Schedule AppointmentWhat Your Mouth May be Telling You
Just as your oral health than affect your general health, your general health can affect your oral health. Problems occurring throughout the body can spread or manifest themselves in the mouth. Look for the following signs that may mean you have a health problem:
- Flat, worn teeth and jaw pain — When you sleep, you may grind your teeth. Also known as bruxism, teeth-grinding is a sign of stress. You may notice flatness of your teeth or a jaw ache in the morning from clenching pressure. It may also be a symptom of TMJ.
- Tooth erosion — GERD (Gastroesophogeal reflux disease) causes stomach acids to back up into your esophagus, which can damage the teeth. If the enamel on your teeth is thin or translucent, or your teeth look like they are cracking or eroding, you may need GERD treatment.
- Mouth sores that don’t go away — Everyone gets sores on the inside of their mouth from time to time due to biting the gums. If you have an open sore that does not fade in a week or two, see your dentist. This can be a sign of oral cancer.
- Dry mouth — Dry mouth can be caused by many things, such as allergies, smoking, medications or dehydration. Extreme cases may indicate the onset of two different autoimmune disorders: diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome.
Call Art of Modern Dentistry with any questions or concerns about your oral health.
Courtesy of Bayside Dental
