A recent article from The Wall Street Journal claims that “the eyes may be the window to the soul, but the mouth provides an even better view of the body as a whole.” As a holistic and total health dentistry dentist, Dr. Brad Greenfield of Lake Orion, Michigan couldn’t agree more.
In recent years, the connection between oral and overall health has become undeniable and, because of this, Dr. Greenfield thoroughly screens his patients’ teeth, gums, tongue, and oral cavity for signs of oral and bodily health problems each and every time they take a seat in his dental chair. The result? Healthy patients that lead high-quality lives.
If your teeth could talk…
What would they say?
- Front Teeth: Don’t be fooled by my bright white color. Health problems may be lurking underneath.
- Tops of the Back Molars: I should feel bumpy and covered in ridges. A flat surface and smooth texture may indicate teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism).
- Backs of Upper Teeth: Acid is my number one enemy. If I appear stained or worn, my enamel may be worn away as a result of acid erosion and/or tooth decay.
If your gums could talk…
- While red, swollen, tender, and inflamed gums are common during pregnancy, these symptoms and others (like bleeding gums) are not normal generally. They usually signify gingivitis (the early stages of gum disease).
- Tiny red hemorrhages with spontaneous bleeding may indicate certain cancers and other serious health conditions.
- Periodontal disease, in which pockets form between the gum tissue and the teeth, can signal serious health problems, including diabetes, respiratory disease, heart conditions, and Alzheimer’s.
If your oral tissue could talk…
- Brown patches on the inside of the cheeks and the lower gums can indicate hormonal disorders.
- A smooth, flat tongue can indicate an iron deficiency.
- Dry mouth is often a side effect of medication and cancer treatments, but it can also signal diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and oral conditions, including periodontal disease.
As you can see, your mouth is capable of showing a lot of warning signs that can help you catch these problems early if you’ll just listen. Pay attention to what’s going on inside your mouth so that you can receive the care you need to treat these problems efficiently, effectively, and conservatively. If you notice that something has changed within your oral cavity, it’s time to see Dr. Greenfield for professional help. Call Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248) 693-6213 to reserve your appointment.
