Did you know that serious problems with your oral health could impact your entire wellbeing? Improper care of your teeth and gums can lead to a variety of severe issues. That’s why having regular check-ups and cleanings at least twice per year at the dentist is so important. Otherwise, it can be easy enough for problems to develop silently within your mouth. Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common oral issues that can occur, but infections in your mouth can even impact the health of your heart.
Being able to recognize signs of oral problems is vital so that your dentist can provide treatment immediately. To learn how to detect anything of concern with your oral health, here are a few common signs of more serious dental problems to be aware of.
Bleeding, Swollen Gums
While you’re caring for your teeth each day, always have a look out for any irregular signs of problems that may be developing, such as bleeding or swollen gums. This can be normal after flossing, but if your gums continue to bleed unprovoked, this could be a sign of gum disease.
Jaw and Mouth Pain
Any pain that you experience around the mouth and jaw area may also indicate a more serious dental problem. Although this can merely be the result of a toothache or even sinus congestion, it could be linked to gum disease or TMD. If this persists, have your dentist examine it.
Loose Teeth
Teeth that start to feel loose over time, or teeth that are missing entirely, should be a cause for concern. In this case, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. When your teeth get to this point, it can often indicate the onset of osteoporosis or advanced gum disease.
Lumps In the Mouth
Oral cancer is a common form of cancer that can be difficult to detect without regular examinations by a dentist. But knowing what to watch out for can save your life. If you ever notice any unusual sores or lumps in or around the mouth, cheeks, neck or head, contact your dentist immediately for an examination.
Persistent Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath (also referred to as Halitosis) can be an embarrassing problem to talk about. This can develop as a result of poor diet and lifestyle. However, gingivitis and gum disease can also be linked to this dental problem. If you're experiencing bad breath on a regular basis, make sure to mention it to your dentist.
We can’t emphasize enough just how vital it is to take good care of your oral health and to monitor your mouth for any of these commons signs of more serious dental problems. Your mouth says a lot about your overall health, and being able to recognize when abnormalities arise can help save your life. If you’re concerned about anything regarding your oral health, our team at Carlingwood Dental is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can provide the care and treatment you need.
