Mouths tell dentists a lot about people’s oral hygiene habits. Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, shared five things they reveal to dentists.
Flossing right before your dental appointment doesn’t fool the dentist. The dentist knows you skipped flossing for months.
“Puffy, swollen and bleeding gums are signs you aren’t flossing,” Safar said. “Bleeding gums are signs that plaque has been sitting there for a while. Hardened tartar between teeth, bad breath, and even early cavities in those tight spaces are also clues.”
Healthy gums are pink and smooth, and they don’t bleed with gentle brushing or flossing.
“It’s never too late to begin a flossing routine to help remove the bacteria your toothbrush can’t reach and keep your gums firm, healthy, and comfortable,” Safar said.
When you go to the dentist for your twice-a-year cleaning, it’s more than maintaining a healthy mouth. The dentist is looking for signs of cancer.
“Swollen lymph nodes and lumps are red flags,” he said. “Unusual sores that aren’t healing or lesions or white patches on the inside of the mouth or gums are also concerning.”
The shape of your tongue can reveal how well you breathe at night. If you snore, you might notice little waves or dents along the sides of your tongue. This is called a scalloped tongue, and it can happen when your tongue presses against your teeth because your airway is slightly restricted during sleep, Safar said.
“Treatment could be as easy as fabricating a custom snoring device,” he said.
A scalloped tongue can also be caused by teeth grinding, a naturally larger tongue, dehydration, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or sleep apnea.
“If sleep apnea is a concern, your dentist can work with your medical doctor or a sleep specialist to decide whether further testing–such as a sleep study–would be helpful,” Safar said.
Pale gums or a pale, smooth or sore tongue can be signs of anemia, often caused by low iron. Without enough iron or vitamin B12, mouth tissues can look pale, feel tender and become more prone to infection; a severe B12 deficiency may cause a “beefy red” tongue. If untreated, it can lead to nerve problems such as numbness or tingling in hands and feet. Anemia can also change how things taste, sometimes causing a metallic taste.
“A blood test can determine the diagnosis of this easily treatable condition,” Safar said.
That you have a soda habit
Soft drinks are acidic and can slowly wear away tooth enamel. With repeated exposure, they can start to affect the underlying dentin and even some fillings.
“You don’t need to give them up completely, but limiting how often you sip them is key,” Safar said. “Water, milk, and unsweetened tea are the safest everyday choices, while sodas, sports drinks, and citrus juices are best saved for occasional use. If you do have them, drink them with meals, avoid sipping over long periods, and rinse with water afterward.”
Early enamel softening can often be strengthened again with fluoride and saliva, he said. Once enamel or dentin is worn away, the loss is permanent and needs dental treatment for repair.