Tastemaker

Health

GOOD LIVING

THE ORAL REPORT

If something looks or feels amiss when you chew, chat,

brush, or say ahh,

don’t ignore it. Your mouth might be trying to tell you something important about your overall health.

TEXT BY NAOMI BARR

THE MOUTH IS A NATURAL COMMUNICATOR, in more ways than you may realize. It’s home to over 500 strains of good and bad bacteria (thankfully, mostly the former). The trouble-causing germs can spread like gossip to other parts of your body through the bloodstream, and possibly contribute to serious health issues, from cardiovascular disease to diabetes, pneumonia, and Alzheimer’s. But information flows the other way, too, and a stinging pain on your tongue can indicate a vitamin deficiency, a food allergy, or even hormonal changes. Read on to learn about the broader health messages your mouth can send, from subtle cues to cries for help.

THE SIGN A PAINFUL SORE

Translation: Chances are you’re run down, and your ulcer (aka canker sore) is telling you to get some rest already. “They often appear when your immune system is weakened by a cold, fatigue, or emotional stress,” says dentist Mark Wolff, Ph.D., chair of the department of cariology and comprehensive care at New York University College of Dentistry. However, food sensitivities, period- related hormonal shifts, gastro- intestinal issues, a potential irritant in toothpaste (some studies have found a link between canker sores and sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming agent), and even accidentally biting your cheek can trigger sores too. Treatment: Expect 7 to 10 days of shock and ow. An over-the- counter topical gel, cream, or liquid (look for one that contains an anesthetic, like benzocaine; an antiseptic, like hydrogen peroxide; or both) can dull the pain and help it heal, says Wolff. “Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water each night may work as well,” he adds, since salt helps reduce inflammation. If your canker sores crop up more often than the common cold, consider tracking them in a diary. That way you can cut out any spicy or acidic foods that may be causing them or, if they coincide with recurring deadlines, try to fit in some yoga or meditation to offset the stress.

THE SIGN A DRY MOUTH

Translation: Oversipping at happy hour or feeling nervous can bring on a temporary cottony sensation. (So can a sinus issue or