Taking good care of your teeth is important. Attending the dentist regularly might feel like a chore, but getting your teeth professionally checked regularly means that any potential problems can be spotted before they get worse.
Generally, you should attend the dentist once or twice a year and keeping up with regular visits at your local dental clinic makes it easier to catch issues early. However, that doesn’t mean that getting the all-clear from your dentist means your teeth are magically indestructible between visits. It’s important to know the warning signs that something may not be quite right, so you can see your dentist sooner and get any problems fixed.
1. Changes in the Appearance of Your Teeth and/or Gums
When you brush your teeth in the morning and evening, take a few moments to check that they’re all looking normal. The better you know your teeth and gums, the more easily you’ll spot if something’s different.
For example, any discolouration or changes in position, or receding or swelling gums, are all signs that something’s amiss. It may not be a major problem, but don’t ignore it; tooth and gum problems don’t tend to go away on their own, and left untreated, will get more difficult (and more expensive) to sort out.
2. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth are common; over time, your enamel wears down and exposes the more sensitive dentine layer. In most cases, sensitivity can be managed with particular brands of toothpaste. However, if you notice your teeth are suddenly more sensitive than usual, even painful, then it’s worth booking a visit with your dentist. It could be you’ve got a damaged tooth or even a cavity, which will need fixing before it gets worse.
3. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums aren’t necessarily anything serious. Sometimes, it can be that you’ve just got a bit of food or plaque stuck between your teeth or below your gum line, which will cause a bit of irritation. If you notice blood when brushing your teeth, keep brushing until the bleeding stops to make sure you’ve dislodged whatever has got stuck.
However, persistent bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease, which will get progressively worse if not treated and, in advanced cases, may eventually lead to tooth loss that requires solutions like permanent dentures. Book an appointment with your dentist if you are concerned about your bleeding gums, so they can check that they aren’t being caused by anything more serious.
4. Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath is often impossible to detect on yourself, so you might need a trusted friend or family member to spot it! However, if you’re aware of a constant unpleasant taste in your mouth, it could be that you’re dealing with bad breath, or halitosis.
Often, bad breath can be kept at bay with a good, rigorous oral hygiene routine. However, it can be brought on by underlying factors like gum disease or cavities. If you’re aware of your bad breath, book an appointment with your dentist to rule out anything more serious.
5. Persistent Mouth Ulcers and/or Sores
Everyone gets mouth ulcers sometimes. It could be something as simple as accidentally biting your cheek while eating. They tend to go away quickly on their own, causing nothing more than minor discomfort.
However, if your mouth ulcer doesn’t clear up within a couple of weeks, it could be a sign of something more serious. Be sure to see your dentist if you’ve noticed an unexplained mouth ulcer or sore, so they can check it out and identify the cause.
If you’re dealing with any of the above signs and could use some expert advice, just get in touch with us today.
