Oral Care: Signs and Symptoms of Major Health Issues By Beth A. Stevens

From an early age, we all are taught the importance of oral care and a healthy smile. Parents often spend countless hours lecturing, demonstrating and chiding their children on the right foods to eat and the right way to brush. These lessons remain through adulthood, with most practicing these same techniques on a regular basis. Cavities are the primary concern in the younger years, but as we grow, so do the health concerns. Of course tooth decay can still become a problem in adults; the real issues are much greater. Teeth grinding, periodontal disease and gingivitis are some of the biggest factors, but there are an abundance of other concerns that cause tooth loss and bone deterioration. The older you become, the more you must pay attention to these symptoms, lest you destroy the condition of your smile. The good news is that as technology has become more prevalent in the oral health field, the treatments to curtail these issues have increased, as well. Oral surgeons and orthodontists are trained to treat these issues, often fixing the damage when caught in the early stages. To protect your smile, you must learn how small symptoms can turn into major health concerns.

Gum Issues

Sore and red gums are clear indicators of a periodontal condition. Often attributed to gingivitis, there are other gum concerns for which to consider. Gums may feel tender to the touch or sensitive to spicy or hot foods. They may also look swollen, as if you’ve flossed too hard. Visually, you may notice that the gums have pulled away or receded from around your teeth. This reveals discoloration along the gum area; teeth may also appear longer for this reason. The biggest concern here is that debris and food can actually get caught in these pockets created by gum loss, eventually causing gum disease. You may notice you have a bad taste in your mouth or others may point out your foul breath. When the disease progresses, so do the risks; gum loss will eventually lead to tooth decay and loss.

Cracked Teeth

Although a major chip or crack can be identified by sight or an x-ray, there are actually cases where the cracks are too small to be detected in this manner. Often caused by tooth grinding, these cracks are found underneath the surface of the gums. Additionally, tooth shifting or alignment can also put a lot of pressure on the surface of teeth; this also causes teeth cracking, as well. This condition can be revealed by sore or tender teeth. It may hurt to bite down when eating or talking, while others feel sensitivity to certain foods or temperatures. It’s not a constant ache like a cavity or abscess, but rather a pain that often waxes and wanes. When the cracks increase, the symptoms become more noticeable. If you have any concerns about teeth cracking, it’s best to seek professional help before major symptoms occur.

Bad Breath

There’s more to bad breath than simply the morning time. In fact, increasing bad breath is called halitosis and is caused by other issues. Bacteria buildup is the underlying cause of the condition, when it increases, so do the fumes. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, from cavities to cracked fillings. Talk with your doctor if you have bad breath to make sure there’s nothing more serious occurring in your mouth.

About the Author: Beth A. Stevens is a contributing author and former dental hygienist. For 15 years, she worked with oral care professionals, assisting patients prior to, during and post medical procedures. She recently helped her husband to find periodontal specialists in the area for treatment after a sports injury.

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