A dentist can tell a lot about a person’s lifestyle from looking inside their mouth, Glamour Magazine reports. The condition of the teeth, gums, and tongue hold vital information about diet, oral hygiene practices, and the presence of disease.
According to the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), over 13 million adults in the UK missed dental appointments during 2020. The association carried out a survey which showed that nearly half of the UK’s 27.8 million households had at least one adult who missed an appointment, either because of lockdown, or through personal preference.
Dentists fear that missed routine check-ups will lead to early signs of mouth cancer or gum disease going unnoticed. Symptoms such as bad breath and bleeding gums are classic signs of disease, as are swollen and sore gums. In the early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, and if left untreated, it develops into periodontitis, which damages supporting tissues.
Eventually the gums can become so damaged that teeth may fall out. Other red flags dentists look out for are chipped teeth, which can be a sign that a cavity has weakened the tooth. They may also be a sign that the individual is grinding their teeth, which can be brought on by stress, and may be a subconscious process.
Another very common problem is stained or discoloured teeth, which can be a sign of over-consumption of tea, coffee, and red wine. Yellowed teeth can affect a person’s self-esteem, making them feel self-conscious about talking and smiling.
The problem can be treated at home with tooth whitening kits, or by a professional course of treatment at a dental clinic. If the case is very severe, dentists may recommend the application of veneers, which are bonded to the surface of the tooth to give a natural looking covering, which is whiter than the existing tooth.
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