The condition of your teeth, gums, tongue and breath can offer important insights into your dental, oral and overall health. The state of your mouth is trying to tell you something, and here are a few signs to look out for.

1. Noticing swollen gums, traces of blood after brushing or gum discoloration – but is usually not painful. You may be suffering from gingivitis; a gum disease if detected and treated early can be reversed. But, if neglected can lead to tooth loss in adults.
   
   
2. Temperature sensitivity may indicate cavity, fracture, worn-out tooth enamel, exposed root or infection. Sensitivity to hot food/beverage indicates that the pulp is infected and sensitivity to cold ones indicates pulp inflammation. Whereas, sensitivity to sugar means the dentin exposure due to decay, exposed roots or enamel. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your dentist. You may be recommended a root canal or just a simple dental prophylaxis.
   
   
3. Go gentle on the floss; gum bleeding can be prevented by proper flossing technique. However, constant gum bleeding can indicate gingivitis, to eliminate this diagnosis, visit your dentist.  Early treatment can reverse this disease.
   
   
4. Jaw soreness can indicate TMD or temporomandibular disorder, which can be due to compulsive clenching of your jaws or grinding your teeth. Furthermore, facial injury, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or an improper growing jaw can lead to this. Your dentist can examine and suggest through x-rays a proper treatment plan that may include dental work, medication, a bite plate, surgery or physiotherapy or refer you to another specialist. 
   
   
5. Looking out for sores, lumps or white or dark-red patches in the mouth or tongue. The above could be signs of cancer so see your dentist immediately. Symptoms may include any of the above which can indicate oral cancer, as well as changes in the colour or texture of the mouth tissues, bleeding or numbness in the mouth; changes in taste or tongue sensation and  even difficulty swallowing. Your dentist may order imaging tests like x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans or MRIs. A biopsy also may be needed or other tests such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or surgery. Your risk of developing oral cancer can be prevented by avoiding smoking, by limiting alcohol intake, and by adopting proper diet and dental hygiene.
   
   
6.  Suffering from bad breath means poor dental hygiene. So brush and floss regularly to prevent bacteria build-up. Include your tongue when brushing can also help fight bad breath. Using mouth wash not only freshen breath but also protect tooth enamel and helps fight plaque and gingivitis.
   
   
7. White specks on teeth indicate too much fluoride in children which is not health threatening but mainly cosmetic which can be easily treated by the dentist. On adult teeth, this indicates desiccation of enamel which is caused by breathing through your mouth which dries up your teeth and makes it lose its moisture - visit the dentist when you see this.

Notice these things, and maybe it's time to see your Dentist, especially if you  haven't seen them for some time. How many times should I see them? Well, read this blog post.

The earlier you get your mouth checked, the better it would be. Contact us today, and let us get you scheduled in right away.