Good oral hygiene not only makes or breaks your teeth and gums – it can also determine your susceptibility to diabetes, heart disease or strokes.

So taking a look inside that deep cavern could help save your life, says Pamela Coates, of the British Dental Health Founda-tion. "Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and be passed around the body or they can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory problems," she explains.

"So the more bacteria you have in your mouth, the higher your risk of other health problems. But it's relatively easy to remove the plaque on your teeth – and then you won't have any bacteria to pass around."

Here we look at some of the most common mouth problems and what can be done to treat them.

Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are the small sores inside your mouth caused by accidentally biting or grazing the inside of your cheeks or lips, while eating or using a toothbrush incorrectly.

"Up to two thirds of people get bouts of mouth ulcers at some point in their lives but they're more common in young adults and children," says Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers.

Usually, gargling with a teaspoon of salt in a tumbler of warm water will help the ulcer to heal, says Coates.

Otherwise, mouthwashes and gels that contain an antiseptic called chlorhexidine may help reduce the pain and can help ulcers heal faster.

But beware if your ulcer doesn't heal quickly.

"If you have an ulcer for more than three weeks, you should visit your dentist, as there might be something serious going on," warns Coates.

Gum disease

Gum disease is linked to potential risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, premature birth, low birth weight babies and infertility, according to the foundation.

People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease than those without, as bacteria from the mouth enters the bloodstream, sticks to fatty deposits in the blood vessels of the heart and makes clots more likely to form.

Pregnant women should also be aware that gum disease can make them seven times more likely to have a premature and low birthweight baby as gum disease raises the levels of the biological fluids that bring on labour. "Gum disease can vary from a mild inflammation of the gums – called gingivitis – to advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis," Chalmers explains.

Keep your gums healthy by cleaning your teeth properly, paying particular attention to where the gum meets the tooth. Visit your dentist if your gums seem red or swollen or bleed easily, or if you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth, bad breath, loose teeth or regular mouth infections.

Dry mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a normal symptom of ageing but can also be brought on by hormonal changes or medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers and antidepressants.

Symptoms include a dry and burning sensation in the mouth, cracked lips, bad breath, mouth sores and a dry and rough tongue.

Less saliva in the mouth can also result in oral tissues drying out, allowing bacteria to penetrate and enter the bloodstream.

Saliva contains enzymes which help to break down your food and help you swallow. But it also acts as a cleanser, constantly wash- ing around your mouth and teeth, helping to keep your teeth clean and fight decay.
You can reduce the effects of dry mouth by increasing your fluid intake and taking frequent sips of water, says Chalmers.

There are also a number of products designed to provide moisture and comfort to help with dry mouth, like gels, sprays or mouthwash, which stimulate salivary flow and can help prevent tooth and gum problems.

Mouth cancer
Mouth cancer kills nearly 1,700 people in the UK every year, with most cases linked to tobacco and alcohol, according to the foundation. Over-exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk of cancer of the lips.
Mouth cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth, and may seem as painless as an ulcer that doesn't heal normally.

A white or red patch in the mouth can also become cancerous, so it's essential that you see your dentist if you have any of these symptoms.

This type of cancer is usually spotted in its early stages by your dentist, which means there is a good chance of curing it.

Cutting down on smoking and drinking, and eating a diet rich in vitamins A, C and E will all help protect against the development of mouth cancer.

Top tips

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of our teeth – go for a toothpaste with around 1,350 to 1,500ppm (parts per million) to it.


• Try to keep off the orange juice. New science has found that citric acid damages tooth enamel.


• Exercise. People who stay fit are 40 per cent less likely to develop gum infections.


• Stop smoking. Smokers are vulnerable to gum disease, which can lead to tooth staining, bad breath and mouth cancer.