5 Signs Your Dental Health Needs Attention
Keeping your teeth and gums in excellent condition requires plenty of care and dedication on your part. But what exactly should you be on the lookout for that could signify that your dental health isn’t quite what it should be? Here are five signs that your dental health might need some extra attention and that a visit to your dentist is in order.
Table of Contents
5 Dental Signs Needs Your Attention
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums, or redness and swelling at the gum line, are often the first signs of gum disease. The scary reality is that you probably won’t notice any symptoms when this particular oral health concern is present. That is until the disease is quite advanced and has already caused irreversible damage. Hence the reason why regular check-ups at your dentist are such a vital aspect of dental care!
Bad breath
Everyone gets bad breath now and again – especially in the morning or after eating a particularly spicy meal. However, when it is present most of the time, it can become a cause for concern. Suppose you are brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and eating a healthy diet, and you still notice an unpleasant odor. In that case, it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist to rule out other potential causes, like infection, diseases, and particular mouth, nose, and throat conditions.
Toothache
Never ignore any persistent pain in your teeth or one specific tooth. Pain is a sure-fire sign that something is wrong, with the most likely culprit being tooth decay. If treated quickly, tooth decay or a cavity can be easily rectified. However, if left untreated, the damage can worsen and eventually reach the affected tooth’s inner nerve.
Toothache can also be a sign of a cracked or broken tooth, or it could indicate that you have developed tooth sensitivity. Either way, swift action is recommended.
Read: Common Dental Problems
Growths inside the mouth
Familiarize yourself with the inside of your mouth so that you are bound to notice when something new appears. Growths in the mouth (most tend to appear on the tongue or the inner cheek) are usually harmless and benign. However, there are cases when they can be more sinister and could signify oral cancer. Head to your dentist quickly if you notice a growth that does not disappear on its own within a few days of its appearance.
Dry mouth
A dry mouth occurs when your body isn’t producing enough saliva. Often, this problem presents simply because you are not drinking enough water. Various other health conditions could cause a dry mouth, such as diabetes (1) or autoimmune diseases. Certain medications can also harm saliva production.
Do your best to hydrate well and set up a consult with your dentist if the increase in water intake doesn’t resolve the problem.
No matter how busy life gets, it’s critical to continue paying attention to your teeth and gums and to keep an eye out for any recent changes. Your general health depends on it!
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