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Health and Fitness · September 5, 2019

7 Dental Health Warning Signs

From toothache to bleeding gums to sensitivity, these warning signs can indicate dental health issues that should not be ignored. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms highlighted below, consult your dentist before they worsen into more serious problems.

  1. Pain and Toothache

Pain and toothache can range from a slight, dull ache to sharp, excruciating pain. Pain and toothache is a sign of an abscess, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, a broken tooth, tooth infection, and nerve damage.

  1. Sensitivity

Sensitivity can be highly uncomfortable and make eating and drinking difficult, especially when your teeth are exposed to hot and cold temperatures. It is caused by thinning and worn dental enamel which leaves the tooth and root exposed, resulting in sensitivity.

Enamel can wear as a result of aggressive brushing, consuming acidic foods, GERD, and bulimia. Sensitivity can also be a sign of cavities, tooth decay, fractured teeth, gum disease, grinding, and an abscess.

  1. Sores

Sores in the mouth can vary in severity from ulcers, canker sores, and cold sores to candidiasis and leukoplakia. Sores may be caused by infection from bacteria or viruses and irritation caused by braces. Sores can also be indicative of more severe issues as wounds that don’t heal are a sign of diabetes and oral cancer.

  1. Bleeding or Swollen Gums

Bleeding and swollen gums are a symptom of gum disease and periodontitis. It is normal to bleed occasionally as a result of brushing too hard, but if the bleeding persists, this may be a sign of gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria as a result of poor dental habits which causes inflammation in the gums. If gum disease is not treated, the gums can deteriorate until they can no longer support the teeth, resulting in tooth loss.

  1. Bad Breath

Bad breath is also called halitosis. Whilst it is normal to have bad breath after eating certain foods, smoking, and not brushing your teeth, persistent bad breath that does not subside after brushing may be a sign of cavities, gum disease, tooth infection, tooth decay, and abscesses. Bad breath may also be a symptom of a greater health issue such as kidney or liver disease.

  1. Loose Teeth

Loose and wobbly teeth can result in tooth loss. Loose teeth are a sign of gum disease or periodontal disease, as the bone supporting the tooth recedes. Loose teeth are also a symptom of osteoporosis as the bone holding the teeth in place weakens. A wobbly tooth can also be a result of trauma or a knock to the tooth.

  1. Jaw Clicking/Pain

Jaw clicking and pain is a warning sign of arthritis, sinus problems, teeth grinding, gingivitis and gum disease, jaw dislocation, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

This post was written by Da Vinci Dentistry, a private dentist offering high-quality, affordable dentistry for everyone.