7 Oral health symptoms you really shouldn’t ignore…

1) Toothache
Okay, this one is pretty obvious yet it’s surprising just how many people do try to ignore a toothache. Unfortunately, teeth cannot repair themselves so if you are experiencing toothache even if it then goes away you should get it checked out by a dentist immediately.

2) Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by many things. Commonly people suffer from cold sensitivity but you can also have sensitivity from hot and sweet things. The cause of sensitivity needs to be investigated by a dental professional. Common causes of tooth sensitivity are tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or gum recession. Knowing the cause of your tooth sensitivity will help to either address the problem or prevent the sensitivity from worsening.

3) Bleeding or Sore Gums
Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease. Left untreated gum disease will cause inflammation of the gums and eventually lead to teeth becoming loose which is not treatable and the tooth will have to be removed. If your gums bleed regularly you should make a dental appointment.

4) Mouth Ulcers
Some people suffer from frequent mouth ulcers and if this is you should seek an appointment with your dentist or GP to check there isn’t an underlying cause. If you have a mouth ulcer that lasts two weeks or longer it’s very important to seek dental advice urgently.

5) Jaw Ache
Jaw ache is mainly caused by teeth grinding known as Bruxism. Almost 65% of people who grind their teeth is due to stress and anxiety, so treating the underlying cause is crucial. Feeling stressed or anxious tends to make us clench our teeth, which results in unnecessary tooth grinding.
Continually grinding your teeth can cause your teeth to wear down and jaw joint problems. There are treatments available to help with the symptoms of teeth grinding your dentist can help to discuss the options available to you.

6) Bad breath
Bad breath not only makes you self-conscious when speaking it could also be a sign that something isn’t right. Persistent bad breath can be one of the warning signs of gum disease or tooth decay. Other causes of bad breath could be caused by what you have eaten, not cleaning your mouth, dry mouth, smoking or other medical conditions. Your dentist can determine the cause of your bad breath and treatment.

7) Broken Teeth
Broken teeth if left untreated can start to cause incredible pain and create bigger problems if left. Teeth can break for a number of reasons from tooth decay to biting something too hard on a heavily restored or weak tooth.

One of the best ways to prevent dental problems from occurring is by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. In addition to this regular dental health checks will ensure any problems are spotted early. Our Leicester dentists are focused on preventative care and when potential problems are spotted early then we can avoid more extensive dental work and help you to keep your mouth healthy and teeth for life.

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