Poor oral health can affect your health and quality of life in various ways. Losing your teeth is not only painful, but it can impact your confidence.
Plus, various dental health issues can increase your risk of some life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease.
Even if you brush your teeth and floss twice a day, you’re still at risk of developing an oral health problem, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer.
Here are some signs you might have a dental issue:
1. Swollen or Bleeding Gums
If you spot blood in the basin after brushing your teeth, it’s a sign you might have periodontal or gum disease. While the blood might be due to aggressive brushing, you shouldn’t ignore the possibility you have gum or periodontal disease.
In addition to bleeding during brushing or flossing, you may experience swollen gums, as excess bacteria can cause inflammation.
As your gums provide a protective barrier between your tooth roots, blood vessels, and nerves, you must book an appointment with a qualified dental practice.
2. Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often caused by one or more oral health issues, such as dental cavities or gum disease. While the food you eat can alter your breath, frequent halitosis is a warning sign of a dental problem.
Again, don’t ignore the problem, and book an appointment with a respected dentist. For example, Gentle Dental Care will examine your teeth and gums and provide an effective solution to the problem, such as teeth cleaning, white fillings, or gum treatment.
3. Sensitivity
Various dental procedures can increase your risk of tooth sensitivity, such as cavity fillings or crown placement.
However, if you develop unexplainable sensitivity, you shouldn’t hesitate to book an appointment with a dentist.
If you are suffering from increased temperature sensitivity, it might be a sign of a dental abscess that’s caused by a bacterial infection in the gum area or tooth. Plus, the sensitivity might accompany a headache, fever, tender lymph nodes, and toothache.
However, temperature sensitivity might also be caused by thinning dental enamel or a cavity.
4. Pain
Of course, any pain in the gum or tooth is a huge sign you have an oral health problem. Even if the pain is temporary, it will likely return down the road.
Don’t allow the issue to spiral out of control. Organize a trip to a dentist to eliminate the pain and prevent tooth loss or gum disease.
5. Sores, Lumps, or Rough Patches
Never ignore sores, lumps, or rough patches in your mouth, as they might be a sign of oral cancer. The life-threatening disease affects millions of people across the world, but it is curable if diagnosed early.
Make an appointment with a dentist if you develop any of these symptoms, and organize routine check-ups to help a dentist catch oral cancer early. Also, bear in mind that you will have a greater risk of oral cancer if you smoke or drink alcohol.
About The Author:
James Daniels is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.