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For many people, their teeth are completely separate from the rest of their body. They are functional, and at times beautiful, but they don't interfere with any other body part.
Well, this is something of a myth. There are big similarities, and this is something that has stretched back since the beginning of time even back to the dinosaur age).
Through today's post we will now take a look at some of the oral areas you need to keep one eye on if you are serious about staying on top of your overall health.
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Your teeth can point to type 2 diabetes
If you have ever suffered with any form of gum disease, you'll know the importance of staying on top of it.
However, if this gum disease is showing no signs of getting any better, it could be a sign of early type 2 diabetes. This was found during a study several years ago, where initial links between gum disease and previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes were found. Scientists believe that the main reason for this is that those suffering from diabetes are more susceptible to infection.
They can point to vitamin deficiencies
If your mouth doesn't have enough vitamins, it's going to struggle more to fight off plaque and the other types of oral bacteria.
There are of course different vitamin deficiencies. If you are lacking vitamin D or A, the enamel on your teeth is likely to be affected. Then, in the case of vitamin B, this is something that is more likely to impact your gums
Your dentist might diagnose an eating disorder
Of course, any dentist worth their salt isn't going to diagnose an eating disorder immediately - but they can spot the initial signs. Whether or not they are at liberty to flag them is another matter, but the point we’re trying to make is that those first symptoms are shown in your mouth.
For example, let's hone in on bulimia. Some studies that the vast majority of patients struggling with this condition also show tooth erosion due to the bile acid which passes through their mouth so frequently.
There's a small connection with osteoporosis
Admittedly, the studies for this next connection are a little more limited, but there are still signs which suggest that tooth problems can be linked to osteoporosis. Considering the fact that osteoporosis is something which makes your bones less dense, it ultimately means that your teeth have less support. The result? Oral health problems.
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The Alzheimer's risk
There's no doubt that this is probably the most headline-grabbing connection of them all. Like some of the other conditions we have looked at, the evidence is still quite young, but already we are seeing some experts believe that people struggling with their oral hygiene are more at risk from Alzheimer's disease.
Of course, gum disease is highly unlikely to cause dementia. The opposite could be true though, and that link between Alzheimer's and oral health problems is something that should make a lot of people sit up and take notice.