Nothing beats a big old smile, but there’s more to your mouth than a straight line of pearly whites.
From the colour of your gums, to the sensitivity of your teeth, and even the stank of your breath, your gob can give off some pretty good indicators as to your overall mouth health and hygiene.
Here are all the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore and what they may signal…
Symptom: RED & IRRITATED GUMS
Could be: GINGIVITUS
Gingivitis may sound super serious, and while it shouldn’t be ignored, it can be thought of as the more ‘mild’ gum disease. It is usually caused by a buildup of plaque (tatar) on tooth surfaces.
“Symptoms of gingivitis are irritated, red gums that might bleed when brushed or flossed,” says Dr Imogen Bexfield, lead dentist and medical director at White Swan Aesthetics. “Plaque is made up of a biofilm of bacteria that causes the gums to become inflamed, unless it’s regularly removed by brushing.”
A poor diet, infrequent or no dental care, and smoking can also contribute to the development of gingivitis.
“It can usually be resolved by a professional clean and better brushing and flossing at home”, says Dr Imogen.
Symptom: BAD BREATH & FOUL TASTE
Could be: PERIDONTAL DISEASE
If gingivitis is not treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop, which is a more advanced type of gum disease.
“Symptoms can include bad breath (also known as halitosis), a consistent foul taste in the mouth, loose teeth and gum abscesses”, says Dr Imogen. “Periodontitis eats away at the jaw bone and eventually the teeth will become wobbly and be lost.”
The treatment of periodontal disease depends on the extent of the case. It can involve a combination of special dental cleaning procedures, medications, and potentially surgery on the teeth and gums.
“Bad breath can also be an indication of tooth decay or gum disease where specific, virulent (unfriendly) bacteria have overgrown”, says Dr Imogen. “These bacteria can hide in gum pockets or underneath the surface of the teeth where they cannot be brushed away and professional intervention by a dentist is required.”
Symptom: TOOTH SENSITIVITY
Could be: EXPOSED TOOTH ENAMEL
If you suddenly start to experience tooth sensitivity, or pain as you bite and chew, this may be a sign of an underlying dental concern.
“The main reason that tooth sensitivity occurs is that the internal structure of a tooth beneath the enamel is somehow exposed. The dentinal tubules become more aware of changes in temperature and pressure, which sends pain and discomfort signals to the dental pulp.”
To prevent further pain, you should book into your dentist, but there are a few home rememdies you can try to relieve it temporarily.
“Try a saltwater rinse”, says Dr Imogen. “Salt is an effective antiseptic and it can also help to reduce inflammation.”
It’s also a good idea to avoid highly acidic foods and make sure you’re brushing with a soft-bristle tooth brush.
Symptom: RECEDING GUMS
Could be: POST-GUM DISEASE
If your teeth suddenly look longer, it could be because your gums have receded as a result of gum disease treatment.
“When you have gum disease, the bugs sitting on the teeth irritate the gums and cause them to swell and then when the gum disease is treated, they shrink back and some of the root surfaces of the tooth is exposed”, says Dr Imogen.
Receding gums can make teeth more sensitive and prone to getting tooth decay, which is why regular dental hygiene visits and good oral hygiene are essential (even post-treatment).
Symptom: THROBBING PAIN
Could be: CAVITIES
An early-forming cavity will often go undetected, which is why dental check-ups are so important.
It’s only one a cavity has become so big that you may experience some symptoms, such as “sensitivity to sweet foods that then might develop into a throbbing sensation, especially at night as the cavity gets bigger.”
So… when was the last time you went to the dentist?
