Cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues can seriously affect a person's health.
Behaviors That may be Telling you About Dental Disorders:
Avoids foods that are hot, cold, hard, crunchy, or chewy
Feels as if something is caught in the throat
Cupping chin or jaw in hand
Other factors that may indicate the presence of dental concerns:
Poor oral hygiene: Teeth need cleaning, many cavities
Bad breath
Red or bleeding gums
Dry mouth
Loose teeth
Can't open mouth as widely as usual
White or red patches inside the mouth; sores in the mouth or on the lips that don't heal in 7-10 days
Loss of weight due to pain when chewing, swallowing
Numbness over face or mouth area
Enlarged lymph nodes
Down syndrome--prone to gum disease
Prader-Willi syndrome--problems with tooth enamel
Inability to concentrate due to discomfort
Do you think someone's behavior may be telling you about dental problems? Talk with your doctor or other health care provider. They can work with you to learn whether this is the case.