Don't Be Down in the Mouth

They say eyes are the window to the soul, but the mouth also reflects our overall health.

Good oral hygiene not only helps to make or break your teeth and gums, it can also determine your susceptibility to diabetes, heart disease or strokes.

Here we look at some of the most common mouth problems.

• Mouth Ulcers: They are the small sores inside your mouth caused by accidentally biting or grazing the inside of your cheeks or lips. Usually, gargling with a teaspoon of salt in a tumbler of warm water will help the ulcer to heal. Otherwise, mouthwashes and gels which contain an antiseptic called chlorhexidine may help them heal faster.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease can vary from a mild inflammation of the gums -- called gingivitis -- to advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Plaque builds up on the teeth and the bacteria in it produces toxins. Often the only sign of gingivitis will be bleeding gums when brushing your teeth. But in more serious cases of periodontitis, the ligaments that attach the gum to your teeth will begin to recede and your teeth may fall out. Visit your dentist if your gums seem red or bleed easily, or if you have bad breath, loose teeth or regular mouth infections.
• Dry Mouth: Also known as xerostomia, it can also be brought on by hormonal changes or some medications. Symptoms include a dry and burning sensation in the mouth, cracked lips, bad breath, mouth sores and a dry, rough tongue. You can reduce the effects of dry mouth by increasing your fluid intake and taking frequent sips of water. Some products, such as gels, sprays and mouthwash, can also help.
• Mouth Cancer: It kills nearly 1,700 people in the UK every year, with most cases linked to tobacco and alcohol. Over-exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk of cancer of the lips. Mouth cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth and may seem as painless as an ulcer that doesn't heal normally. A white or red patch in the mouth can also become cancerous, so it's essential that you see your dentist if you have any of these symptoms. This type of cancer is usually spotted in its early stages by your dentist, which means there is a good chance of curing it. Cutting down on smoking and drinking, and eating a diet rich in vitamins A, C and E, will help protect against the development of mouth cancer. Also look for any changes in your mouth and use sunscreen on lips when exposed to the sun.