We all want the perfect smile and that means that our oral health shouldn’t be overlooked. We know to brush our teeth twice a day, use mouthwash and floss regularly in order to look after our oral health, but there are some signs which could indicate a more serious problem and should be looked into as soon as possible.
It can be easy to ignore oral health concerns, but problems will only get worse over time or if not addressed. With that in mind, let’s take a look at 5 signs which could indicate that you need to visit a dentist.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you begin to develop tooth sensitivity or discomfort, then this could indicate that you’re due a visit to the dentist. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental concern and can occur for a number of reasons such as gum disease or developing cavities.
If you begin to notice sudden sensitivity, then it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause. Ignoring sensitivity can, in some cases, lead to more severe dental problems such as dental abscesses. If you have recently had treatment such as teeth whitening or braces at a cosmetic dental clinic, then you will likely experience some short-term sensitivity which is completely normal.
Bad Breath
We all want fresh-smelling breath, but bad breath is a really common oral health issue. It can occur for a number of reasons, including poor oral health, gum disease or infection. If you have persistent bad breath, then it’s important to visit the dentist who can find out what the underlying cause may be and provide the most appropriate treatment.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be one of the leading signs of gum disease. Gum disease affects 47% of all adults over the age of 30 and is one of the biggest causes of tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup, which then irritates the gums and can cause inflammation. If this is left untreated, then it can lead to things such as tooth loss and, in some drastic cases, even heart disease. If you notice bleeding gums, then it is important to arrange a trip to the dentist who will then suggest treatment and further supportive treatments, such as full dental implants if you have experienced tooth loss.
Teeth Becoming Transparent
If you begin to notice that your teeth are slowly becoming transparent, then it’s time to book a checkup. This occurs when the enamel of the tooth becomes thin and then reveals the innermost layer of the tooth which is called dentin. This is caused by issues such as overbrushing, acid reflux and health problems including bulimia. It’s important to get this issue investigated by your dentist to find the underlying cause and then prevent further damage from occurring.
Mouth Sores
It’s vital that, if you are experiencing mouth sores, you get these checked out as they can have multiple causes, some more serious than others. Mouth sores are a relatively common oral health and, whilst the majority are harmless, some can be an indicating factor of more serious issues, such as mouth cancer. If you have a mouth sore which persists for over two weeks, then it’s vital to get this checked out.
