What Your Oral Health Says about You

Everything in your body is connected. Something that is occurring in one part of the body could have far-reaching effects to other areas as well. And when it comes to a window to your health, there is possibly none better than your mouth. Anything that goes into your body has to go through your mouth first, so by practicing good oral hygiene, you could be aiding other body parts as well. Conversely, your mouth could also serve as an early warning sign that something is wrong somewhere in the body. Our NoHo dentist can examine your mouth and diagnose the exact problem.

Here are some things your mouth can reveal about your health:

• Bleeding gums could be the result of a hormonal imbalance. Hormone receptors are embedded in your gum tissue, so during pregnancy or menopause, women may notice their gums going a little haywire.

• Cracked, crumbling teeth could indicate Gastroesphogeal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acids come up through the esophagus into the mouth. This bathes your teeth in acids and gradually wears them down.

• Canker sores could be indicative that a person suffers from a gluten intolerance or a zinc deficiency. A recent study showed that participants who practiced a gluten-free diet were healed of their canker sores.

• Gum disease could reveal the presence of heart problems. Bacteria that forms in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart. This can wear down your immune system and make you more prone to coronary problems.