The mouth, it is a wonderful thing. Our mouths help us communicate with others, it is the vehicle for nourishing our bodies with food and liquids, and let’s face it the mouth is all around useful! They say that the eyes are the windows to your soul, but did you know that the mouth is a portal to your overall health? The mouth is often called the body’s “mirror of health” as it is so easy to observe and can be a huge indicator of other diseases in the body through oral signs and symptoms. Let’s take a look at how the mouth can generate insight into your body’s overall health.
A Mirror Of Health
Many diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth and in the tongue that can be easily detected by your dentist. That is why visiting your dentist on a regular basis is more important than the run of the mill tooth cleaning. During your check-up, the dentist is looking for more than just tooth decay, but indicators for what could be larger health problems. The following disorders that can show up in the mouth include the following:
- Vitamin Deficiencies: A burning sore tongue is a common symptom of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Bleeding gums can be a warning sign of not only gum disease but also scurvy which is a form of a Vitamin C deficiency.
- Diabetes: Early signs can include red and swollen gums as well as sensitive teeth.
- Leukemia: Signs of Leukemia include sores inside the cheek as well as in the throat, tonsils and the lips.
- Bulimia: The compulsive pattern of consuming enormous quantities of food and then vomiting may lead to loss of enamel and dentin on the inner tongue and sides of the teeth.
- Infectious Mononucleosis: The condition is sometimes signaled by inflamed gums and tiny hemorrhage spots on the roof of the mouth.
- Sinusitis: This condition is an inflammation of the sinus cavity, which can feel like a toothache.
Maintaining Full Body Health
The best way to make sure that you maintain full body health is by regularly visiting your health care professionals. It is never a bad idea to take care of your body through a healthy diet and some form of exercise as well between visits. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly now that you know how important they are to your health!
Visit A Doctor At Dental Associates Of Delaware Today
If you have any further questions about how dental care can improve your health then please don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices in Brandywine, Hockessin, Middletown, Wilmington, Millsboro, or Ocean View. Make your appointment today with one of our friendly dentists to ensure your mouth is healthy and as happy as you are. We hope to see you soon at Dental Associates of Delaware for your optimal Delaware smile!