What Your Teeth Can Reveal About Your Overall Health

Written By Meghan Belnap / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

You can tell a lot about a person from their smile, but did you know that your pearly whites also reveal many things about your overall health? Illnesses and disorders that occur in other parts of your body often have surprising effects on your mouth, and sometimes your oral health is the first sign that something is wrong.

Here are four common health conditions that show on your teeth and gums.

Smoking

From increased risk of cancer to high incidence of cardiovascular disease, smoking comes with many health risks, and dentists and hygienists can spot a smoker from a mile away. Stained teeth, blackened gums and foul breath are all sure signs of a tobacco habit. Smoking can also cause loose teeth, periodontal disease and cancerous or precancerous oral lesions.

Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common disorder that affects women of child-bearing age in particular. This type of anemia is typically caused by a combination of blood loss and inadequate dietary intake of iron. The first signs of iron-deficiency appear in the mouth and include pale gums, swelling and soreness of the tongue. Most cases of iron-deficiency resolve with iron supplementation and addressing the cause of excess bleeding.

Diabetes

Are you one of the more than 34 million people in the United States living with diabetes? It's important for diabetes patients to get regular preventative dental care because high blood sugar levels take a toll on your oral health. Diminished salivary flow and increased concentration of sugars in the saliva can lead to problems like tooth decay, gum disease, oral thrush and bacterial infections.

Heart Disease

You already know that regular checkups and cleanings are essential for healthy teeth, but did you know that good oral care is also important for a healthy heart? Disease-causing bacteria in the mouth contribute to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in your arteries that causes congestive heart failure.

Keeping your teeth clean and healthy can help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth.

If you or your dentist notices any of the above issues with your teeth, it's important to follow up with your regular doctor right away. Catching health problems early can make them easier and less expensive to manage in the long run. It's also important to let your dentist and hygienist know if you have any health conditions or take any medications because they can affect the health of your teeth and gums.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.