8 Things Your Mouth Reveals About Your Health

Your dentist can tell quite a bit about what's going on with your body.

1. What your dentist is seeing: Or in this case, smelling. You've got funky breath.

What it could mean: The most likely causes of less-than-minty-fresh breath are poor oral hygiene or gum disease, but halitosis can also signal a sinus infection, especially if your dentist still notices the odor when you exhale through your nose. It can also be caused by acid reflux -- a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and bad breath -- or sleep apnea, because people with sleep apnea are more likely to breathe through their mouths at night, which can lead to dry mouth (another cause of bad breath).

Next steps: If your dentist decides that the problem isn't subpar brushing or gum disease, they'll likely refer you to your primary care physician to find the underlying cause. 

2. What your dentist is seeing: Your gums bleed during the flossing, just like they do at home.

What it could mean: When you get back on the flossing bandwagon after falling off and notice some bleeding for the first few days, that's normal. What's not normal is gums continuing to bleed every time you floss. It could be an indicator that you're pre-diabetic, diabetic and don't know it or, if you've already been diagnosed with diabetes, your blood sugar isn't under control. Though it's not exactly clear why diabetes and gum disease are linked (or whether there's a causal effect to the relationship), the American Academy of Periodontology says that diabetics may be more likely to develop the disease because the condition makes them more susceptible to infection.

Next steps: If you know you have diabetes and your gums keep bleeding, talk to your primary care doc about how to manage the condition better. And if your dentist is the first one to suspect diabetes, he or she will recommend you get a blood sugar test.

3. What your dentist is seeing: White patches on your tongue or inner cheek.

What it could mean: You may have a less-than-stellar immune system. Oral thrush (an overgrowth of the candida fungus, or yeast, in the mouth) can lead to creamy white patches on your tongue or inner cheeks, and it can signal an immune system that's not up to snuff. (We all have some candida in our mouths, but it's kept in check in healthy immune systems). People are much more likely to develop thrush if they're undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer or have serious immunosuppression, such as HIV, but a dip in immunity due to a cold, a course of antibiotics or using corticosteroids for conditions like asthma can make someone more vulnerable too.

Next steps: An antifungal medication can help clear away the patches.

4. What your dentist is seeing: Worn-down teeth.

What it could mean: You're more stressed than you realize. Stress can manifest as teeth grinding, wearing down teeth. In really bad cases, people will flatten them out. Your personality type may predispose you to grinding, too. A 2010 study in the Journal of Research in Personality found that people who rated higher on the neuroticism scale were also more likely to report that they grinded their teeth. Research in the International Journal of Oral Science in 2014 reported that sustained jaw clenching (another characteristic of bruxism, or teeth grinding) can lead to severe damage of the tissue in the joint that connects your jaw to the rest of your skull.

Next steps: Your dentist can fit you for a bite-protecting device like an acrylic mouth guard to wear at night to minimize the damage.

5. What your dentist is seeing: Squeaky-clean teeth but inflamed gums.

What it could mean: It's rare but it's possible for certain types of acute myeloid leukemia to spread to the gums and cause bleeding, swelling and inflammation. What would tip us off is if the gums are bright red and bleed upon touch, but the teeth themselves are immaculately clean with very little plaque. That combined with weakness and weight loss merits a trip to your primary care physician for evaluation.

Next steps: If you meet these criteria, schedule an appointment with your PCP to get it checked out.

6. What your dentist is seeing: Your dental X-rays look a little off.

What it could mean: The bones of the jaw aren't immune to the effects of osteoporosis, and on an X-ray, they may take on the appearance of ground glass. Osteoporosis also puts you at increased risk of tooth loss. Women with the condition had an average of 3.3 fewer teeth than women without it, noted a study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

Next steps: Ask your doctor about getting a bone-density test. If it shows you have or are at risk for osteoporosis, you can discuss medications and other ways to slow the progression.

