There are lots of little warning signs that point towards high cholesterol – but some are more hidden than others
A dentist will have a clear view of your entire mouth – especially the parts you have no way of seeing on your own whilst brushing your teeth. It’s here that they could pick up on some of the warning signs your cholesterol could be heading in the wrong direction.
It might seem like there’s no obvious link between teeth and cholesterol, but there are a few different telltale signs that something needs checking by a doctor. A dentist should be able to spot any problems with your gums that you could have missed.
Issues with blood flow, such as artery blockages, mean your gums might not be getting the oxygen they require. This can make them more susceptible to gum disease.
According to Harvard Health, gum disease can develop into problems like gingivitis and periodontitis. These cause the gums to become red, swollen, tender, or bleed easily.
Daily toothbrushing and flossing can prevent and even reverse an early stage of gum disease. If your dentist says you have gingivitis, ask for a brushing and flossing demonstration to make sure you’re doing both correctly.
High cholesterol can also increase the risk of dry mouth, making it difficult to chew and speak. Dry mouth can also increase the risk of tooth decay and oral infections.
Booking a dentist appointment if you are concerned will often put your mind at rest. Or, if problems are starting, the experts can help come up with a plan to treat or prevent further damage to your teeth.
High cholesterol has no specific symptoms until it leads to other serious health problems. This is why many consider it a silent killer, as the issue can go unnoticed or ignored for years until something life-threatening happens – like a heart attack or stroke.
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of high cholesterol is by having a blood test. You can complete this with your GP and get the results fairly quickly.
