Dentist shares six changes in your mouth that could be a sign of serious illness

Dr Rizwan Mahmood, from Rüh Dental, explains how our mouths could warn us of more than just tooth decay - here are the six signs you should look out for

An expert has urged people to look out for some telltale symptoms in your mouth that could be a sign that something is very wrong. According to dentist Dr Rizwan Mahmood, our mouths could warn us of more than just tooth decay - and could even lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Dr Mahmood, from Rüh Dental, explained: “As dentists we are at the forefront of spotting serious health conditions which can be growing in the body without the host’s knowledge. This is why people should visit their dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleaning.

“Analysing oral health regularly, along with brushing and flossing at home, can help keep your physical health in good order, too. It’s also wise to be aware of any changes in the mouth, as well as pain. If you notice anything untoward, see your dentist or medical practitioner straight away.”

As reported by WalesOnline, he shared six signs in the mouth you should be looking out for. These include bleeding and sore gums.

Other signs can be spotted in the jaw. Still others involve the teeth.

In addition, bad breath is something to keep an eye on. Finally, mouth sores should be monitored as a possible red flag.

Bleeding and sore gums

Bleeding or aching gums could be pointing towards gum disease, which in turn could be an indicator of something serious. Dr Mahmood said: “Gum disease can be prevalent in people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, an ailment which can weaken the immune system – putting you in danger of infection.

“If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to suffer with a gum disease known as periodontal disease. This is inflammation in the gums and the bones around your teeth. Periodontal disease also causes bad breath (halitosis) and even loss of teeth.

“Diabetes can cause a dry mouth because of a lack of saliva which in turn can cause ulceration and tooth decay. Furthermore, you are also prone to developing oral thrush as it can impact the way your body fights off infections.

“This can put your gums at risk of inflammation because of the bacteria living in plaque. Other signs of diabetes include oral fungal infections, dry mouth, and fruity smelling breath.”

Dr Mahmood further pointed out that people with gum disease can be twice or three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or develop heart disease and other serious cardiovascular complications.

"There are logical reasons why dental health and heart health may be related,” he said. “Inflammation is a common occurrence in both diseases.

“The main issue is the development of heart disease due to poor oral health / gum disease. The bacteria from the diseased gums can spread through your bloodstream and attach itself to a damaged area of your heart causing inflammation. This can lead to endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart) and other cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).”

Jaw pain or discomfort

Although rare, jaw pain could be a sign of something dangerous that we shouldn’t ignore. “Occasionally, pain or discomfort in the jaw could be indicative of a heart attack,” added Dr Mahmood.

“Although the chances are rare, it’s important to recognise these symptoms which could save someone’s life. Your jaw could hurt with cardiac arrest because the nerves that detect pain coming from the heart, travel to the same general area in your spinal cord as they share the same nerve pathway.

“These signals then work their way up to the brain. So, in essence your jaw is signalling pain on behalf of your heart.”

Loose or lost teeth

If your teeth are wobbly or falling out, it may be a sign of advanced gum disease. But it can also be an early indicator of osteoporosis, which decreases bone density and weakens bones.

“There have been studies showing links between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw which the teeth anchor into,” explained Dr Mahmood. “This should be investigated further if you’re experiencing random tooth loss.”

Changes to tooth enamel and surface

Changes in the surfaces of your teeth can tell us a lot, Dr Mahmood revealed. Keep an eye on the appearance of yours.

“If the teeth appear eroded and translucent, that can often be indicative of an eating disorder like bulimia or acid reflux,” he explained. “Stomach acid is abrasive and can steadily wear away at tooth enamel. Excessive vomiting can also prompt dry mouth, dry and cracked lips, loss of tooth enamel, swollen salivary glands and sensitive teeth.”

Bad breath

Also known as halitosis, bad breath can occur as a result of a dry mouth or certain foods and drinks. But gum disease and gingivitis could also be the cause of bad breath.

“Bad breath can also be symptomatic for something underlying, something more serious,” said Dr Mahmood. “It could be a pointer to a sinus infection, diabetes, a chronic lung infection, liver or kidney disease.”

Mouth sores and lumps

You should have any new lesions checked with your dentist. He added: “These sores can sometimes be the results of a fungal infection or something more serious, so always best to get checked out. Oral cancer often starts as a small white or red spot or sore in the mouth and it is more likely to affect smokers or alcohol drinkers.”