Your mouth can tell a lot about your health, including early signs of cancer and vitamin deficiencies

People often think that mouth health is restricted only to one’s dental hygiene. However, your mouth can tell a lot about other health complications as well. Oral health is about more than just fresh breath and can help in early identification of potentially serious conditions.

From the smell of one's breath to the colour of tongue and state of gums, there are a range of signals of your overall health in your mouth. The earlier these health conditions are identified from these mouth signals, the easier they will be to manage and treat.

If your gums are pale or bleed when you brush, it could be a sign of gum disease, which can also lead to other health problems.

Scientists from Harvard University have found that patients with gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke. It could be caused by inflammation which can lead to hardened arteries and raised heart disease risk.

Swollen or bleeding gums can also be a sign of vitamin deficiencies. Taking a multivitamin and omega-3 fish oil can help to support nutritional insufficiencies.

It is completely normal to have a slight white coating on your tongue.

However, sometimes this coating can be a sign of an infection or a more serious condition such as cancer. Unusual white patches may be cancerous and should be investigated by a doctor and immediately treated.

White tongue can also be a sign of a less serious condition known as oral lichen planus or oral thrush, and geographic tongue.

These could also be a sign of the STI syphilis which must be taken seriously and treated quickly. If syphilis is left untreated, it can lead to a range of serious health complications.

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Mouth ulcers are normally harmless and heal in a few days or weeks, depending on what caused them in the first place. Some mild issues include biting inside the cheek, poor-fitting dentures, toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulphate and food sensitivities.

However, mouth ulcers can also be a sign of hormonal changes, deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc and iron.

These could also be caused by hand, foot and mouth disease, oral lichen planus, Crohn's disease and coeliac disease or a weakened immune system from having a health condition like HIV or lupus.

Bad breath is perhaps the most notable sign in the mouth that something is wrong with your health. Apart from poor oral hygiene or eating something that can temporarily cause bad breath, if you are experiencing it on a regular basis, it can be a sign of gum disease.

Inflammation in the nose, sinuses or throat can also cause bad breath. Diseases, such as some cancers, and conditions such as metabolic disorders, can also cause a bad breath odour. Stomach acids reflux are also associated with bad breath.

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Another health problem sign revealed by the mouth are corner cracks which could be a sign of deficiencies of iron, zinc, or B vitamins.

These cracks could also indicate that there is a problem with your digestive system. People with inflammatory digestive disorders – coeliac disease, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis – may exhibit corner cracks.

Corner cracks may be healed by increasing your dietary vitamin intake. Since these signs could be caused by any harmless or serious factor, it is best to consult your doctor or dentist for a check-up.

Mouth cancer can develop in any of the parts of the mouth -- lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth and floor of the mouth.

Signs of mouth cancer include loose teeth, a lip or mouth sore that doesn't heal, a white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth, a growth or lump inside your mouth, mouth pain and difficulty or pain in swallowing.

Along with these mouth-related symptoms, vitamin deficiencies can also be present in other signs:

• Brittle hair and nails
• Poor night vision and white growths on the eyes
• Scaly patches and dandruff
• Hair loss
• Red or white bumps on the skin
• Restless leg syndrome

If any of these symptoms last for longer than a few weeks, it is best to consult your doctor or dentist for a thorough examination.

These symptoms might seem mild and not a cause of much concern, but the fact that these are signs of deeper health issues or can risk other health problems should be taken into consideration.