9 Things Your Mouth Can Reveal about Your Health

Holistic doctors will tell you that your body is a system and everything is inter-related. They may be on to something because as dentists we often find signs of overall health issues in your mouth. Here are some of the common ones we see.

Upper teeth aching: We often see patients with upper tooth pain when their teeth seem to be okay. This usually means that their is a sinus problem or infection that is causing pressure that radiates down into the teeth.

Cracking or breaking teeth: When not caused by decay or other dental issues, you may be experiencing stress and grinding your teeth at night. If this is happening to you, we are likely to recommend a nightguard appliance and finding ways to reduce your stress.

Mouth Sores: Canker sores can be caused by stress, hormones, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, spicy foods, or abrasions in your mouth. But, when a sore of any kind lasts longer then 2 weeks it is important to have it checked by your dentist. It may be a sign of oral cancer, autoimmune disease, or other health issues.

Dry Mouth: When your mouth feels dry most of the time you are more prone to cavities and other dental issues. It can be a sign of diabetes, menopause, or an autoimmune disease, making it important to be evaluated by your doctor.

Metallic Taste: When your mouth tastes like metal it can be a sign that you are deficient in Zinc. Talk to your doctor about possible testing, supplements or foods that can help.

Bad Breath: Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be a symptom of conditions that range from minor to serious. They include diabetes, gastric reflux, sinus problems, respiratory disease or kidney failure.

White Coat on Tongue: While this may simply be due to a dry mouth or medication side effects, it could also be Thrush. If good tongue hygiene including daily brushing and scraping does not help, make an appointment to see your dentist.

Cracks In the Corners of Your Mouth: If they are on both sides of your mouth they may be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. You can give them a week or two to see if they heal on their own and make an appointment with your dentist or doctor if they don’t.

Bone Loss: When your dentist finds unusual bone loss throughout your mouth on x-rays it may be a sign of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can lead to broken or fractured bones, joint replacements, and even death due to long recovery periods after surgery.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, be sure to give us a call. If we are unable to resolve the issue, we may recommend you see your medical doctor to find the underlying cause.

KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562