The state of your dental and oral health can reveal a wealth of information about your overall wellness. While you might think of cavities, dental infections, or other such issues as self-contained, they can also point toward associated underlying conditions that involve entire physical processes, from your metabolism to your disease resistance.

Fortunately, you can work together with your dentist, primary care physician, and other specialists to stay on top of these health challenges as they become apparent. If you struggle with any of the following oral or dental symptoms, you may want to have your overall health checked and, if necessary, addressed.

1. Chronic Gum Disease

Chronic gingivitis and periodontal disease occur when bacteria trigger a destructive inflammatory response from your immune system, resulting in swollen gums, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss. While poor dental hygiene typically causes gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes can make you especially vulnerable to it.

Diabetes and gum problems appear to have a two-way relationship. The elevated blood sugar associated with diabetes can make people more susceptible to chronic infections, including periodontal disease. At the same time, periodontal disease may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate your blood sugar, resulting in diabetes.

2. Loose Teeth

You can develop loose teeth without having periodontal disease. If you have noticed one or more teeth feeling wobbly or loose, you may have insufficient bone density in a part of your jaw known as the alveolar process. This portion of the jawbone helps secure the teeth in place.

While periodontal disease can create this kind of bone loss, so can osteoporosis — a progressive loss of bone mineral that commonly occurs in older women. Regular dental exams that include X-rays may catch this issue in time for you to receive an early diagnosis and effective treatment, helping you protect bones and teeth alike.

3. Discolored Teeth

Anyone can experience discolored teeth related to coffee, tea, red wine, and other agents that leave stubborn stains. Some people may also get spots on their teeth caused by tetracycline or high levels of fluoride. However, another issue can also create chronic tooth discoloration is a digestive disorder called celiac disease.

Celiac disease can create numerous enamel defects. These defects include yellow, brown, white, or translucent spots on the teeth, as well as patterns of banding or pitting on the enamel. Other telltale oral symptoms of this underlying condition include a red, smooth tongue, ulcers, and canker sores in the mouth.

4. Prematurely Worn Teeth

If your teeth have worn down faster than you might normally expect, you may suffer from bruxism, or chronic tooth grinding. This issue may occur due to an uncorrected bite misalignment or a chronic stress disorder such as anxiety. It may also mean that you have sleep apnea, which can lead to numerous health problems if untreated.

If no such issues can account for your prematurely worn teeth, you may suffer from acid reflux, with stomach acids rising up through the esophagus to the mouth and damaging the enamel. Over time, your teeth may develop sensitivities, cavities, or even abscesses. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help you avoid these complications.

5. Dry Mouth

You can experience a dry mouth for many reasons, from temporary dehydration and age-related issues to overuse of alcohol. However, chronic mouth dryness can also indicate the presence of an autoimmune condition known as Sjogren’s syndrome.

Since the immune system attacks both the salivary glands and tear glands in Sjogren’s syndrome, you may suffer from chronically dry eyes as well as a dry mouth, nose, or throat. Women aged 40 and older have an elevated risk for developing this condition.

Crest Hill Family Dental can play a pivotal role in both your dental health and your overall physical health. Contact our office today to schedule a wellness exam or have any troublesome symptoms evaluated.

When it comes to your dental health, there is nothing that should be off the table. Take a step forward and ask for help to dramatically change the health of your mouth. An experienced dentist has seen it all and anything you ask will not be surprising or judged in any way.

Learn about four questions that may have crossed your mind and why you should ask them at your next dentist appointment.

1. How Should I Brush My Teeth?

While dental insurance gives you some protection against the costs of your care and treatments, policies don’t always give you the coverage you need. If you want to cover your care more effectively, then consider a dental plan.

On a basic level, these plans give you discounted costs. So, a plan will take a percentage off your treatment. More comprehensive plans give you a discount, but they also include other benefits. A plan will give you no cost exams and X-rays and a fixed number of preventative treatments such as cleanings every year.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. But if you shy away from smiling because of imperfections like stains and chips, your social interactions suffer. Both porcelain veneers and Lumineers can cover teeth, hide imperfections, and give you a brighter, whiter smile. But there are several important differences between porcelain veneers and Lumineers.

If you have stained or damaged teeth, the non-invasive nature of Lumineers and their preparation might appeal to you.

1. No Needles or Drills

Some dental patients have a fear of needles or drills, and this makes most dental procedures a terrifying experience.

Dental visits for children can help diagnose and treat oral health problems at an early age. Your child should start their dental visits from the time they start developing teeth.

A reliable dentist can help you develop a dental visit schedule for your children so you don’t have to stress yourself about figuring out when each visit needs to happen. This dental care program will ensure every stage of your child’s dental development, from baby teeth to teenage braces, is watched closely. Here is the significance of regular dental visits for children.

Adopt the Right Oral Health Measures