For many people, the scope of good oral health encompasses having dazzling white teeth that are perfectly aligned. And while everyone wants a brilliant smile, you should know that this is not the extent of good oral health. The condition of your gums, teeth and even your tongue will not only have a massive influence on your overall wellbeing, but their condition could also be signalling a yet undiagnosed medical condition that needs to be attended by a professional.
With that in mind, you should stick to your scheduled appointments with your dentist, as they will be able to catch something early. Before you underrate how intertwined your dental and physical health is, check out the following medical conditions that could indicate the state of your oral health.
Pregnancy
If you have been meticulous with your oral hygiene but then start to find that your gums bleed spontaneously or are constantly inflamed, you likely need to take a pregnancy test. Oral issues are common when expectant and this is due to a couple of reasons. For starters, your body's blood flow is increasing and this means your gums will bleed easily if they are irritated.
In addition to this, your body is experiencing extreme hormonal changes, which cause your gums, and other forms of tissue, to become incredibly sensitive. Hence, they are more vulnerable to swelling and irritability. It is worth noting that while these changes are happening, you lose your ability to combat bacteria as you normally would and this makes you susceptible to gingivitis.
Stress
Every adult will endure a degree of stress and this is normal. However, when the stress you are experiencing begins to affect your dental health, it may be time to seek professional assistance to manage these levels. If you are in a constant state of stress, it will manifest as diminishing tooth integrity stemming from teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Also referred to as bruxism, teeth grinding is a condition that can affect people of all ages.
Nonetheless, if you have recently started this habit, it usually is indicative of you dealing with inordinate amounts of stress. Although this issue manifests subconsciously, it poses a great risk to your oral health since it progressively grinds down your teeth's enamel, exposing the dentin. Consequently, you become at a higher risk of cavities and bacterial infections. Not to mention the threat of changes to your bite, the onset of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) and more. For more information, contact a dentist.
Share10 March 2021
I have tried to quit smoking three times over the last few years, but it never really stuck. My mother just got diagnosed with lung cancer, and it's given me the wakeup call that I have been waiting for. I have quit smoking again, but this time I spoke to my doctor before I started and it's made a lot of difference. He organised some nicotine replacement products and counselling to help me quit for good this time. I have started this blog to let people know how much easier it is to quit when your doctor is helping you.
