Reading the health MESSAGES from your teeth

Your mouth is a good guide to your general wellbeing, as well as your oral health. Here are some of the hidden warnings

- TANYA PEAREY

You’re anxious

Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) is often related to stress, and can result in teeth that are worn down or flat. It can also lead to headaches and jaw pain.

Ways to help

‘A mouth guard worn at night is helpful to relieve the wear on your teeth and also release the tension on your temporomandibular joint,’ says dental-health expert Dr Guy Barwell (theimplantcentre.com).

Mouth guards are available under the NHS or privately. ‘Your dentist can take impressions of either the upper or lower teeth and have one made for you,’ says Dr Barwell.

Take steps to manage your stress with relaxation techniques and/or counselling. ‘Essentially, stress management is key to learn to relax and manage stress effectively,’ says Dr Barwell.

Do jaw-stretching exercises. These can help ease soreness or headaches. ‘Gently massage your jaw muscles,’ advises osteopath Anisha Joshi. ‘Do some gentle exercises,’ she says, ‘like opening and closing your jaw to the full range of movement, to help ease the joints.’

TRY

Asking your dentist about Botox injections, which may help reduce teeth grinding.

You’re run-down

Ulcers can be common when we’re under the weather. ‘Other possible causes include nutritional deficiencies, especially of iron, folic acid and B vitamins,’ says GP Dr Sarah Brewer. White patches (leukoplakia) on your tongue and inside your mouth can be caused by smoking, alcohol or fungal infections such as oral thrush.

Ways to help