Mouth trying to tell you something?
Today’s dental and medical practitioners do a great job treating the early stages of disease. It’s the more advanced stages that cause the most trouble (of course!)
So knowing that you have a problem in your mouth, and ignoring it, may seriously affect your quality of life, and even life expectancy, down the road. Take your gums, for instance. An article in WebMD points to the fact that the gum health can have a profound effect upon, or be an indicator of:
- Heart disease – possible stroke
- Lung disease – possible link between periodontal disease and COPD or pneumonia/infection
- Malnutrition – gum disease can lead to tooth loss which discourages eating certain important foods which causes malnutrition
- Mental health – tooth loss can lead to embarrassment and poor outlook
View the full WebMD story at this link
The Warning Signs So Easy to Ignore
So what exactly are we looking for? Well, an article in the online magazine, Healthline, provides a good overall list. They include:
- Bleeding
- Changes in the gums or cheeks – discoloration, bumps, etc.
- Unusual sensations in the mouth, jaw, or lips
- Any difficulty in mouth function
- Pus around the gums
- Loose teeth or changes in tooth placement
View the full Healthline story at this link
Rely On Your Dentist…And On Yourself
Regular visits to your dentist provide a big boost to prevention of serious illness. Most are trained, not just in dental care, but also in detecting unusual signs in your mouth. But that doesn’t mean it’s OK to play possum! Should you notice anything unusual, remember tell your dental practitioner.
In sum, your mouth is the gateway to the entire body. Always be on guard!
