What Your Mouth Says About Your Overall Health

Many people make the mistake of thinking that a healthy mouth is as simple as a great white smile. The fact is, that your mouth can tell a lot about your health in general. 

A good oral health routine can work wonders for your overall health too. Here are some ways that your mouth can tell you about your overall health. 

Jaw pain

There are a number of causes of jaw pain. Tooth decay and infection can make your jaw hurt, as can clenching it or grinding your teeth as you sleep. Teeth grinding can also cause headaches and migraines

Another cause of jaw pain is crooked teeth. They can cause a misalignment in your bite which puts pressure on the jaws. There are many types of invisible braces for adults that can effectively straighten your teeth. You don’t even need to visit a dentist.  They’ll also improve your smile too. 

Occasionally, jaw pain can be a sign of heart disease. If the pain gets worse when you’re exercising then you need to see a doctor as soon as you can. 

Dry mouth 

A healthy mouth produced between 2-4 pints of saliva every day. The body uses it to keep your mouth clean and digest meals. If you aren’t producing enough of it, then it can feel uncomfortable as well as lead to tooth decay and infections. 

There is a wide range of reasons for having a dry mouth. People who have diabetes or Sjorgen’s syndrome often experience dry mouth. Certain medications and cancer therapies also have dry mouth as a side effect as does smoking. 

If you find that you have a very dry mouth in the morning, it could be that you are breathing through your mouth when you sleep. Try keeping the air moist by using a humidifier. 

Worn teeth

Worn-down teeth not only spoil a beautiful smile but can leave your teeth prone to infection and decay. Serious teeth grinding can also be a sign of a stressful lifestyle. You may not even realize that you’re doing it. Taking steps to reduce stress is the best way to reduce grinding. During the day, try chewing sugar-free gum to give your mouth something to do. If you’re a nighttime grinder, then you can get fitted for a mouthguard that will protect your teeth at night. 

Mouth ulcers

Everyone gets a mouth ulcer from time to time. They can be painful and are usually caused by some sort of damage to your mouth, like biting your cheek or eating something sharp. Certain foods can lead to ulcers too so it may be worth changing your diet

In some circumstances, ulcers can be caused by hormone fluctuations or vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies. 

Smokers are also prone to mouth ulcers, so if you smoke, stopping should be your first action to stop the ulcers. 

Certain medications like steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, beta-blockers, and other heart medications. Never stop taking prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. 

Conclusion

You should view your oral health as an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. Any changes in your mouth can point to issues in other areas, which is why you should get it checked out by a professional. 

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