What Dentists Can Tell About You Just By Looking In Your Mouth

When you go to the dentist, you’re likely focused on matters like cavities and gum health. But dental experts can detect a lot more from your exam.

“A lot about someone’s overall health can be observed just by looking in their mouth,” Dr. Kami Hoss, a dentist and author of “If Your Mouth Could Talk,” told HuffPost. “In fact, over 100 systemic conditions and many medications can have oral manifestations. This means that what happens in the mouth can often be a window into broader health issues, helping to identify problems before they escalate.”

Because the mouth is considered the “gateway” to the body, it can also be the origin of problems in many different bodily systems.

The mouth’s microbes “can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums or open root canals and travel to other parts of the body, causing infections or inflammation,” Hoss noted.

That’s why routine dental checkups are so important.

“A comprehensive oral examination can provide valuable insights into a person’s overall health and lifestyle habits, helping dental professionals identify potential issues and provide appropriate care and recommendations,” said cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael J. Wei.

So what exactly can a dentist infer about you from the state of your mouth? We asked some professionals to share what they’ve seen.

If You Floss Regularly… Or Rarely

“Unfortunately, dentists can’t be fooled into thinking you floss regularly if you floss just right before your visit,” said Dr. Erin Fraundorf, an orthodontist and founder of BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio. “Gum tissue that is not flossed regularly looks red, inflamed and may bleed.”

She noted that healthy gums are pink and smooth with a “knife-edge” instead of puffy.

“As soon as your dentist