7. What your dentist is seeing: Your mouth is really, really dry.

What it could mean: Medications like antihistamines can dry out your mouth, but an extremely dry mouth (as in, you couldn't swallow a cracker without water) is a hallmark symptom of Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune condition in which moisture-producing glands in the body come under fire from white blood cells. It's most commonly diagnosed in people over 40, and 9 out of 10 Sjögren's patients are women. The lack of saliva can also lead to tooth decay.

Next steps: Refer patients straight to a rheumatologist for testing.

8. What your dentist is seeing: Lesions at the very back of your mouth.

What it could mean: You could have oral cancer, which isn't exactly common, but it's also not rare. The American Cancer Society estimates that 45,780 new cases of oral cavity or pharynx cancer will be diagnosed in 2015, just over half the number of expected skin cancer cases. Cancers at the base of the tongue and tonsils (called oropharyngeal cancers) are most commonly caused by the human papillomavirus infection (HPV). Although the lesions can pop up anywhere in the mouth, they're most likely to develop under the tongue around the base and near your esophagus. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors are twice as likely to develop in men as in women, and the American Cancer Society reports a recent uptick in cases of oropharyngeal cancers linked to HPV.

Next steps: If your dentist notices these lesions, they may ask you about your sexual activity to assess whether you could have contracted HPV, as oral sex is one of the main reasons people get oral HPV. They may then refer you to your doctor or an oncologist for testing.

Effects of menopause on dental health of women

Half of a dentist's patients could lose 40 percent of their total bone mass, putting them at risk for losing teeth -- that is because usually half the clients of a dental practice are women. The cause is menopause and its related effects.

Women tend to lose 40 percent of their total bone mass during perimenopause to menopause. Hormones which are protective to bones, such as estrogen, are lost.

Bone loss that occurs in the spine and hips can also occur to the bone mass in the jaw.

We recommend that you discuss with your dentist if you are going through menopause because dentists need to be aware in order to monitor more closely any changes in gum health and underlying bone, which may prove to be a difficult conversation.

Dentists and hygienists can be on the leading edge of helping women become aware of the effects of different stages of menopause. At the age of 40 years old, almost 10 percent of women may begin to have changes in their menstrual cycles.

By the time that 80 percent of women reach the age of 50 years old, they begin skipping their cycle

Effects on the oral health of menopausal women include the following:

·         The mouth will reflect changes faster than almost any other tissue in the body

·         Therapy needs to be altered depending on where the patient is in her cycle

·         Patients with a menstrual cycle will have increased sensitivity in their tissues about 7-10 days prior to menstruation due to increased levels of progesterone

·         If the patient has had a hysterectomy at an early age, they will be more susceptible to problems created by low hormone levels such as decreased bone mineral density and thinning of the gums

·         Menopausal gingivostomatitis, the condition in which dry shiny gums bleed easily

·         May experience funny tastes and abnormal sensations in their mouths

·         Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis need new dentures more often and lose upper teeth more easily

·         Women with osteoporosis are more likely to have gum disease

Communicating to the dentist is important. Let the dentist know of any family history of osteoporosis. Many risk factors can contribute to osteoporosis and bone loss. Remember to inform the dentist of the medications that you have been prescribed, such as steroids, long-term medications for treating gastric reflux disease, blood thinners, anti-seizure medications and chemotherapy medications.

Are you taking supplements such as vitamins, calcium and Vitamin D, bisphosphonates or any other doctor prescription for osteoporosis.

Screening tests for osteoporosis include the following:

·         Dental x-rays, which can detect bone loss in the jaw, an indicator of bone loss in other areas of the body

·         Comprehensive periodontal exam

If a dentist is aware, measures can be taken to monitor the patient closely and treat the gum disease before it becomes aggressive. There is a link between osteoporosis and periodontal disease.

10 Silent Signals you’re Way Too Stressed

The occasional manic Monday is a fact of modern life. But if you're under chronic stress—suffering a daily assault of stress hormones from a demanding job or a personal life in turmoil—symptoms may be subtler. If you experience any of the signs that follow, take some time out every day, whether it's to go for a walk or simply turn off your phone. 

