When it comes to your health the body can often give early warnings of problems. But some of these can appear minor and it is tempting to ignore them as just an irritation to live with.
But according to dentists there are some things you should never just leave as they could be a sign of something more serious. The Bright & White dental team has come up with seven signs you should always act on if you spot them in your mouth.
The London-based team advise: "Don’t ignore these oral health warning signs and symptoms. From bleeding gums to bad breath to tooth sensitivity to toothache to sores in the mouth, these warning signs can indicate serious dental health issues and can worsen into larger problems if left untreated."
They added: "Regular dental check-ups and sufficient dental hygiene can prevent these warning signs and symptoms and stop them leading to even more severe conditions." The team recommends you should speak to your dentist today if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Jaw Pain
If you are experiencing pain in your jaw, this could be a warning sign of sinus problems, arthritis, teeth grinding and clenching, gingivitis and gum disease, jaw dislocation, or a temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are a symptom of gum disease. It is normal to bleed occasionally if brushing too hard, but consistent bleeding when brushing your teeth is a sign of gingivitis, which can worsen to periodontitis. Gum disease is caused when bacteria, plaque and tartar build up in the mouth due to poor dental hygiene, causing inflammation in the gums until the gums that hold the teeth in place deteriorate, resulting in tooth loss.
Bad Breath
Chronic and persistent bad breath (also called halitosis) that doesn’t disappear after brushing is a warning sign of dental cavities and gum disease. It can also be a result of tooth infection, a dental abscess, and tooth decay. It may also be a symptom of a more serious underlying health condition like kidney and liver disease.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is indicative of thinning, worn dental enamel and receding gums which reduces protection by the enamel and gum, exposing the tooth and root, and leading to sensitivity. This is caused by aggressive brushing, acidic foods and drinks, and even GERD and bulimia. Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures may also be a sign of dental issues such as cavities, tooth decay, fractured teeth, gum disease, gum recession, or tooth grinding.
Toothache/Tooth Pain
Toothache can vary from a dull ache to a sharp pain and is often very uncomfortable. Pain in the tooth can be caused by a number of different dental problems and is often indicative of a cavity, gum disease, dental abscesses, tooth decay, a cracked tooth, tooth infection, or nerve damage, all of which should be assessed by a dentist immediately.
Sores
Sores in the mouth can vary in severity, from ulcers to canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis. Some are caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, or irritation by braces or dentures. Some can indicate more serious health conditions as wounds that don’t heal can be a sign of diabetes and white or red lesions may be a warning sign of oral cancer. Your dentist will be able to identify the cause of any sores and determine the best treatment.
Loose Teeth
Loose or wobbly teeth in adults may result in tooth loss and tooth replacement treatment. A loose tooth can be a sign of advanced gum disease or periodontal disease, in which the bone supporting the tooth is weakened and pulls away. A loose tooth may also be a symptom of osteoporosis, in which the bone holding the teeth in place becomes weakened. This can also be a result of trauma or a knock to the tooth.
