If you have an appointment with the dentist, chances are you're wondering whether you have plaque build-up or cavities. While your dentist will certainly be looking for plaque and cavities, he or she will be looking for a lot more than just that. Believe it or not, the mouth is a good indicator of an individual's health. Diseases like diabetes, anemia, and even cancer can be detected by a dentist during a regular examination. Here are three things your dentist can learn about you just by looking in your mouth.
1. You Don't Floss
Many people who don't floss on a regular basis do so right before their appointment with the dentist. While this may seem like a clever trick, you won't be able to fool your dentist by doing this. In general, the gums of individuals who only floss right before an appointment are damaged or bleeding. On the other hand, healthy gums are pink, nice, and tight. If you are overzealous when it comes to your flossing, your dentist may be able to see cuts in your gums from the floss.
2. You're Pregnant
About 40 percent of pregnant women end up getting gingivitis. The progesterone levels of pregnant women are higher, which encourages the growth of bad bacteria. This leads to gingivitis. Some pregnant women will end up developing a red and deep lump on their gums. This lump, a pyogenic granuloma, is commonly referred to as a pregnancy tumor. Since this tumor is benign, it will disappear after the pregnancy when progesterone levels go down.
Since most pregnant women develop gingivitis when they're pretty far along in their pregnancy, a dentist will not usually "discover" that their patient is pregnant. Rather, they will simply be able to tell by the condition of the patient's mouth.
3. You Bite Your Nails
Just by looking at your mouth, your dentist may be able to know that you bite your nails. Some signs that a patient bites his or her nails are cracking and chipping of the teeth. Wear and tear on the teeth is also a common sign. Biting your nails can lead to discomfort, jaw pain, and can even cause your smile to become uneven. Patients who use their front teeth to bite their nails usually have front teeth that are flat and leveled off. The nails don't cause damage to the teeth. It is the contact between bottom and top sets of teeth that cause the damage.
For more information about what your dentist can learn about you just by looking in your mouth, don't hesitate to contact us here at Lowry Dental.