Your Mouth is Talking: Are Your Listening?

In the evening before bed, I tend to just zone out while brushing my teeth. But I just found out that's a bad idea.

That two minutes gives me a chance to catch a number of health problems early… if I just take and extra minute and pay attention.

Take a look at what you can learn:
• Halitosis: Persistent bad breath means you might have a sinus infection. Rinse with mouthwash before bed. If you still have bad breath after a few days, check with your doctor to rule out infection.
• Cold Sores: The herpes virus that causes your cold sores also ups your risk of heart disease. You should learn to cope better with stress—stress is what activates the herpes virus.
• Bleeding Gums: You may have gum disease, which puts you at higher risk for heart disease and pancreatic cancer. See your dentist and cut down on your sugar.
• Painless Bumps: White or red patchy bumps or yellow gray bumps might be the first signs of oral cancer. Catch it early for the most treatment options and the best chance of a full recovery.
• A Bright Red Tongue: You might have a food allergy or you might not be getting enough of certain vitamins. Your doctor can help you figure out the problem, but you have to make an appointment.

Your mouth gives early warnings to a number of serious problems. From now on I'm going to listen to what my mouth is saying. How about you?

Heather Robwell