If you ever have any questions concerning your health, it is always a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. However, trying to make it into your doctor’s schedule could take weeks or even months.
Since you are the best advocate for your own health, you need to make sure that you are taking care of yourself. No one knows what is normal for you like you do.
Luckily, there are a few simple things you can check on your own to help monitor your health. These quick and easy examinations are the simple way to assess your health and keep you in the best shape possible.
- Examine your saliva. Sounds weird but stick with us. Your saliva is a barometer for your dental health. The liquid in your mouth should move freely and cover your teeth, gums, and tongue. If your saliva is especially thick or barely there at all, you could begin to suffer from it. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for tooth decay and oral infection. If you’re lucky, the easy solution to thick saliva is to drink more water. A healthy flow of water is good for your body and great for your mouth. If that doesn’t work, there are mouth moisturizers that may help you.
- What color is your tongue? If your tongue looks more pale than usual, you may be suffering from an iron deficiency. Iron helps keep the immune system in working order so it is vital that you maintain a balanced level of it in your body. If your iron deficiency is minor, it can be remedied by simply eating more iron-rich foods like kale, spinach, liver, eggs, and beef. If your beef, liver, and kale salad doesn’t get your tongue looking right, you may want to see your dentist for more help.
- Your gums shouldn’t hurt. This may seem like common knowledge but if your gums are in pain, it’s typically bad news. Brushing your teeth should not automatically cause your gums to turn red and start bleeding. Healthy gums actually enjoy a good cleaning. Get on a routine of brushing your teeth when you wake up and before you go to bed and if your gums continue to hurt, see your dentist. Painful gums could be a sign of gum disease which needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible.
By checking your oral health, you’re checking your overall health. If you want a professional to check out your mouth, let us know at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center!