When you schedule regular checkups, your dentist will examine your mouth and look for any issues at these appointments. Catching problems early on makes it easier to repair damage and preserve your oral health. If you notice the following signs, let your dentist know right away:
• Bleeding gums. You wouldn’t ignore bleeding on your arm or leg, yet most people don’t pay any attention to bleeding gums. This symptom is frequently an early sign of gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease can result in bone degeneration and tooth loss, as well as contribute to overall health issues like heart disease and osteoporosis.
• Sores that don’t heal. Some people develop canker sores or cold sores, which usually clear up in 10 to 14 days. Your dentist should check out any spot that doesn’t heal after two weeks. Oral cancer can begin with a sore that won’t go away, so you should not ignore this issue.
• Areas of white, creamy patches. A yeast infection of the mouth, thrush can crop up because of certain medications such as steroid inhalers for asthma. Additionally, it can indicate a disease like diabetes, so mention this issue to your dentist if you notice any signs of thrush.
• Hairline cracks in teeth. People who suffer from problems such as TMJ dysfunction or bruxism, which is clenching and grinding of the teeth, may develop small cracks in their teeth. Stress, fatigue, and injury can contribute to these types of problems. Your dentist can recommend treatment to correct any misalignment and relieve discomfort.
