Warning: 4 Clear Signs In Your Mouth, That You Have A Serious Health Issue

Your breath can tell you a lot more than the stench of the suya and onion you ate last night.

The mouth (tongue, teeth and gum), can also hint you about an underlying health problem, deeper in the body, says Betty Haberkamp, DDS, a dentist at the Cleveland Clinic.

From cavities, to bleeding gums, these may be signs of a larger health concern.

Here are four oral signs you likely have to see your doctor or your dentist for, if the symptoms persist.

If you suddenly have a bunch of cavities

It might mean: Diabetes

If you have gone most of your life without many cavities, then you suddenly start developing too many cavities, and if you are not hooked on soda, or taking any new medications, the tooth decay could be a sign that your body is having trouble processing glucose.

When that happens, the sugar can build up in saliva and spur the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, according to Haberkamp.

You might also feel some tooth pain, especially after eating something sweet, hot, or cold. “For the record, cavities are not the only oral side effect of diabetes,” she adds. “Gum disease, oral thrush, and dry mouth are others, too.”

If your teeth are wearing away                      

It might mean: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

We all experience heartburn. However, if you are experiencing it more than twice a week for a few weeks in a row, then you may have GERD, a condition in which stomach acids leak into the oesophagus. While some people experience a “burning” sensation in their chest or throat, others do not experience any symptoms at all.

When stomach acid reaches the mouth, it can wear away the enamel on your teeth. “Erosion from GERD is typically on the tongue side of the teeth,” the Dr. says, adding that, a person may not notice the symptoms, since it may occur slowly, but a dentist would notice it on a periodic exam.”

Note that GERD is not a terminal disease. It can be treated with antacids, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes, like avoiding certain foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals.

If your gums bleed when you brush

It might mean: Gingivitis

Unless you just started flossing your teeth, or you are brushing too hard (in which case, ease up!), blood in the sink may indicate inflammation of your gum tissue, caused by plaque buildup along the gum line.

Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontitis, in which the gums recede from the teeth and form pockets that get infected, and that may signal trouble beyond your mouth.

A study published in the American Heart Journal, found that people with periodontitis are also more likely to have heart disease, though it is unclear whether caring for your teeth can also protect your ticker. Consult your dentist if you think you may have gingivitis.

Also make sure you are using the right toothbrush (one that is not too stiff), and remember to floss gently.

If you have white spots on your tongue

It might mean: Oral thrush

Oral thrush is an infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida yeast. White patches or plaques, can be a symptom of oral thrush. It is not very common, but people who have diabetes, dry mouth, or a depressed immune system, are more at risk. Additional signs of the infection include: redness, difficulty swallowing, or cracking at the corners of your mouth.

If you develop thrush, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication.

Please, note that your mouth is a very important part of your body, so you must make deliberate efforts to take good care of it.