1. Stress Symptom: Weekend headaches

A sudden drop in stress can prompt migraines. Stick closely to your weekday sleeping and eating schedule to minimize other triggers.

2. Stress Symptom: Awful period cramps
The most stressed-out women are more than twice as likely to experience painful menstrual cramps as those who are less tense, a Harvard study found. Researchers blame a stress-induced imbalance of hormones. Hitting the gym can soothe cramps and stress, research shows, by decreasing sympathetic nervous system activity.

3. Stress Symptom: An achy mouth
A sore jaw can be a sign of teeth grinding, which usually occurs during sleep and can be worsened by stress. Ask your dentist about a nighttime mouth guard—up to 70% of people who use one reduce or stop grinding altogether. 

4. Stress Symptom: Odd dreams
Dreams usually get progressively more positive as you sleep, so you wake up in a better mood than you were in when you went to bed. But when you're stressed, you wake up more often, disrupting this process and allowing unpleasant imagery to recur all night. Good sleep habits can help prevent this; aim for 7 to 8 hours a night, and avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.

5. Stress Symptom: Bleeding gums
According to a Brazilian analysis of 14 past studies, stressed-out people have a higher risk of periodontal disease. Chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may impair the immune system and allow bacteria to invade the gums, say researchers. If you're working long hours and eating dinner at your desk, keep a toothbrush on hand. And protect your mouth by exercising and sleeping more, which will help lower stress. 

6. Stress Symptom: Out-of-nowhere acne
Stress increases the inflammation that leads to breakouts and adult acne. Smooth your skin with a lotion containing skin-sloughing salicylic acid or bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide, plus a noncomedogenic moisturizer so skin won't get too dry. If your skin doesn't respond to treatment within a few weeks, see your doctor for more potent meds. 

 

7. Stress Symptom: A sweet tooth

Don't automatically blame your chocolate cravings on your lady hormones—stress is a more likely trigger. When University of Pennsylvania researchers surveyed pre- and postmenopausal women, they found only a small decrease in the prevalence of chocolate cravings after menopause—smaller than could be explained by just a hormonal link. Study authors say it's likely stress, or other factors that can trigger women's hankering for chocolate.

8. Stress Symptom: Itchy skin
A Japanese study of more than 2,000 people found that those with chronic itch (known as pruritis) were twice as likely to be stressed out as those without the condition. Although an annoying itch problem can certainly cause stress, experts say it's likely that feeling anxious or tense also aggravates underlying conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. The stress response activates nerve fibers, causing an itchy sensation.

9. Stress Symptom: Worse-than-usual allergies
In a 2008 experiment, researchers from Ohio State University College of Medicine found that allergy sufferers had more symptoms after they took an anxiety-inducing test, compared with when they performed a task that did not make them tense. Stress hormones may stimulate the production of IgE, a blood protein that causes allergic reactions. 

10. Stress Symptom: Bellyaches
Anxiety and stress can cause stomachaches, along with headaches, backaches, and insomnia. One study of 1,953 men and women found that those experiencing the highest levels of stress were more than three times as likely to have abdominal pain as their more-relaxed counterparts. The exact connection is still unclear, but one theory holds that the intestines and the brain share nerve pathways; when the mind reacts to stress, the intestines pick up the same signal. Because of this link, learning to manage stress with the help of a clinical psychologist, meditation, or even exercise can usually help relieve tummy trouble too. However, if you have frequent bellyaches, see your doc to rule out food allergies, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, or an ulcer.

 

I frequently have a dry mouth. What can I do to relieve this problem?

The best way to treat dry mouth — known medically as xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-uh) — depends on what's causing it. You can do some things to relieve dry mouth temporarily. But for the best long-term dry mouth remedy, you need to address its cause.

To relieve your dry mouth:

·         Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. For some people, xylitol, which is often found in sugar-free gum or sugar-free candies, may cause diarrhea or cramps if consumed in large amounts.

·         Limit your caffeine intake because caffeine can make your mouth drier.

·         Don't use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying.

