Is your mouth warning you about something serious? According to Don Friedlander DDS, president of the Canadian Dental Association, the condition of your teeth, gums, tongue, and breath can provide insights into your oral and general health.
Here are seven things your mouth might be trying to tell you.
1. Are your gums swollen, sore, or have an unusual color?
Your oral cavity (mouth) might be warning you about having gingivitis or gum disease.
"The warning signs of gingivitis are puffy gums, traces of blood on your toothbrush, or a change in the color of your gums," explained Dr. Friedlaner. "Gum disease is one of the main reasons why adults lose their teeth," he adds.
Almost half of U.S. adults have this oral problem. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible since it is the earliest stage of gum disease. Just remember to visit your local dentist every six months to detect oral infections early on. The longer you allow this problem to wreak havoc in your mouth, the more difficult it will be to treat.
2. Are your teeth very sensitive to hot, cold, or sugar?
Your mouth might be trying to warn you about having cavities, a fracture, worn-out tooth enamel, an exposed root, or a serious infection.
Heat sensitivity usually indicates that the pulp is infected, while cold sensitivity indicates pulpal inflammation. However, sensitivity may also stem from a history of tooth decay, restoration near the pulp, restoration failure, and bruxism. And according to Dr. Friedlander, sensitivity to sugar indicates exposed dentin, which typically arises through decay, worn-out enamel, or exposed roots.
If your teeth prevent you from enjoying the foods and beverages you love, see your local dentist in California. You may need root canal therapy or a quick and simple in-office fluoride-gel treatment.
3. Do your gums bleed whenever you brush or floss?
Your mouth might be telling you a few things, including:
You are brushing and flossing too aggressively. Being too rough on your teeth and gums is among the oral hygiene mistakes you need to correct if you want to prevent bleeding and receding gums. Ask your dentist or hygienist to explain proper brushing and flossing techniques during your next dental appointment.
You have gingivitis. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to rule out the possibility of having gum disease or begin dental scaling and root planing.
4. Is your jaw sore?
Your mouth might be warning you about temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which affects over 10 million Americans.
In most cases of TMD, stress is a significant factor. You may be unknowingly and compulsively grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. In other cases, facial injury, health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, or improper jaw growth can cause TMD.
Untreated temporomandibular disorders can lead to chronic pain, limited jaw functioning, tooth decay, and infections. See your dentist to avoid these issues. Here at Cunning Dental Group, our best dentist in Irvine and Montclair, CA will conduct a thorough examination of your head and neck area before suggesting the appropriate treatment (dental work, medication, physiotherapy, or a bite plate). If you need to undergo surgery to reposition, repair, replace, or remove certain parts in your joint, our team may refer you to a doctor specializing in open-joint arthroplasty.
There is no need to panic. "Almost all TMD patients get better," affirms Dr. Friedlander.
5. Does your mouth or tongue have lumps, sores, or white or dark-red patches?
Your mouth might be begging you to see a dentist as soon as possible due to the probability of having oral cancer.
All of the above symptoms may indicate cancer of the mouth. "Changes in the texture or color of the mouth tissues; bleeding or numbness in the mouth; difficulty swallowing; or changes in taste or tongue sensation" are warning signs of oral cancer, explains Dr. Friedlander.
Do seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing unusual sensations in your mouth. Physical exams and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT and MRI scans, ultrasounds, and biopsies will help diagnose cancers in the head and neck area.
A quick word of advice: You can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by quitting smoking, limiting your consumption of alcoholic beverages, eating a healthy diet, and using lip balms with adequate sun protection.
6. Do you have bad breath that persists?
Your mouth might be encouraging you to:
Eat more carbohydrates. Bad breath is associated with low-carb diets like keto or Atkins. Although these diets may help you lose weight, they can also add a foul-smelling edge to your breath.
Improve your oral hygiene practices. Any leftover food particles turn your oral cavity into a sanctuary for bacteria to lay waste and cause halitosis (bad breath). From brushing and flossing regularly to drinking enough water daily, try our steps to achieving healthy teeth and gums to help fight an unpleasant breath.
Get a checkup. Bad breath can indicate a wide range of dental problems and disorders, including tooth decay, periodontal disease, xerostomia (dry mouth), respiratory, liver, or gastrointestinal diseases.
7. Do you have white spots on your teeth?
Your mouth might be complaining about:
In adults: You breathe through your mouth. On adult teeth, breathing through the mouth most often indicates the desiccation of the enamel. See your dentist.
In children: Using too much fluoride. "When white specks appear on a child’s teeth, it is often the result of getting too much fluoride," asserts Dr. Friedlander. A condition called dental fluorosis might be the culprit. It is not health-threatening and is mainly a cosmetic concern. In severe cases, most dentists will have no problem treating fluorosis.
Paying close attention to your mouth and taking good care of your teeth and gums are essential to preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health concerns. Diagnosing and treating dental problems early also leads to better oral health, so remember to visit your dentist at least once every six months.
If you need a good dentist in California, contact Cunning Dental Group now at (855) 328-6646 to schedule an appointment. Enhancing your smile is not just our job—it's our craft.
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