Dental Health: Recognise the Warning Signs!

Despite your best efforts to brush twice a day, floss daily and avoid sugary snacks, your teeth and gums need professional attention. It’s hard to schedule a dental appointment when life is hectic, but a dentist can diagnose small problems before they turn into big headaches.

We therefore advise that you should visit your dentist regularly, but if you are not currently doing this, here are some tell-tale signs that you need to schedule an appointment promptly:

Bleeding gums, especially during brushing

Bleeding during brushing and flossing is one of the first signs of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build-up. Gingivitis can usually be treated by visiting the dentist and practicing good oral hygiene at home. If ignored for too long, gingivitis can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums.

Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food or drinks

When gingivitis goes untreated, it can lead to periodontitis (gum disease), which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and causes tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of tooth decay.

Chronic bad breath

Persistent bad breath can be a sign of a bacterial infection, serious tooth decay or gum disease. Or it can be a sign of a health problem, such as diabetes, a sinus infection, or a hormonal change.

Puffy, red or receding gums

These are all signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. If left untreated, this disease can damage the structures supporting your teeth and cause tooth loss.

Dark spots or holes in teeth

These are signs of tooth decay, which will only worsen over time. Go and see your dentist now and avoid more involved (and costly) procedures down the road.

If fear of the dentist is preventing you from making an appointment, take a deep breath and consider how technology has changed over the past few years. Tell your dentist about your anxiety and talk about ways of managing this. Your dentist might recommend that you make an initial visit to the dental clinic to meet the staff and become acquainted with the surroundings prior to making your first appointment. Alternately, you may practice relaxation techniques at home or consider medication to ease anxiety.