·         Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco.

·         Sip water regularly.

·         Try a mouthwash designed for dry mouth — especially one that contains xylitol, such as Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse or ACT Total Care Dry Mouth Rinse, which also offer protection against tooth decay.

·         Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse.

·         Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.

·         Add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier.

Saliva is important to maintain the health of your teeth and mouth. If you frequently have a dry mouth, taking these steps to protect your oral health may also help your condition:

·         Avoid sugary or acidic foods and candies because they increase the risk of tooth decay.

·         Brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Ask your dentist if you might benefit from prescription fluoride toothpaste.

·         Use a fluoride rinse or brush-on fluoride gel before bedtime.

·         Visit your dentist at least twice yearly to detect and treat tooth decay or other dental problems.

If these steps don't improve your dry mouth, talk to your doctor or dentist. The cause could be a medication or another condition. Medications are one of the most common causes of dry mouth. Long-term relief from your dry mouth may mean stopping or changing your medication or its dosage, or addressing underlying health issues.

 

5 Worst Drinks for Your Teeth

Any of these drinks can be a tooth's worst nightmare

They say that diet soda is as bad for your teeth as a meth or cocaine addiction, but sodas aren't the only kind of drink that can seriously harm your pearly whites.

5 Worst Drinks for Your Teeth

Just because we brush our teeth every day (and sometimes floss), doesn’t mean certain drinks can’t still hurt them. The enamel (hard surface) protecting our tooth isn’t as tough as it looks; it’s actually quite prone to discoloration and wear. And sugar in drinks quickly turns into plaque that eats away at our teeth.

Most of us have heard that coffee and soda aren’t the best drinks for maintaining white teeth, but there are a few others, including tea, alcohol, and energy drinks, that can be a nightmare for your teeth as well, causing discoloration, cavities, and even gum disease. Over time, these drinks can wear away enamel, stain your teeth, and cause gum disease.

Coffee

The caffeine may wake you up, but the dark brown color of coffee can, over time, turn white teeth yellow if they’re not taken care of.

Tea

All teas, particularly black and other dark blends, have a staining effect similar to that of coffee.

 

Alcohol: Wine, Beer, Liquor

With its high sugar content, alcohol, including wine, beer, and liquor, can damage tooth enamel as well as cause gum disease. And if consumed frequently, wine — red wine in particular — and beer can stain teeth over time. 

Soda

High amounts of sugar combined with high levels of acidity, both of which make soda so tasty, can cause tooth enamel to wear over time, making teeth more vulnerable to staining and possibly leading to decay and cavities. 

Energy and Sports Drinks

Like soda, energy and sports drinks contain high levels of sugar and acidity, causing enamel to break down and a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities. 

The Only 15 Foods That Are Worth Buying Organic

In a perfect world, all food would be organic and we would all be able to afford it. Instead we're faced with awkward produce-aisle decisions every time we step foot into a grocery store — is this worth paying 50¢, $1, $5 more? What are the health implications, and is organic equally important across the board?

Let's get real here: most organic food has not been proven to be "better" for you, meaning it doesn't contain more nutrients or some magic cancer-fighting voodoo. So far, studies have been inconclusive about the effects of eating a diet rich in organic foods versus non-organic. But even skeptics can't argue with the principles of organic farming and food buying: no harmful chemicals and sustainable environmental practices.

Not everyone can afford to go full organic, and that's where the Environmental Working Group (EWG) comes in. The non-profit publishes research yearly based on the level of pesticides found in fruits and veggies, and ranks them from worst to best.

Below is a list of 15 food items using the EWG and other researchers' information that you should pony up for and go organic. Everything on this list is doubly important for kids and pregnant women. Finally, whenever possible, buy local.

1. Apples

If you're going to buy just one thing organic, make it apples. They consistently appear at the top of the EWG's offenders list, harboring a number of pesticides that traditional farmers use to keep pests and disease at bay. Most of the harmful stuff is contained in the skin, but it's also the healthiest part of the apple. Luckily, organic versus non-organic apples has one of the lowest price differences, so you won't be paying double for your peace of mind.

