Brushing and flossing daily, plus regular dental checkups can keep your teeth and gums in good condition, but sometimes problems can arise at the worst moments. Changes to the way your teeth or gums look or feel can be signals that something is wrong, and that you should get to a dentist. Here are a few things to watch out for.
Toothache
The pain of a toothache is caused by irritation to the nerves inside a tooth. The irritation can be caused by infection inside the tooth, gum disease, or damage to the tooth. Sometimes pain is temporary, such as pain that is caused by tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages. If toothache pain is severe or does not go away in a day or two, you should see a dentist.
Red or Bleeding Gums
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that is caused by bacteria. When gum disease begins, the gums become irritated and inflamed, which means that they may appear darker pink or red in color, and even look and feel swollen. If your gums bleed after you brush your teeth, you almost certainly have gum disease. In its early stage, called gingivitis, gum disease can be treated by a dentist with a thorough cleaning. If gingivitis is not treated, bacteria can begin to grow below the gum disease. This is periodontitis, and is harder to treat than gingivitis.
Loose Teeth
Healthy teeth should not become loose naturally over time. If you have a loose tooth that was not caused by an injury, this is a sign that the tooth has begun to separate from the gums due to gum disease, tooth decay, or another problem. You should see an emergency dental clinic in Edmonton as soon as possible if you notice any loose teeth.
Bad Breath
Bad breath that is not directly related to food you have eaten, may be a sign of an oral health problem. If you find yourself using mouthwash or breath mints more often than usual to cover up bad breath, you should call the dentist. The dentists at Northgate say bad breath that is caused by gum disease or tooth decay can only be eliminated if the condition that is causing it is corrected.
Dark Teeth
It is normal for teeth to stain from some foods and beverages, and from smoking. It is also normal for our teeth to yellow or darken slightly with age, but if areas of your teeth are exceptionally dark or have brown or black spots, this could be a sign of tooth decay.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking their best, you should watch for any changes to the appearance or feeling of your mouth, and report any changes to your dentist. Healthy teeth can last a lifetime with proper hygiene and regular dental care.
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