Red Flag Symptoms You Should Never Ignore For A Healthy Smile

Health has dominated the headlines for the last year, but many people are still putting their oral health on the back-burner. There are several reasons why it’s essential to take good care of your teeth and gums, including enjoying confidence when you smile and reducing the risk of oral and general health conditions. Looking after your smile can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as gum disease and decay. Prevention is always better than cure. In this guide, we’ll explore some red flags you should never ignore for a healthy smile.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums is one of the most significant symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease is a common oral health problem. Severe gum disease affects almost 50% of US adults, according to the CDC. There are two main forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild type of gum disease, which causes swelling and tenderness. If you spot traces of blood when you brush your teeth, it’s crucial to seek advice from your dentist. Gingivitis can be treated and managed effectively, preventing symptoms from getting worse. If gingivitis is left untreated, there is a risk of developing more advanced gum disease. Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, causes more severe symptoms, such as redness, inflammation and pain. Periodontal disease results in irreversible damage to the bone tissue, which supports the teeth. Eventually, the teeth will come loose in the socket. Gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults. 

It is normal to experience bleeding gums if you are using a new toothbrush for the first time or you haven’t flossed for a long time but if symptoms persist, always see your dentist. It is best to get the gums checked out as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. 

Dental pain

Most of us will have to deal with a toothache at some point in our lives. There are many reasons why dental pain can occur and some are more serious than others. Injuries and infections are common causes of tooth pain and discomfort. In many cases, pain is mild and it subsides without the need for intensive or long-term treatment. If you experience pain regularly or your symptoms get worse, it’s critical to consult a dental expert. Prolonged periods of pain or sudden, intense discomfort may be symptomatic of a dental infection, an abscess or extensive decay. Additional signs of infections to look out for include a fever and soreness and tenderness to the touch around the affected tooth.

The most effective way to prevent dental pain is to adopt and maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing. Use dental products that actively remove plaque and clean and polish the teeth, taking care to cover every individual surface of each tooth and to clean the tongue. Brushing the tongue is an excellent way to achieve thorough cleaning and lower the risk of bad breath. When brushing, move the brush gently around the mouth avoiding applying too much pressure to the teeth. If you brush too hard, you could damage the enamel, which will increase the risk of sensitivity and caries.

Bad breath

Bad breath is a common dental issue. Most people experience bouts of bad breath in the morning or after certain foods but some people have persistent symptoms. If you are prone to bad breath, it’s wise to try and identify triggers and to see your dentist. You may be able to control symptoms by changing your diet or cutting specific foods or drinks out but there could also be underlying causes. The most common cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis, is poor oral hygiene. When bacteria feed, they release odorous gases, which cause the unpleasant smell we associate with bad breath. Brushing the teeth and tongue and flossing are designed to eliminate harmful bacteria and keep the mouth clean and fresh. If you are susceptible to bad breath, it’s particularly beneficial to clean the tongue after brushing. This is because bacteria collect at the base of the tongue. Chewing sugar-free gum can also be beneficial to prevent odors after eating and stimulate saliva production to cleanse the mouth. 

It is possible for bad breath to be linked to other causes, including taking certain types of medication. If you still have symptoms after changing your diet or you have excellent oral hygiene but you experience bad breath frequently, make an appointment with your dentist. 

Slow-healing mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are small sores, which usually form inside the cheeks or lips. In most cases, ulcers develop after accidentally biting the soft tissue or catching it while eating, for example. Ulcers usually disappear after 7-10 days without the need for treatment. Although they can be painful, mouth ulcers are often harmless. You can use over the counter products to ease discomfort. Ulcers can be a red flag if you keep getting them or they take a long time to heal. Recurrent ulcers can result from hormonal changes in the body and they may also be linked to stress.

Slow-healing mouth ulcers, which take longer than 2 weeks to disappear, can be symptomatic of mouth cancer. Oral cancer has become more prevalent in the last decade but many people are still unaware of the symptoms. In the US alone, it is estimated that over 54,000 people will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer in 2021. In addition to slow-healing mouth sores, signs to look out for include red or white patches in the mouth, abnormal lumps or swelling in the mouth or throat, persistent hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. Oral cancer checks are carried out as part of routine dental assessments so it’s vital to keep up to date with appointments. If you notice any changes in your mouth, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

We all want to feel confident when we look in the mirror. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is essential for a healthy smile. One of the most important steps to take is to keep an eye on your mouth and seek advice if you notice any changes or you experience symptoms like pain, swelling or bleeding gums. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you’re worried about your oral health or you need help with brushing, planning menus or tackling common problems like tooth pain or bad breath.