2. Baby Food

Many doctors think that babies are more susceptible to the potential negative health impacts of pesticides. When your baby begins to transition to solid food, it's a good idea to feed your child organic whenever possible. This is especially true for the fruits and vegetables on this list, since they tend to have more pesticide residue in the first place. To offset the increase in cost, consider buying in bulk.

3. Strawberries and Blueberries

Berries are sensitive and heavily exposed — they don't have a tough outer shell or skin to protect them. Because they grow largely unprotected, they are more susceptible to pests, and pesticides are often the solution. Note that according to the EWG, domestically-grown blueberries are more contaminated than international varieties.

4. Peaches and Nectarines

These delicious stone fruits have thin, edible skins and are naturally delicate, so they are typically sprayed with various poisons to keep them from molding and to keep away pests. Even if you peel your peaches or nectarines, traces of chemicals will remain. Some doctors suggest buying organic versions of these fruit is especially important if you are pregnant or have children.

5. Celery

Celery also scored high on EWG's list, with 13 chemicals detected in total. The crunchy veggie is porous and grows largely outside of the ground, so it absorbs chemicals easily. Next time you're at the market, reach for the organic option, along with a jar of…

6. Peanut Butter

If you have kids or just love peanut butter as much as a kid, then consider investing in organic peanut butter. It will be pesticide-free, plus most organic brands utilize a healthier recipe to boost the good-for-you-ness. It may take a few tries to find a brand you like and get your family on board, especially if they are used to the sugary, unnaturally smooth stuff, but it's worth it.

7. Potatoes

Considering the amount of potatoes an average American consumes, switching to organic spuds is a no-brainer. Even if you're scrubbing and peeling your potatoes, there's a very good chance they still contain potentially-harmful chemicals. The EWG found that the average potato had more pesticides by weight than any other food tested. So before mashing or frying or baking, shell out a few more cents for organic taters and put your mind at ease.

8. Milk

Traditional farming practices now include treating cows with hormones so that they will produce more milk. Unfortunately, we can't have our milk and drink it too. Some of these hormones are passed on to the consumer, and although we do not know the full impact, many people are choosing the precautionary route and switching their families to organic dairy. Look for rBGH-free on the label.

9. Greens

Delicate greens, including spinach, lettuce, kale, and collard greens all make it in the top 15 of EWG's list. Many highly toxic chemicals are permitted on leafy greens, and even chemicals that were banned in recent years can still be absorbed through the soil and show up in the plants. If you are a frequent salad eater, just go ahead and buy organic. The EWG recommends that kale and collard green lovers that don't buy organic should consider cooking before eating.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the only fruits or vegetables that has been proven to be more nutritious in organic form. According to a study, organic tomatoes have nearly double the concentration of two flavonoids, which are considered very healthful. Conventional tomatoes also made the EWG naughty list, so the choice seems clear: organic all the way.

11. Bell Peppers

Sweet bell peppers rank high on the list, as these colorful veggies tend to have surprising amounts of pesticides remaining on them. Go organic when you can, and when eating conventional bell peppers be sure to give them a nice, cold bath. Cooking also helps to reduce the amount of chemicals present.

12. Grapes

During the EWG's testing, they found a single grape with fifteen different pesticides present. Gross. Because they ripen quickly and end up attracting insects, grapes often get sprayed with a multitude of chemicals to keep them untouched and in perfect eating order. If you can't find organic or can't stomach the price tag, buy seasonally from a local source and give them a good wash.

13. Meat

The European Union has already banned the use of hormones in cattle, but the practice is still permitted in many other countries, including the U.S. These hormones can remain in the meat, and the potential health effects of ingesting them on a regular basis is not yet well studied. But buying organic meat is as much about the potential health risks of the growth hormones and antibiotics as it is about choosing the more humane option. Organic cattle are typically given more space, allowed to graze, and fed natural feed so that they can live a happy and healthy life before making it to the plate.

