Most people are aware that practising good oral hygiene will prevent tooth decay and gum disease. However, not everybody knows what the signs of unhealthy teeth and gums look like.
Often, dental health issues are not obvious, lying hidden beneath the surface. This is one of the main reasons why regular dental check-ups are important. They allow your dentist to detect potential issues early on and recommend treatment if need be.
Below we discuss some of the common warning signs of unhealthy teeth and gums.
Common Warning Signs of Unhealthy Gums and Teeth
1. Bad Breath
Whilst it’s relatively normal to have bad breath now and then, continuous bad breath may indicate unhealthy teeth and gums. Bad breath can be as a result of poor oral hygiene, the foods you eat, drinking alcohol and smoking. But it can also be a sign of gum disease and other health issues not limited to your mouth.
As there are many possible causes for bad breath it’s important to see a dentist so they can make a diagnosis.
2. Bleeding or Swollen Gums
Are your gums inflamed and tender to touch? Do you notice them bleed when brushing or flossing? If so, your gums may not be as healthy as you think. Healthy gums are usually light pink and not tender to the touch.
It doesn’t take much to make swollen, distressed gums bleed. So, if you notice your gums bleeding often, it’s not something to ignore.
Painful, red and inflamed gums could be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. Gingivitis and gum disease in their early stages are solvable. But left untreated, they can result in serious oral health and general health problems.
3. Persistent Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are red or yellow sores that appear on the inside of your mouth. They are not the same as viral cold sores which show on the outside of your lips. Mouth ulcers can be painful, and in some cases, persistent.
Ulcers can be caused by damage from biting your tongue or cheek, in which case they’re likely to be a single occurrence and go away on their own. There are also recurring mouth ulcers. These types of ulcers are a common problem amongst both children and adults, the cause of which is unknown. They also heal on their own but keep coming back.
If you have a mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal within three weeks, this may be a sign that there is something more serious underlying and you should consult your dentist.
4. Tooth Sensitivity
Are your teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods or beverages? Do you find yourself wincing when flossing or brushing your teeth? Sensitive teeth may be caused by several dental problems including the following:
- Cavities (tooth decay)
- Cracked teeth
- Worn fillings
- Thin tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth root
- Gum disease
Tooth sensitivity is certainly one of the signs of unhealthy teeth and gums, but it’s also unpleasant to live with. Don’t suffer in pain, visit your dentist for a check-up so that they can recommend suitable treatment.
5. Loose Teeth
There are many reasons why you may experience one or more loose teeth. Whatever the reason behind a loose tooth, it’s never something you should dismiss. Loose teeth are one of the tell-tale signs of unhealthy teeth and gums.
Often, loose teeth are a result of neglected oral health to the point that the tissues surrounding the tooth begin to disintegrate. Even if you brush and floss daily, incorrect technique is not effective for removing plaque from your teeth. So, you may think your oral health regime is up to scratch, when in fact it isn’t.
Loose teeth can also be as a result of impact during a fall or other incident, as well as osteoporosis, especially in the elderly.
If you have a loose ‘adult’ tooth, you must see a dentist straight away and avoid touching and wiggling the tooth in the meantime. There are treatments available for loose teeth. Tooth loss in adults promotes a range of other dental issues. So, the goal is to prioritise the preservation of your natural tooth wherever possible.
6. Darkening Teeth
Food, beverages, alcohol, smoking and some medications can darken your teeth. However, this type of darkening normally happens across all or several teeth. Should you find you have a single tooth darkening, this can be a sign of something more serious.
Trauma to your tooth can cause darkening. In cases of mild to moderate trauma, this darkening is like a bruise that will heal within time. However, in cases of moderate to severe tooth trauma, the darkening can be permanent as a result of a dead nerve.
The darkening can also occur in cases where your tooth has infected pulp due to tooth decay left untreated. This type of tooth darkening is often an indication of needing root canal treatment to save your tooth.
Boon Dental Is Here to Help
If you are suffering from any of the above signs of unhealthy teeth and gums, boon dental is here to help you. We have family-friendly dental practices in Wentworth Point and Ropes Crossing and love welcoming new patients.
Our team believes that prevention is better than cure. So, we advise our patients to maintain regular and ongoing dental check-ups so we can help them monitor their oral health and avoid any major problems requiring major treatment.
Our experienced dentists can offer you help, advice and personalised treatment plans to ensure your teeth stay clean, strong and healthy for life. Don’t ignore the signs of unhealthy teeth and gums! Contact us to book an appointment.