White, clean-looking teeth can do wonders for our self-confidence. If your teeth are yellow or stained, you may be feeling a little self-conscious. Although discolored teeth are not unsightly, it is a cosmetic issue rather than a sign of poor overall health.
Dental hygienist Anna Middleton of London Hygienists explains that the possible causes of yellowing teeth are aging or stains caused by food and drink.
“Although it’s not physically pleasant, it doesn’t indicate any other problem with the body,” she says.
We all miss brushing teeth sometimes or drink too much coffee. Most of us have felt the need to pop a mint before a meeting to freshen our breath. But could bad breath be a sign of something else?
“Bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, and it comes from plaque and food debris trapped between your teeth,” says Middleton. “It may also indicate that you are a little dehydrated. Other causes of bad breath include a low-carb diet, snoring or even alcohol consumption.”
However, she adds that if you have bad breath on a regular basis, it could be a sign of diabetes. If you are concerned about this symptom it is worth speaking to your dentist or doctor. Diabetes can increase glucose levels in your mouth – promoting overgrowth of bacteria, which can cause bad breath.
If your gums bleed regularly after brushing, it may be a sign of gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease also include bad breath and bad taste in the mouth. If left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums to recede, dark triangles to form between the teeth, and even tooth loss.
But gum disease can cause more serious conditions in the rest of your body, too.
Middleton points out that there are a lot of connections between gum disease and systemic health — the main ones being heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s all because of the ability of bacteria in the mouth to get into the bloodstream,” she says.
Additionally, certain medications, including phenytoin – an epilepsy treatment – and calcium-channel blockers – commonly used to treat high blood pressure – can cause overgrowth of your gums. It is important not to stop the medicine without medical advice, but to talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are concerned.
Having mouth ulcers can be very uncomfortable, but most of us develop them from time to time. However, if you get ulcers regularly, or they take a long time to heal, they may be a sign that something else is going on behind the scenes.
Middleton says mouth ulcers can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 or iron. They can also be caused by stress, hormonal changes, certain medications or celiac disease which can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
“If you have a mouth ulcer that isn’t healing after a few weeks, it’s time to talk to your doctor,” she advises. “Ulcers that do not heal after three weeks should be referred, as they could potentially be cancerous.”
If you are concerned about tooth decay or enamel loss, it is worth finding the cause.
“This type of enamel loss is often caused by overconsumption of acidic foods, including alcohol,” explains Middleton. “However, it can be caused by health conditions, such as teeth grinding, reflux, and hiatus hernia. It can also be a sign of the eating disorder bulimia.”
Although not everyone enjoys going to the dentist, if you have any problems with your teeth or mouth, it is important to get them treated quickly. Many dental problems can be prevented or reduced by good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Neglecting your teeth can make problems worse.
For example, bleeding gums can lead to gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums, which can be treated with good oral hygiene. However, if left, it can lead to periodontitis, which is irreversible damage caused by plaque bacteria.
Middleton says tooth decay is often caused by poor diet, but if left untreated, it can lead to fillings, broken teeth, root-canal treatments and tooth extractions. In extreme circumstances, bone loss may also occur.
“The bacteria involved in gum disease not only affect the soft tissues (gums), but can also damage the bones,” she warns.
So if you occasionally skip brushing, or know you’re overindulging in fizzy drinks, it’s worth remembering that by looking after your teeth, you’re helping to keep your body healthy too.
