Cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues can seriously affect a person's health.

Because of developmental problems, age, or acquired physical problems, some individuals are not able to communicate that they are having discomfort or pain. That's an opportunity for family members and care givers to listen to what behaviors may be telling them about medical conditions.

Behaviors that may be telling you about dental disorders:

• Avoids foods that are hot, cold, hard, crunchy, or chewy
• Feels as if something is caught in the throat
• Cupping chin or jaw in hand

Other factors that may indicate the presence of dental concerns:

• Poor oral hygiene: Teeth need cleaning, many cavities
• Bad breath
• Red or bleeding gums
• Dry mouth
• Loose teeth
• Can't open mouth as widely as usual
• White or red patches inside the mouth; sores in the mouth or on the lips that don't heal in 7-10 days
• Loss of weight due to pain when chewing, swallowing
• Numbness over face or mouth area
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Down syndrome--prone to gum disease
• Prader-Willi syndrome--problems with tooth enamel
• Inability to concentrate due to discomfort

Do you think someone's behavior may be telling you about dental problems? Talk with your doctor or other health care provider. They can work with you to learn whether this is the case.

A Checklist of What Behaviors Tell Us

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