Oral and dental health affects many areas in terms of both social and health. Sensitive teeth are damaged when they are not cleaned enough, when harmful foods and beverages are consumed, and when cigarettes are smoked. This causes a bad appearance and affects your dental health. However, some situations are not related to dental care. You may be at risk of disease according to the following conditions. Nutrition therapist Melanie Dixon gave information about the diseases behind smile.
BLEEDING GUMS
Melanie warns: “If gums are pale, recede or bleed when brushing, this could be a sign of periodontal disease, which can lead to other health problems. Harvard University scientists found that people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. While the link isn’t concrete, experts believe that inflammation, a big part of gum disease, can cause arteries to harden, making it harder for blood to flow to the heart.
WHITE LANGUAGE
A Slightly white coating on your tongue is normal. White spots are usually harmless. But in some cases, they can be a sign of an infection or something more serious. Melanie warns: “Unusual white patches can be cancerous. For this reason, it should be investigated and treated.” But the most common, harmless causes include poor oral hygiene, dry mouth syndrome, mouth breathing, dehydration, smoking or excessive alcohol.
ORAL ULCERS
Biting the inside of the cheek, dentures that do not fit the teeth, toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, food sensitivities, infections, hormonal changes, B vitamins, zinc and iron deficiencies or some diseases can cause ulcers. While most are harmless, in some cases — if they’re painful and don’t get better after a few weeks — they can be a sign of oral cancer. They can also be a sign of hand, foot, and mouth disease, as well as conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
ODOR
“Being overweight, being stressed, smoking, eating too fast, eating too much, drinking alcohol, eating spicy or fatty foods, and even taking certain medications can increase your risk of acid reflux and bad breath,” Melaine said.
LIP EDGE CRACKS
“This may be associated with low levels of nutrients such as certain B vitamins, iron and zinc,” Melaine tells Sun Health. “People with inflammatory digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s, or ulcerative colitis, are at greater risk.” If you suffer from this condition, you should eat foods rich in B vitamins, including eggs, leafy greens, fish, beef, chicken, and dairy products.