A Guide to the Health Problems Hiding Behind an Unsightly Smile

Smiling is a universal language. We communicate our feelings using a smiley face in our texts, photos and even when we want to show off our flawless teeth.

From the Mona Lisa to Julia Roberts, healthy smiles are not only attractive, but they are also the tip of the iceberg when it comes to identifying certain medical conditions.

Our pearly whites may suffer through changes that can indicate a deeper issue at hand. Changes in color or alignment may hint to a serious disease such as diabetes or osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis

This disease which also means ‘porous bone’ is a condition that contributes to the weakening of our bones, leaving them at risk of breakage. When viewed under a microscope, a healthy bone resembles a honeycomb.

The holes and spaces within the honeycomb become larger when the body is burdened with osteoporosis. The disease deprives the body of its calcium and phosphorus reserves which are stored inside the bones and teeth.

Therefore, the jaw bone becomes fragile and is no longer able to anchor the tooth, so it slowly becomes loose and falls out.

 Diabetes

This disease unleashes a storm of destruction when it comes to teeth. It can lead to cavities and sudden tooth loss due to the production of high levels of acid as a result of higher levels of blood sugar.

This unhealthy cycle is a magnet for acid-loving bacteria that feasts on the tooth until it falls. Dental implants are often the solution to such horrifying incidents of tooth loss.

Vitamin Deficiency

Bleeding gums and fungal infections such as thrush are caused by lack of Vitamin C or A in a person’s diet. Lack of vitamin D causes the softening of teeth as well as increased bleeding of the gums.

Vitamin B-3 can also be the root cause behind gum bleeding as well as painful mouth sores that can be a major headache for some people, especially during eating or drinking.

Pericoronitis

This disorder results in the swelling of the gum tissues surrounding the wisdom tooth. It usually develops when the tooth fails to fully rise to the surface of the gum like other neighboring teeth.

This failure creates an opening for bacteria to invade the area surrounding the tooth and cause an infection in the gums. If Pericoronitis becomes severe enough, it may extend beyond the jaw and travel to the throat and neck.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid is a small gland shaped like a butterfly. It’s located in the front of the neck and produces hormones that control how our body uses food for energy.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormones, causing the body to behave abnormally. This opens the gates for tooth decay and severe gum disease.

Keeping our teeth in prime condition and visiting the dentist for regular checkups can save us a world of trouble. Establishing a strict routine of brushing and flossing while keeping an eye on any changes to our teeth and gums may help detect any of the above diseases that might otherwise be hidden or unnoticed by us.