14. Cucumbers

Conventional varieties of this refreshing vegetable are typically treated with a petroleum-based wax to preserve freshness. This wax is also good at holding on to already present pesticides, and is impossible to completely wash off at home. Organic varieties omit this wax, making them a superior produce aisle choice. When eating the conventional version, be sure to wash and peel the cucumber — although this does not guarantee removal of all chemicals, and it removes some of the nutrients.

15. Hot Peppers

For those who indulge in spice on a regular basis, try to buy organic hot peppers whenever possible. Conventional hot peppers often have high levels of harmful pesticides, partly because a few especially nasty chemicals are permitted on peppers that aren't allowed on other common crops.

 

Your Mouthwash

People gargle mouthwash thinking it will get rid of bad breath, but that is the minty liquid’s least effective function.

Dentists say mouthwash and other rinses can be beneficial to overall oral health and an important part of daily oral hygiene routines but aren't essential.

Mouthwashes can be divided into two main categories: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic rinses reduce and help control bad breath and leave a pleasant taste in the mouth.

But, they don’t really deal with the actual cause of bad breath—they don’t kill the bacteria and they don’t chemically inactivate the compounds that cause bad breath.

Therapeutic rinses have more targeted functions and come both over-the-counter and by prescription. They can help reduce tooth plaque or gingivitis, inflammation of the gum which can lead to gum disease. They can also help neutralize the acidity of the mouth to lessen the decay process. They may hydrate individuals who suffer from dry mouth, and help soothe canker sores. Fluoride and xylitol rinses aid in cavity prevention.

The American Dental Association, a professional association of dentists, tests products and has a council on scientific affairs which evaluates products to determine if they are safe and effective. Those that pass the tests receive a seal, which can be found on the product. Currently, 128 mouthwashes have the seal.

The ADA has found just two products that satisfy claims they eliminate bad breath and neither are mouthwashes. They are toothpastes, said Clifford Whall, director of the seal of acceptance program at the Chicago-based ADA.

Some therapeutic rinses work by neutralizing the pH of the mouth. When the bacteria in our mouth consume carbohydrates and sugars, their metabolic waste is acid. The acid draws out the minerals, resulting in an acidic mouth that leads to tooth decay.

An important ingredient to look for in such rinses is xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol which certain bacteria are unable to metabolize. Xylitol stimulates salivary function due to its sweetness and taste and helps restore the mouth to a neutral level of acidity.

But some dentists recommend looking for alcohol-free mouthwashes because they can dry out the mouth. A dry mouth can end up encouraging bacterial activity, resulting in worse breath.

Alcohol is used as a preservative—to increase the shelf life of mouthwash—and as a carrier for flavor. The alcohol itself isn't the antiseptic. Rather, it dissolves essential oils (like menthol and eucalyptol) or active ingredients, which together have an antiseptic effect.

The therapeutic mouthwashes with the ADA seal currently have alcohol in them.

Your saliva is more than adequate to keep the mouth moist. It might be an issue for people who have dry mouth, as alcohol could irritate their mouth.

Studies have found an association between the alcohol in mouth rinses and oral cancer.

But some experts say such evidence is weak. “The association between mouthwash and oral cancers is not strong,” said Mumtaz Khan, a head and neck cancer surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. “I personally do not tell my patients not to use mouthwash.”

Fluoride rinses typically don't contain alcohol and can usually be used by children age 6 and above. Before that age manufacturers and dentists don’t recommend them because children may swallow the fluid.

But fluoride rinses are only important for individuals who are prone to cavities. If you’ve had one or more new cavities in the last year then you should have some kind of additional fluoride.

Dentists warn that individuals who find that they need to use mouthwash excessively for bad breath may have an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

There are a lot of things that can cause bad breath that aren't going to be remedied by mouthwash—cosmetic or therapeutic. Deep cavities, untreated periodontal or gum disease, infections of the gum and bone, can all cause breath to be incredibly strong.

Using mouthwash before or after you brush and floss makes a difference but Mouthwash isn't a substitution for floss and brush.