First signs of underlying illness are in your mouth

Dental problems could be the first sign something is wrong with your health. Look into your oral health and it would be easier to find out if you are suffering from heart disease, diabetics or even Alzheimer's, says Steven Lin, a world-renowned Australian dental nutritionist.

"Learn the signs and make the right changes, and your smile will reveal great oral and overall health," the author was quoted as saying by Femail.

For instance, gums that bleed too much should be immediately checked as it is an indication that your body is experiencing excess inflammation.

According to Lin, this inflammation can also indicate an imbalance in the gut. "Every time you swallow, thousands of bacteria are sent through your digestive tract. So when the microbiome in your mouth is out of balance, as it is when you have gum disease, the effects are felt all over your body," Lin explained.

Bleeding gums could be an indication that you are suffering from either a heart attack or Type II diabetes.

Meanwhile, teeth grinding is a sign of sleep disorders.

"For a long time in my practice, I noticed many patients - usually in their twenties and usually women - who suffered from digestive problems like constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome, along with cold hands and feet, anxiety, and/or depression," Lin said.

"They often had worn-out, flattened teeth that told me they were nighttime teeth grinders. What did all of these people have in common? Small jaws that didn't support their airways.

"For many years, dentists would prescribe a splint to stop the damage to their teeth. What no one realized, however, was that these women had a worse problem than worn teeth. They were showing telltale signs of sleep-disordered breathing."

Snoring, Lin said, is linked to a number of diseases including Alzheimer's and heart disease.

"In a severe apnea (snoring), the consistent interruption to breathing can disrupt the flow of oxygen to the brain and damage the parts that regulate brain pressure and heart rate," said Lin. "This can lead to serious issues like dementia and heart disease. So while snoring may seem harmless, it's important to realise that its long-term consequences can be severe."