What your mouth says about state of your health

It is often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. This may be true but have you ever wondered what function the mouth serves other than feeding and helping us speak?

Interestingly, the health of your mouth is a fascinating indicator of the wellbeing of other parts of your body.

Heart

Recent studies in England have linked gum disease to an increased risk of getting heart disease, including heart attacks. This is thought to be due to inflammation in the blood vessels.

Solution: If you have a personal or family history of heart disease and other risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity or smoking, ensure you have your gums checked at least twice annually.

Bones

As you grow older, your bone density begins to reduce (this is a process known as Osteoporosis). The same thing happens to your teeth. This leads to easy tooth breakage and tooth loss.

Solution: Once menopause or andropause (male menopause) hits, talk to your doctor about using calcium supplements. In certain cases of severe bone loss, hormone replacement therapy may be needed.

Diabetes

People who have recurrent gum disease despite good oral hygiene need to have themselves checked for diabetes. This is because people with diabetes usually have poor ability to fight infections.

Solution: If you find yourself getting frequent mouth infections, have your blood sugar checked.

Stomach

People with severe heartburn and reflux of stomach acid into the mouth usually develop weak, crumbling teeth.

Solution: Talk to your doctor about drugs that may reduce the acidity of your stomach contents. This can be taken once a day. Also sleep with your head elevated to reduce the reflux.

Pregnancy