Staying healthy and preventing disease are important responsibilities. However, when it comes to protecting the mouth, teeth, and gums, many people are unsure what to look for.
Discomfort in the gums and aching teeth are sure signs of an oral health problem, but by the time your tooth aches, it may be too late. There are early warning signs that you can look out for and steps you can take to treat problems early and prevent them from getting worse. Here is a guide on what to look for and how to treat the symptoms of oral healthcare problems.
Make Sure You Go To The Dentist Regularly
Regular dental appointments are the first line of defence against tooth decay and gum disease. Most people have a regular check-up every six months.
Feeling nervous or apprehensive about visiting the dentist is quite common. It can be an unpleasant experience for some and can even trigger memories of visiting the dentist when you were a child and you found it scary.
Friendly dentists with experience with nervous patients like the team at the Diamond Smiles Dental Centre can help. Search online for a ‘dentist near me’ that knows how to treat nervous patients if you are apprehensive about attending your appointments.
Check The Colour of Your Teeth
Yellowing of the teeth is a sign of plaque build-up, which can cause both tooth decay and gum disease. If you start to notice your teeth taking on a yellow shade, you may need to pay closer attention when you are cleaning them.
Flossing helps to prevent plaque from forming between the teeth and around the gum line. Regularly using mouthwash can also help. Antibacterial mouthwashes help to remove the bacteria that cause plaque build-up and gum disease and prevent bacteria growth throughout the day.
Look for Blood in Your Spit When Brushing
Bleeding gums are an obvious sign of gum disease. They bleed because they have become inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis. This is caused by plaque build-up around the gums.
If plaque is not removed quickly, it hardens and becomes tartar which is much harder to clean and leads to gum and tooth infections. When you notice blood in your spit when brushing, consider brushing more regularly, flossing, and using a medicated mouthwash. If the problem persists, book an appointment with your dentist.
The Nose Knows – Bad Breath is a Warning Sign
Bad breath or a smelly mouth can be a sign of bacteria building up in the mouth. This bacteria is the main cause of oral health problems like tooth decay, plaque and tartar, and gum disease.
Bacteria is the primary cause of most common tooth and gum problems. Keeping it at bay will help you improve your oral healthcare and prevent plaque and gum disease from taking hold in your mouth. Using an antibacterial mouthwash regularly kills this bacteria and helps keep your mouth clean.
Looking out for the early warning signs and treating oral healthcare issues early can save costly visits to the dentist and pain and discomfort in your mouth. If you see any of these signs, act quickly and consider getting a check-up.
