What Plaque on Your Teeth Says About Your Health

What plaque on your teeth says about your health

Regular visits to the dentist are great for more than just bright, healthy teeth. Conditions of the gums and plaque on the teeth are often indicators of other underlying health concerns.

Why is plaque bad?

 

Plaque buildup on the teeth is problematic if not removed during regular dental cleanings. The bacteria from plaque causes bad breath, turn teeth yellow and can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Here is what plaque on your teeth might be telling you:

  • Pregnancy. Gingivitis can be a response to hormone fluctuation. During early pregnancy, hormone changes cause the gums to become swollen, sensitive and irritable.
  • Type 2 Diabetes. Periodontitis, severe gum disease, is an early indicator of type 2 diabetes as diabetics more easily contract infections.
  • Vitamin deficiency. Vitamins offer our mouths resistance to microbial biofilm, which comes from plaque, and an increased capacity for fighting gum inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency affects tooth enamel while vitamin B deficiency can cause ulcers, cracks on the lips and burning tongues.
  • Eating disorder. Patients with an eating disorder such as bulimia will show signs of tooth erosion from the bile acid that continually moves through the mouth.
  • Osteoporosis. If your bone density is decreasing, as it does with osteoporosis, loose teeth might be the first indicator of these changes in the body.
  • Sugar problem. Sugar is the leading cause of cavities. If you repeatedly have cavities at cleanings, there might be an issue with sugar that should be addressed.

The teeth tell us much about the body and our overall health, which is why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly.

Schedule your next dental cleaning with Gables Sedation Dentistry. We can show you what plaque looks like on your teeth, provide methods for cleaning at home and make sure you leave our office with a clean, healthy smile.