While cavities and plaque build-up might be what’s on your mind before a dental check-up, your Dentist is looking for a whole lot more.
Often disease such as cancer, anaemia and diabetes will first be identified by your Dentist during a regular examination that saves lives. And it’s not just diseases – Dentists can discover everything from your bad habits to your favourite beverages simply by asking you to say “Ahhhh”.
1. You Bite Your Nails
Without even looking at your hands, a Dentist may be able to identify this problem.
Biting your nails can cause your teeth to become uneven and lead to jaw pain and discomfort. The nails themselves are not what causes the damage, but rather the contact that occurs between the top and bottom teeth.
2. You Are Pregnant
Nearly 40% of women develop gingivitis during their pregnancy. This is caused by increased progesterone which facilitates the growth of bacteria, causing gingivitis. Please keep in mind women are typically quite far along in their pregnancy before their gums start bleeding – it is not as though your Dentist will magically “discover” that a patient is pregnant.
3. You May Have An Eating Disorder
More often than not, patients are quite surprised that their Dentist is the first one to ask about eating disorders, but bulimia exhibits a very distinct pattern of tooth wear that your Dentist can easily identify.
4. You Have A Vitamin Deficiency
A deficiency of vitamins and minerals can cause many oral conditions like burning tongue syndrome, tissue sloughing off, increased infections, delayed healing, bone infections and gums that easily bleed.
Iron deficiencies show up in many ways in your mouth. It can give some patients severe sores in the corners of their mouths, while others will experience changes in their tongues.
5. You Have A Drinking Problem
Alcoholics are cavity-prone because alcohol tends to dry the mouth out. A dry mouth leads to cavities because salvia neutralizes the damage-causing acid in our mouths.
6. You are Under An Extreme Amount of Stress
Your teeth may be worn down or chipped if you have been unconsciously grinding or clenching them. Bruxism is usually caused by stress but can also occur because the top and bottom teeth aren’t aligned properly. You may not be aware that you are grinding or clenching your teeth but your Dentist can spot the signs.
7. You Have Oral Cancer
The first signs of oral cancer can be inexplicable bleeding in the mouth, red or white speckled patches, and changes in your bite and teeth patterns, swelling and bumps and even eroded gums.
The best way to keep your oral hygiene healthy is to brush your teeth 2 – 4 times per day and floss at least once daily. This way your teeth and gums remain healthy between dental cleans, which we recommend about every 2 – 4 months.
To make an appointment with one of our Dentists, contact Wisdom Teeth Professionals in Sydney by giving Dr. Paulo Pinho a call on 1300 217 858.
The information contained in this article is intended to give you general information and it is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Often disease such as cancer, anaemia and diabetes will first be identified by your Dentist during a regular examination that saves lives. And it’s not just diseases – Dentists can discover everything from your bad habits to your favourite beverages simply by asking you to say “Ahhhh”.
1. You Bite Your Nails
Without even looking at your hands, a Dentist may be able to identify this problem.
Biting your nails can cause your teeth to become uneven and lead to jaw pain and discomfort. The nails themselves are not what causes the damage, but rather the contact that occurs between the top and bottom teeth.
2. You Are Pregnant
Nearly 40% of women develop gingivitis during their pregnancy. This is caused by increased progesterone which facilitates the growth of bacteria, causing gingivitis. Please keep in mind women are typically quite far along in their pregnancy before their gums start bleeding – it is not as though your Dentist will magically “discover” that a patient is pregnant.
3. You May Have An Eating Disorder
More often than not, patients are quite surprised that their Dentist is the first one to ask about eating disorders, but bulimia exhibits a very distinct pattern of tooth wear that your Dentist can easily identify.
4. You Have A Vitamin Deficiency
A deficiency of vitamins and minerals can cause many oral conditions like burning tongue syndrome, tissue sloughing off, increased infections, delayed healing, bone infections and gums that easily bleed.
Iron deficiencies show up in many ways in your mouth. It can give some patients severe sores in the corners of their mouths, while others will experience changes in their tongues.
5. You Have A Drinking Problem
Alcoholics are cavity-prone because alcohol tends to dry the mouth out. A dry mouth leads to cavities because salvia neutralizes the damage-causing acid in our mouths.
6. You are Under An Extreme Amount of Stress
Your teeth may be worn down or chipped if you have been unconsciously grinding or clenching them. Bruxism is usually caused by stress but can also occur because the top and bottom teeth aren’t aligned properly. You may not be aware that you are grinding or clenching your teeth but your Dentist can spot the signs.
7. You Have Oral Cancer
The first signs of oral cancer can be inexplicable bleeding in the mouth, red or white speckled patches, and changes in your bite and teeth patterns, swelling and bumps and even eroded gums.
The best way to keep your oral hygiene healthy is to brush your teeth 2 – 4 times per day and floss at least once daily. This way your teeth and gums remain healthy between dental cleans, which we recommend about every 2 – 4 months.
To make an appointment with one of our Dentists, contact Wisdom Teeth Professionals in Sydney by giving Dr. Paulo Pinho a call on 1300 217 858.
The information contained in this article is intended to give you general information and it is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
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