Your Oral Health: Beyond Your Teeth

Without looking at your teeth, what can other parts of your mouth tell you about your oral health? Most health professionals agree that your mouth can be the gateway to your overall health. Therefore, it is highly important that you are educated on the ways that you can keep an accurate pulse on your oral health. You may be well aware of warning signs of poor dental health when it comes to your teeth, but there are other ways that our mouth signals that something needs attention. Here is what you need to know when it comes to your tongue, saliva and gums. Changes in texture or color can be your warning sign to take action.

• Your Tongue: Is it pale? A pale tongue could mean you have an iron deficiency. Iron helps produce energy and hemoglobin. A diagnostic blood test can confirm anemia. You may need a supplement or to include more leafy greens, beans and meat in your diet.
• Your Saliva: Is your spit thick and stringy? You may suffer from dry mouth. There are several contributing factors to dry mouth, including certain medications. But be sure to get a handle on it fast, as dry mouth often leads to tooth decay, oral yeast infections and gum disease. Besides drinking extra water, try chewing sugarless gum, which can increase your saliva production.
• Your Gums: Do Catching gum disease early is critical for the outcome and success of treatment. Don’t wait until your next dental checkup, go see your dentist and make sure you are following proper oral hygiene steps at home to take control of periodontal disease at its early stages.

Gilreath Family Dentistry takes the time to not only thoroughly examine your entire mouth for signs of problems, but they also educate patients on what to look for when maintaining a healthy smile at home. You should feel happy and confident with how your teeth look and feel, as well as be equipped with the tools to learn more about your oral health through all stages of life.