Almost 9 out of 10 diseases can show symptoms in the mouth and this means your dentist is at the frontline for identifying serious health conditions that slowly grow in your body. This is why it is important to see the dentist at least two times each year for regular checkups and dental cleanings. While looking after your teeth and gums at home, you should watch out for new problems that may show in the mouth. It could be warning signs of severe conditions in the body and should not be ignored. Here are a few symptoms you need to look out for:
- Tooth, jaw, or gum pain,
- Loose teeth,
- Bleeding gums,
- Recurring bad breath,
- Lumps in the mouth,
- Sores or irregular patches.
In case of any of these signs, you need to head to the dentist immediately. The dentist will be able to diagnose specific dental issues that might be slowly developing. It can ensure timely treatment and recovery. Let us take a look at some of the signs that show your oral health deteriorating.
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Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene
Mouth and Jaw pain
Besides the symptoms like cold sores, mouth and jaw pain are signs of stress. It can contribute to many physical and mental disorders and a dentist can help you identify the reason behind it. The source of jaw discomfort is caused by simple conditions like gum disease, sinus problems, or even a toothache. An expert Rio Rancho dentist at Rio Rancho Smiles believes it is important to identify the pain or discomfort and understand that it is like having a heart attack in the jaw. When you know this, you will take the condition seriously and identify symptoms that could mean a severe injury.
Bleeding gums
If your gums bleed or ache, it could be due to a gum disease that is constantly getting worse. It is often more severe in people who have underlying conditions like diabetes which can reduce your resistance to infection. It will put your gums at risk for inflammation because of the bacteria that lives in plaque. Additionally, there are other oral signs of diabetes which include oral fungal infections, dry mouth, and bad-smelling breath.
Lost teeth
Those who have their teeth fall out unexpectedly need to visit a dentist at the earliest. It is a sign of gum disease. Loss of teeth could be an early sign of osteoporosis and it can reduce the density of your bones. There is a link between osteoporosis and loss of bone in the jaw, where your teeth are anchored.
It is more common in seniors and tooth loss will begin to occur when osteoporosis starts affecting the jaw. This is a condition that often goes undiagnosed until you break a bone. Hence, when you see the dentist regularly and have a well-balanced diet, you will be able to ensure timely diagnosis and get treated before a serious injury.
Changes in tooth enamel and surfaces
Translucent tooth enamel and its erosion is a sign of an eating disorder and one that should not be avoided. In case of excessive vomiting, it is a sign of oral health issues like dry lips, dry mouth, and loss of tooth enamel. It could also happen due to swollen salivary glands and highly sensitive teeth.
Bad breath
You can have bad breath because of a dry mouth or from the foods you consume. Additionally, gingivitis or gum disease can also contribute to it. Besides the gums and teeth, bad breath could be due to underlying health problems that call for immediate medical attention and it could be diabetes, liver disease, sinus infection, kidney disease, chronic lung infection, or gastrointestinal problems. Only a dentist will be able to guide you in the right direction based on your symptoms.
Patches, or lumps in the mouth
If there are unusual patches or sores in the mouth, it is a sign of something like a yellowish or white canker sore. However, if you do not see a dentist, there is no way you can be sure. The dentist will be able to check out the lumps, patches, or lesions instantly and they could be due to an oral fungal infection or maybe more serious.
Oral cancer is a very serious form of cancer and it starts with a red or white spot in the mouth and usually happens to those who smoke a lot. It is also common amongst those who use alcohol or other forms of tobacco. Symptoms that you may have oral cancer include hard spots, bleeding sores that do not heal, changes in the way your teeth fit, numbness, discolored tissue, and lumps or irregular tissue in the neck, cheeks, head, or mouth.
These are some conditions you cannot easily diagnose at home and you should never take them lightly. It is important to visit a dentist for a regular check-up and if they see any symptoms of a serious illness, you will know right away.