Don't rinse after brushing: Dentist explains why and what else your mouth could be trying to tell you

A good dentist knows a lot about you without so much as a single word passing your lips. As well as the physical signs of how often you (forget to) floss, a dental pro can spot a preference for sparkling over tap, whether you're low in iron and even how much you stress while you sleep. 

Because pretty much everything you do, or don't do, affects your oral health. Your mouth is the gateway to your respiratory and digestive system, so bacteria lurking on gums and teeth can move south and throw the microbiome out of whack, causing inflammation and disease. Equally, changes in your body can also affect your dental health - menopause can cause dry mouth, which is uncomfortable at best and causes infection at worst. Here's what else a session in the chair can reveal about your health.

Gum disease