Riverside Dental

Make An Appointment
  • Home
  • About
    • Riverside Drive Office
    • Washington Office
  • Services
    • Smile Gallery
    • Bruxism
    • Composite Fillings
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Dentures
    • Dental Emergency
    • Dental Implants
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Veneers
  • New Patient Info
    • New Patient Forms
  • Community
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Financing
  • Contact
    • Riverside: 435-673-3363
    • Washington: 435-656-4441

7 Things Your Dentist Can Tell From Looking In Your Mouth

December 9, 2020 By Riverside Dental Leave a Comment

What Your Dentist Can Tell From Looking In Your Mouth
You might think that your doctor knows your overall health best, but did you know that your mouth is actually a picture window into your overall health? Yes, your dentist can give you an updated report on your cavities but good dental health can also be a good indication of your overall health. Dentists and dental hygienists may be the first ones to see signs of disease, eating disorders, pregnancy, and evidence of a high-stress life due to the signs that are evident in the mouth. Has your dentist ever asked you any of these questions or made similar comments while looking in your mouth?

1. Did You Suck Your Thumb?

Your dentist may have noticed an open bite when looking in your mouth. The pressure that the thumb puts on one’s teeth when thumb sucking can affect tooth alignment and jaw development. When it comes to thumb suckers, most kids have broken the habit by the time they are 4 years old. Thumb sucking isn’t a big concern for kids until the ages of 6 years old and beyond because this is when the permanent teeth erupt.

2. Have You Ever Had An Eating Disorder?

Dry mouth and enlarged salivary glands are common signs that can be seen in the mouth of someone who battles eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Vomiting can cause problems with the teeth due to acidity. Acid erosion, due to vomiting, is most commonly seen on the lingual surfaces of the teeth, especially on the upper anterior teeth.

3. You Have A Sinus Infection!

Pain is the #1 reason that patients visit their dentist beyond preventative care. You may have visited your dentist for tooth pain only to be told that you actually have a sinus infection. At Riverside Dental Care, we have a variety of services to help you!

4. Have You Ever Been Tested For Diabetes?

People with poorly controlled diabetes are at greater risk for dental problems. They’re more likely to have infections of their gums because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. High blood sugar may also cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. Sudden changes in bone levels and the sight of unhealthy gum tissue despite good homecare, may lead your dentist to ask about your blood sugar levels.

5. Is There Any Chance That You Are Expecting?

Along with pregnancy comes many changes in hormones. This change can lead to more progesterone and estrogen in a women’s saliva and often more inflammation can be seen in her gum tissue. Dentists and dental hygienists have noted that many females have more sensitivity and tend to bleed more easily when they were expecting.

6. Have You Neglected Flossing?

You’ve neglected to floss for 6 months and chances are that you aren’t going to fool your dentist by quickly doing aggressive flossing prior to your appointment. Your gum tissue is likely inflamed and bleeds easily if you haven’t been flossing. When you aggressively floss before your dental appointment, you can actually do more damage than good by putting cuts into your gum tissue. The other giveaway is that flossing will never remove the hard tartar buildup that has been building up between your teeth over the past 6 months.

7. Have You Noticed More Stress In Your Life Lately?

Increased stress levels may bring on more canker sores and even more teeth grinding. You may not even be aware that you are grinding your teeth at night, but overtime your dentist will see that you have by the wear on your teeth.

Seeing your dentist on a regular basis is important for more than just checking for cavities! Dental health can be an indication of your overall health. To schedule your next appointment, give us a call or schedule an appointment online.

Filed Under: General Dentistry

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Send your Resume

  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 8 MB.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Make An Appointment

Meet Riverside Dental Care

Let us be your St. George Dentist! As the premier St. George dental office, we work hard to make sure you enjoy your trip to the dentist by providing the most advanced dental care. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 435-673-3363 or click on the link above and fill out the Appointment Request Form.

Recent Blog Posts

  • Transform Your Smile with Riverside Dental Group’s Expert Cosmetic Dentistry

    At Riverside Dental Group, we believe a confident smile can change your...
  • Protect Your Smile: How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease in Utah’s Dry Climate

    Utah is no stranger to extreme temperatures. Our state experiences blazing summers...
  • The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Disease: What St. George Residents Need to Know

    When you visit your dentist, usually you hear lectures about flossing and...
  • The Truth About Dry Mouth: Why St. George’s Climate Might Be Affecting Your Oral Health

    Living in St. George, Utah, you're probably used to the stunning red...
  • Sedation Dentistry in St. George: Making Dental Visits Comfortable and Stress-Free

    Fear of going to the dentist is a real thing. It even...
  • The Top 5 Benefits of Dental Implants for a Healthy, Confident Smile

    Missing a tooth? That can make it difficult to chew, to speak,...
  • Smile Makeovers in St. George: Achieving the Smile of Your Dreams

    Your smile is often the first thing people notice. It affects your...
  • Top 5 Dental Care Tips for St. George Families – Riverside Dental Group Shares Expert Advice

    At Riverside Dental Group, we know that maintaining a healthy smile is...
  • How to Choose the Best Dentist in St. George, Utah

    Choosing the right dentist for you and your family is an important...
  • Why Regular Dental Cleanings Are Essential for Your Overall Health

    Taking care of your teeth isn't just about having a sparkling smile....

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment you can call us at

(435) 673-3363

Or click on the "Request Appointment" button below to fill out our online form.

Make an appointment

If you have a dental Emergency, please call this number for help:

(435) 673-3363


stgeorgesmiles@gmail.com

LINKS

  • New Patients
  • Patient Forms
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Financing Options
  • Dental Services
  • Dental Emergency
  • About Us
  • Reviews
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Contact

Washington Location

(435) 656-4441
826 S 3000 E Ste 2
St George, UT 84790
Get Directions

Riverside Location

(435) 673-3363
368 E. Riverside Dr. Ste 2A
St. George, UT 84790
Get Directions
Copyright © 2025 Riverside Dental Care. All Rights Reserved
MENU
  • Home
  • About
    • Riverside Drive Office
    • Washington Office
  • Services
    • Smile Gallery
    • Bruxism
    • Composite Fillings
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Dentures
    • Dental Emergency
    • Dental Implants
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Veneers
  • New Patient Info
    • New Patient Forms
  • Community
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Financing
  • Contact
    • Riverside: 435-673-3363
    • Washington: 435-656-4441
Make an appointment
Washington Location Appointment
Riverside Location Appointment