Are you certain that your mouth is in good oral health? Unfortunately, brushing twice per day is not always enough to keep our teeth, gums, and even tongue in good condition. While the best way to determine the status of your oral health is to pay a visit to the dentist, there are a few telltale warning signs you can be on the lookout for. If you’re exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is time to schedule your next check-up.
Bleeding Gums
Many of our patients make the mistake of thinking that their gums are bleeding only as a result of brushing or flossing too hard. However, bleeding gums is actually a warning sign for gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, this oral health issue can progress to a point of causing damage to your overall health, including respiratory illness, stroke, heart disease, complications with pregnancy, and more. So if you notice your gums bleeding, don’t wait on it. Schedule your appointment at Carillon Family Dental straight away.
Dental Pain
Pain can be symptomatic of any number of oral health issues, including tooth decay and cavities. If you’re experiencing pain in your mouth, don’t ignore it in the hopes that it will go away! The underlying causes of oral pain tend to only get progressively worse. You’ll want to address the issue before the problem progresses, as it can result in needing a tooth extraction and even more expensive dental repairs if left untreated.
Bad Breath
While bad breath can be caused by something relatively harmless—such as dehydration or something you’ve just eaten—it can also be symptomatic of more serious health issues. Persistent bad breath can be a result of gum disease and severe tooth decay. You might also have bad breath from other health issues taking place in other parts of your body, such as your stomach.
Dry Mouth
Saliva production is more important than you might think. Saliva washes away food particles and bacteria that can lead to decay, gingivitis, and more. Plus, mouths with less saliva are often more acidic, making your teeth prone to decay at a faster rate. Lack of saliva can affect your chewing, swallowing, and even speech mechanisms.
Teeth Sensitivity
If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold, you should definitely schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible. Often, tooth sensitivity occurs when your dental enamel has worn down, exposing the dentin layer beneath. The dentin layer is filled with microscopic tubules that provide direct access to your tooth’s root, causing sensitivity. This can also be symptomatic of receding gums and a dental abscess, both of which are very harmful to your health.
If you’re exhibiting any of the above-mentioned symptoms, be sure to contact Carillon Family Dental as soon as possible to set up an appointment. We’ll review x-rays, examine your teeth and gums, and even perform a professional cleaning to bring you back to good oral health.