Monitoring your teeth and gums is crucial to all-round physical well-being as signs in your mouth could be symptoms of illness elsewhere in your body. Jaw ache, for example, could be a symptom of a heart attack. Loose teeth could point towards osteoporosis.
Expert dentists at Rüh Dental say most diseases can cause symptoms in the mouth, hence why it should be the first port of call when looking for health red flags. “As dentists we are the forefront of spotting serious health conditions which can be growing in the body without the host’s knowledge,” said the clinic’s leading dental expert, Dr Rizwan Mahmood.
“This is why people should visit their dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleaning. Analysing oral health regularly, along with brushing and flossing at home, can help keep your physical health in good order too.
“It’s also wise to be aware of any changes in the mouth, as well as pain. If you notice anything untoward, see your dentist or medical practitioner straight away,” he added.
According to Dr Mahmood, here is what you should be looking out for:
BLEEDING AND SORE GUMS
Bleeding or aching gums could be pointing towards gum disease.
“Gum disease can be prevalent in people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, an ailment which can weaken the immune system – putting you in danger of infection,” said Dr Mahmood.
“If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to suffer with a gum disease known as periodontal disease. This is inflammation in the gums and the bones around your teeth. Periodontal disease also causes bad breath (halitosis) and even loss of teeth.
“Diabetes can cause a dry mouth because of a lack of saliva which in turn can cause ulceration and tooth decay. Furthermore, you are also prone to developing oral thrush as it can impact the way your body fights off infections.
“This can put your gums at risk of inflammation because of the bacteria living in plaque. Other signs of diabetes include oral fungal infections, dry mouth, and fruity smelling breath,” he added.
“Fruity-smelling breath can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis which is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition in which your blood sugar is so high it starts turning acidic,” said Dr Mahmood.
“But as dentists we are constantly working around the mouth and can pick up on this distinctive oral scent.”
Dr Mahmood also pointed out that people with gum disease can be twice or three times more likely of having a heart attack, stroke, or developing heart disease and other serious cardiovascular complications.
"There are logical reasons why dental health and heart health may be related,” he said.
“Inflammation is a common occurrence in both diseases.
“The main issue is the development of heart disease due to poor oral health / gum disease. The bacteria from the diseased gums can spread through your bloodstream and attach itself to a damaged area of your heart causing inflammation. This can lead to endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart) and other cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).
JAW PAIN / DISCOMFORT
Although rare, jaw pain could be a sign of something more sinister that we shouldn’t ignore.
“Occasionally, pain or discomfort in the jaw could be indicative of a heart attack,” added Dr Mahmood.
“Although the chances are rare, it’s important to recognise these symptoms which could save someone’s life. Your jaw could hurt with cardiac arrest because the nerves that detect pain coming from the heart, travel to the same general area in your spinal cord as they share the same nerve pathway.
“These signals then work their way up to the brain. So, in essence your jaw is signalling pain on behalf of your heart.”
LOOSE OR LOST TEETH
If your teeth are wobbly or falling out, it may be a sign of advanced gum disease. It can also be an early indicator of osteoporosis, which decreases bone density and weakens bones.
“There have been studies showing links between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw which the teeth anchor into,” explained Dr Mahmood.
“This should be investigated further if you’re experiencing random tooth loss.”
CHANGES IN TOOTH ENAMEL AND SURFACES
Changes in the surfaces of the tooth can say a lot, Dr Mahmood revealed.
“If the teeth appear eroded and translucent, that can often be indicative of an eating disorder like bulimia or acid reflux,” explained Dr Mahmood.
“Stomach acid is abrasive and can steadily wear away at tooth enamel.
“Excessive vomiting can also prompt dry mouth, dry and cracked lips, loss of tooth enamel, swollen salivary glands and sensitive teeth,” added Dr Mahmood.
BAD BREATH
Halitosis, as it’s also known, can occur as a result of a dry mouth or certain foods and drinks. But gum disease and gingivitis could also be the cause of bad breath.
“Bad breath can also be symptomatic for something underlying, something more serious,” said Dr Mahmood.
“It could be a pointer to a sinus infection, diabetes, a chronic lung infection, liver or kidney disease,” he added.
MOUTH SORES, LUMPS
Lumps and sores in the mouth can be a sign of a canker sore, but you should have any new lesions checked with your dentist.
“These sores can sometimes be the results of a fungal infection or something more serious, so always best to get checked out,” said Dr Mahmood.
“Oral cancer often starts as a small white or red spot or sore in the mouth and it is more likely to affect smokers or alcohol drinkers,” he added.
“Signs of oral cancer include sores that don’t heal easily, hard spots, rough areas, discoloured tissues, numbness and changes in the way teeth fit together,” said Dr Mahmood.
“Lumps or irregular tissue in the mouth or inner cheek, head or neck, should all be checked out too,” he added.
“Please note that oral cancer isn’t something you should try and diagnose at home, see your dentist who will refer you to a specialist if needed.”
