamins.
‘Redness or inflammation around the corners with or without skin breakdown and crusting can be symptomless, itchy or painful,’ Dr Wadia told Daily Mail Australia.
‘This commonly affects the elderly and it is thought that in about 25 per cent of people, iron deficiency or deficiency of B vitamins are involved.’
The dentist highlighted that chronic iron deficiency can also cause a red, shiny tongue.
Switch your diet if you notice you suffer from any of these conditions.
2. Bleeding gums
If you suffer from bleeding gums, Dr Wadia said the first thing you need to think is that this is ‘not normal’.
‘Bleeding is always an alarm bell – it’s a way of your body telling you that something isn’t quite right,’ she said.
Bleeding gums after you’ve brushed or flossed your teeth is usually the first sign of gum disease, the expert explained.
This is also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis.
‘The mouth is connected with the rest of the body, and there is now lots of evidence that suggests links between gum disease and general health conditions, such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease,’ Dr Wadia said.
If you suffer from bleeding gums, Dr Wadia said the first thing you need to think is that this is ‘not normal’ – as bleeding gums are ‘always an alarm bell’ (stock image)
3. Big, swollen gums
The third signal to look out for is big, swollen gums – which can also signal gum disease.
‘Medication often taken for high blood pressure, epilepsy or after a transplant can cause the gums to overgrow in the presence of plaque,’ Dr Wadia said.
‘Often it’s possible for your dentist or gum specialist to liaise with your GP to substitute the medication to something which doesn’t have as unpleasant a side effect.’
Dr Wadia added that it’s always important to address overgrown gums, as if they are big and swollen, they will be hard to clean – and this will increase your risk of gum disease.
4. Gum pigmentation
While gum colour varies from person to person, Dr Wadia revealed there are two general conditions where pigmentation of the gums is a key sign.
‘Addison’s disease is a disorder which stops the adrenal glands from producing enough hormones, and as this disease progresses, a person may experience pigmentation or darkening of the gums,’ she said.
‘Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a genetic condition that can increase the risk of developing polyps or cancer.
‘One of the early symptoms is the appearance of dark blue or dark brown freckles, which can appear on the mouth as well as on the skin of the fingers and toes.’
5. Flat teeth
If your teeth are flat, it’s possible you are grinding them at night – which is often a side effect of stress and anxiety.
‘Most people who grind their teeth aren’t aware that they are doing it,’ Dr Wadia said.
‘It often happens during sleep or while concentrating or under stress. As well as flat teeth, this is often associated with headaches and jaw pain.’
If you suspect you might be grinding, get a mouthguard to prevent any damage.
6. Translucent or ‘shiny’ teeth
Translucent, shiny teeth is usually down to dental erosion, which Dr Wadia said is usually caused by ‘acid wearing away the enamel part of the tooth’.
‘With this, the teeth can also start to chip and look more yellowed.’
The acid in your mouth can be from your diet, but it could also come up from the stomach thanks to acid reflux.
‘Your stomach produces natural acids that help your body to digest food. Sometimes, these acids travel up the throat and into the mouth, especially after a large meal,’ Dr Wadia said.
While usually these will rebalance, for those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, the gastric acids will reach the mouth through the day.
‘About five to 10 per cent of people with GERD develop Barrett’s oesophagus, which is where stomach acid causes precancerous changes in cells,’ Dr Wadia said.
Get your doctor or dentist to take a look, and see whether you need any abnormal cells removed.
Ulcers are a common problem for many people, Dr Wadia (pictured) said, and while they might worry you, they are usually a side effect of stress and anxiety
7. Mouth ulcers
Ulcers are a common problem for many people – and while they might worry you, they are usually a side effect of stress and anxiety.
However, Dr Wadia said it’s a good idea to be aware of them and get them checked out if you’re worried.
This is because mouth ulcers can sometimes be caused by certain medical conditions including viral infections, vitamin B12 and iron deficiency, Crohn’s disease and Coeliac disease.
8. Bad breath
Bad breath – also known as halitosis – affects one third of the population, and is the third most popular reason for seeking dental care.
‘The two most common causes of halitosis are a tongue coating and gum disease,’ Dr Wadia said.
‘However, sometimes halitosis may originate from other parts of the body and may be signs of another disease: fruity odour can be a sign of ketoacidoosis, an acute complication of diabetes, while a fishy smell may indicate kidney disease,’ Dr Wadia said.
An acidic smell can be a sign of either asthma or cystic fibrosis, while a musty odour could signal liver cirrhosis.
9. Dry mouth
The last thing to look out for is dry mouth – which is mainly caused by dehydration.
‘There are many different opinions on how much water you should be drinking every day,’ Dr Wadia said – but two litres is always a good start.
‘Another common reason for dry mouth is due to side effects from medication for general health conditions,’ she said.
‘Sometimes a dry mouth that doesn’t go away may be caused by a condition like diabetes or Sjogren’s syndrome.’