What Your Teeth Can Say About Your Health

Oregon City, Oregon Dentist

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, what you eat and how you take care of yourself can show up in more ways than one. As it turns out your teeth, and gums can show the world a lot about your overall health.

Oregon City, Oregon Dentist Doctor Brett L. Johnson says that, “Your mouth is part of your entire body.” What we can see in the mouth can have a significant effect on other organ systems and processes in the body. And of course the reverse is that things that are going on inside our body can manifest in the mouth.

Here are some common health problems that can show up on your teeth.

 A headache plus flat worn teeth.

If you have a headache and your teeth our worn chances are this is a sign of stress. But not just any stress, big-time stress. Teeth grinding is a common habit of highly stressed people. Many people underestimate the physical toll that stress can place on the body.  Grinding the teeth at night during sleep is a common sign of emotional or psychological stress.

If you have a headaches, it could be caused by spasms in the muscles that are doing the grinding. Sometimes the pain can radiate from the mouth into the back of the head and down to the neck and upper back. Visit your dentist about getting a mouth guard which is often used at night to can relieve the symptoms and protect teeth.

Cracking and crumbling teeth.

If your teeth crack or crumble it could be a sign of a much bigger issue like Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Many adults are vulnerable to teeth that appear to be cracking or crumbling away. This is because the enamel becomes thin and almost transparent. But this erosion isn’t a normal consequence of aging. In fact, it can happen at any age.

Disintegrating teeth can be caused by acid that’s coming up from the stomach and dissolving them. Like Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, also called acid reflux disease). GERD causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus — and from there, it’s a short distance to the mouth for some of the damaging acid. Other things to watch out for is a dry mouth and heartburn which are related GERD symptoms.

As you see, your teeth are an important part of your overall health. They can tell you a lot about your health. For more information or a dental cleaning please come in and visit us for a consultation and appointment.