TOOTH BE TOLD
Your teeth can tell you if something’s wrong – the 5 signs you could be ill
A SMILE can reveal a lot about a person but experts have warned that your pearly whites can also be a key indicator of poor health.
Whether you've got a dry mouth or sensitive teeth, taking a closer look at your nashers could be the key to why you feel unwell.
1
The NHS says that you should take care of your teeth and gums by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
To protect your teeth you can also cut down on sugar and processed foods which is good for your teeth, gums and mouth - as well as the rest of your body.
One dentist previously revealed how experts can tell if you're pregnant through your dental exam.
Experts at said there are some serious health conditions that can be spotted from just looking at your mouth.
1. Eating disorders and tooth enamel
If an eating disorder involves vomiting, stomach acids wash over teeth and can dissolve the hard enamel covering, the experts said.
You need to look out for changes in color, shape, translucency, or sensitivity - as these can all provide clues to an underlying problem that can lead to extensive decay and tooth loss over time.
2. Anaemia and pale gums
The experts said that pale gums can be caused by anaemia, commonly due to an iron deficiency.
They explained: "Some colour variations exist between individuals, and we're most concerned about swollen, ulcerative, or painful gums.
"But a follow-up with a physician can provide clear answers and peace of mind whenever changes appear that suggest underlying systemic causes."
3. Osteoporosis
Bone health is important and if you don't have enough dairy in your diet then experts say you should supplement with a calcium tablet.
The experts said that the bone around your teeth provides the foundation that supports them.
They explain: "While it may be difficult to detect at home, dentists and hygienists may be the first to suspect a systemic change in bone density due to osteoporosis.
"Teeth that move more than average during an exam could provide an early clue to this progressive condition.
"We often recommend a bone density test with a physician in these cases."
Are stained teeth a sign of undelying health conditions or is it just cosmetic?
Experts at the British Dental Association (BDA) said there are some dental issues which mean your teeth cannot be whitened.
They said: "Generally such staining is cosmetic.
"Teeth also tend to yellow with age as more of the dentin – inner layer of the tooth, which is yellowish in colour, shows through.
"In this case, teeth whitening treatment provided by dentists can be effective to whiten teeth.
Be aware that if you have fillings or crowns, these will not change in colour when having your teeth whitened. "
They added that tf there is an obvious difference in the colour of the natural tooth and filling, the latter can be replaced.
4. Oral thrush and HIV
If you're suffering from a condition such as HIV then you will have a weakened immune system.
"We don't expect to see oral thrush in patients with normal immunity unless they're denture wearers.
"But as the virus weakens the immune system in HIV patients, they become more susceptible to thrush and other more severe infections", they said.
The experts said that a general physical exam and blood tests can help provide answers.
5. Tooth loss and kidney disease
No one wants to lose any of their teeth and this is why oral hygiene is key.
But the experts highlighted that kidney disease can cause mouth sores, changes in taste, and dry mouth from xerostomia, a reduction in saliva production.
Most read in Fabulous
The explained: "When the mouth dries out, acidity increases, and the low pH may result in aggressive tooth decay and eventual tooth loss.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"Some research also shows that patients with gum disease have an increased risk of kidney disease, another two-way relationship between oral and systemic health."
The NHS states that there are a wide range of dental treatments available through the health service and if you are concerned then you should book an appointment as soon as possible.
Newly developed weight-loss device which locks jaws shut using magnets sparks horror on social media