What does your smile say about you? The quality of your smile can be an indicator of your health. Oral tissues, particularly your gums, provide important clues about what is going on inside your body. Your oral health can also point to risk factors for certain diseases. In order to avoid said diseases, you should see your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and checkups to rule out health complications.

If you're curious as to how your teeth are the window to your overall health, here are three oral health indicators that may be affected by or contribute to other diseases.

Early tooth loss may be linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Recent research suggests that tooth loss before age 35 is linked to Alzheimer's disease.  In general, you are likely to suffer from tooth loss if you also suffer from gum disease, such as periodontitis and gingivitis. According to a recent study, the bacteria that causes gum disease has also been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, providing a link between this form of dementia and your oral health.

While the underlying causes of Alzheimer 's disease are not yet known, you can still combat associated risk factors such as gum disease by keeping your mouth clean and healthy.

Bone loss in your jaw can be caused by osteoporosis.

Your jaw bone supports and anchors your teeth. If you have osteoporosis, then your bones become fragile and start to break down. As your jaw bone's tissues begin to falter, then you may notice tooth loss. Dental X-rays taken during a routine dental visits can reveal if you have osteoporosis based on analysis of your bone density.

You can strengthen your bones and your teeth by eating a balanced diet that is rich in calcium. Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, milk, and cheese help to fortify bones and teeth by providing minerals to rebuild mass.

Rampant gum disease has been linked to diabetes.

When you have diabetes, your body has a lower capacity for fighting bacteria. Rampant bacterial infections in your mouth cause gum disease. Gum disease is characterized by inflamed gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and bleeding from your gums when you brush or floss.

If you are a stickler for oral hygiene but you still suffer from rampant gum disease symptoms, get checked out by your dentist. Your dentist may help you identify a concurrent condition, such as diabetes. You might also be referred to a cosmetic dentistry to help reconstruct your smile.

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