You likely think about cavities and gum health when you go to a dental appointment, but the professionals who look inside your mouth can detect a lot more than that.
“You can tell a lot about someone’s health and habits just by looking inside their mouth,” registered dental hygienist Tajah Ferjuste told HuffPost. “The mouth really is a window to overall health. As hygienists, we’re trained to recognize signs that point to deeper issues.”
The mouth is also considered the “gateway” to the body, as it may be the source of problems in many different systems. The link between oral wellness and overall wellness extends to heart health, endocrine health, digestion, fertility and more.
“The bacteria in your mouth don’t stay in your mouth ― they’re connected to your whole body,” said registered dental hygienist and coach Amber Auger. “Small changes in oral care can have ripple effects on your total health.”
So what exactly can a dental hygienist infer about you from the state of your mouth? We asked some professionals to share what they’ve noticed.
