While dental issues can stem from improper care and oral hygiene, they can also suggest a deeper problem or serve as precursors to other health issues, such as periodontal disease and heart health complications. Here, the dentists at BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, explain what your mouth can say about bodily health.

What Oral Health Can Reveal About Your Overall Health

Red Mouth & Swollen Tongue

A red mouth and fat tongue can indicate nutritional deficiencies. An abnormally red mouth with or without a rash around the lips means you may not be getting enough of Vitamin B-6. The nutrient promotes healthy skin and prevents a variety of health complications, including anemia.

A swollen or shiny red tongue may mean you are not getting enough iron. Low levels of hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells, can result in swollen tongue issues.

Bleeding Gums

If the gums bleed every time you brush, you may have gingivitis, the easily reversible predecessor to periodontal disease. Bleeding gums can also point to a hormonal imbalance. Women who are pregnant or experiencing menopause often experience bleeding gums due to hormonal changes. Gum sensitivity also increases during menstrual periods.

Unexplained Enamel Erosion

Enamel erosion occurs for a variety of reasons, including eating too many sugary and acidic foods and beverages and brushing too aggressively. However, if diet and brushing techniques are not the issue, enamel erosion could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The condition causes stomach acid to leak into the esophagus, resulting in acid coating the mouth and throat. Acid is the biggest enemy of enamel.

Periodontal Disease

Gumline recession and eventual jawbone loss are not the only health problems periodontal disease causes. Inflammation connects gum disease to serious heart problems, such as stroke and heart disease, because the gums are full of blood vessels. The constricting of these vessels due to periodontal disease causes bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially resulting in vascular inflammation and damage to other parts of the body, such as the heart. Additionally, the main bacteria strain present in gum disease patients increases the risk of stroke.

Keeping up with regular dental appointments provides your mouth and body with the preventative care it needs. The experienced dentists at BridgeView Dental Group will identify signs of periodontal disease or any other oral health issue during your checkup and teeth cleaning to eliminate the problem before it worsens. Call (907) 486-3257 to schedule an appointment. Visit the website for more information about their services.