Of course, your breathing will remind you of the garlic you eat for lunch. But this is not what your mouth tells you: problems with gums, teeth and tongue can indicate physical health problems. There are four oral symptoms here, and you should see a doctor or dentist.

If you suddenly have a bunch of fangs

May mean: diabetes

Suppose you don't have tooth decay for most of your life; then in every two years, your dentist announces that you have five tooth decays. Assuming you are not addicted to soda or taking any new medications, tooth decay may be a sign that your body has difficulty handling glucose. When this happens, sugar accumulates in the saliva and stimulates the growth of bacteria in the mouth. You may also feel toothache, especially after eating sweets, hot food or cold food. According to records, tooth decay is not the only oral side effect of diabetes. Gum disease, oral thrush and dry mouth are other causes.

If your teeth are "wearing"

May mean: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Heartburn can happen to anyone. But if you have experienced more than twice a week for several weeks, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, a disease in which stomach acid leaks into the esophagus. Although some people have a "burning" feeling in their chest or throat, others have no symptoms at all.

When stomach acid reaches the mouth, it wears the enamel on the teeth. Erosion of GERD usually occurs on the lingual side of the tooth. A person may not notice this because it can happen very slowly, but the dentist will notice regular checkups. If you are diagnosed with GERD, you may be treated with antacids, prescription drugs, and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and eating smaller, more frequent foods.

If you brush your teeth, bleeding gums

May mean: gingivitis

Unless you are just beginning to floss your teeth or brush your teeth too hard (in this case, relax!), the blood in the sink may indicate that the inflammation of the gum tissue is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the gum line. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more severe periodontitis, which can retract from the teeth and form an infected pocket. This may mean troubles beyond your mouth: A study published in the American Heart Journal found that people with periodontitis are also more susceptible to heart disease, but it is unclear whether care for your teeth can protect your heart. disease.

If you think you may have gingivitis, make an appointment with the dentist. Also make sure you are using the right toothbrush (a less stiff toothbrush), remember to gently floss: The American Dental Association recommends that people gently "guide" the floss between your teeth - at Do not look back and forth on the floss before the floss is scraped to the gums.

If you have white spots on your tongue

May mean: aphthous

White plaques or plaques can be symptoms of oral thrush, infections caused by excessive growth of Candida yeast. This is not very common, but people with diabetes, dry mouth or low immune system are more likely to develop the disease. Other symptoms of infection include redness, difficulty swallowing, or cracking of the corners of the mouth. If you have thrush, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications.