This Is What Your Dentist First Notices About You

When you recline in the dental chair and open your mouth real wide, do you ever wonder what your dentist sees? Your mouth is a fascinating window into your overall health. Beyond merely identifying cavities or gum diseases, dental professionals are trained to detect many potential health concerns that start or manifest in your oral cavity.

Dr. Jeffrey Sulitzer, Chief Clinical Officer with SmileDirectClub, explains that dentists initially look for signs of tooth decay or gum disease—such as dental cavities or swollen gums—especially at the point where the tooth meets the gum. “These cues often reveal poor oral hygiene,” Dr. Sulitzer says, including “improper brushing, lack of flossing, and/or a high-sugar diet.” Bad breath, bleeding gums, and canker sores also hint at poor oral health.

Keep reading this article on The Healthy.