The vast majority of people are aware that maintaining proper dental hygiene can help prevent oral infections and tooth decay. But not everyone is aware of the symptoms of decaying teeth and gum disease.
Dental health problems can lurk below the surface, remaining undetectable for a long time. That's why routine dental checkups are so important. These let your dentist identify any problems early and provide treatment when necessary.
Here are a few of the typical warning signs of tooth decay and gum disease that you should be aware of:
1. You have bad breath
While occasional bad breath is quite normal, persistent bad breath may be an indication of unhealthy teeth and gums. Bad odors from your mouth can be caused by improper dental hygiene, your diet, the use of alcohol, and smoking. But, it can also indicate oral infections and other health problems that are not restricted to your mouth. Given that there are multiple different culprits behind bad breath, it is essential to consult a dentist for a precise diagnosis.
2. Your gums bleed and swell
Are your gums sore and easily irritated? Is there any bleeding after you brushed? If so, you can be mistaken about how healthy your gums are. Normal healthy gums have a light pink color and are not sensitive to the touch.
Gums that are inflamed might bleed easily. Hence, if your gums seem to be frequently bleeding, it's important to pay attention. Gums that are painful, swollen, and red may indicate gingivitis or another gum condition. Early-stage gingivitis and gum disease can be easily treated. But, if they are not addressed, they can lead to significant issues with both dental and overall health.
3. You get recurring mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are sores on the inside of your mouth that might be red or yellow. These are not to be confused with viral cold sores that appear on the outside of your lips. Mouth ulcers can be extremely unpleasant and linger for a long period.
Biting your tongue or face might result in ulcers. If this is the case, they will most probably occur only once and then fade away. Recurring ulcers that have an unknown cause can affect both children and adults. They may heal on their own as well. A mouth ulcer that doesn't go away after three weeks may be an indication of a more severe underlying condition. Therefore, you should see your dentist.
4. You’re dealing with sensitive teeth
Are hot or cold meals or drinks painful for your teeth? Does it hurt to brush or floss? There are a number of dental issues that can lead to sensitive teeth, including the ones listed below:
Cavities
Cracked teeth
Worn fillings
Enamel erosion
Gum recession
Oral infections
Quite uncomfortable on their own, sensitive teeth are undoubtedly one of the main symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. See an experienced periodontist for a checkup so they can recommend the best course of action.
5. One or more of your teeth become loose
You may have one or more loose teeth for a variety of reasons. No matter what the cause of a loose tooth may be, you should never ignore it. Your teeth losing their structural integrity is a serious sign you have a dental condition at its advanced stage.
Even though you brush and floss every day, if you use an improper technique, you fail at eliminating all the plaque from your teeth and gums. As a result, you may feel that your dental health hygiene is effective when it is not.
Loose teeth can also be caused by osteoporosis, particularly in older people, as well as trauma from a fall or other accidents.
If you have a loose "adult" tooth, you should see a dentist right away. In the meanwhile, you should avoid touching or moving the tooth. There are treatments available for loose teeth. Adult tooth loss relates to a number of other dental issues. As a result, whenever possible, you should prioritize the preservation of your natural tooth.
