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Teeth are perhaps one of the most shining features of the human face – not only because it literally shines when clean, but also because it’s one of the most appealing components of a smile. However, teeth also do more than just make our faces aesthetically pleasing. Teeth play a major component for a lot of oral and dental tasks the body needs to do, and not being able to take care of these properly can result to problems that can be very inconvenient for a lot of people. This article will look into signs of poor oral health and the symptoms you can get, so you’ll be in a position of advantage and be a few steps ahead when it comes to securing your oral health.
It might help to understand a few statistics on oral health first. While “going to the dentist” is a topic people like to joke around with, especially when it comes to “drills” and “needles,” numbers do show that an unprecedented part of the world’s population is in need of efficient oral health. Unfortunately, not everyone wants to go to the dentist either.
For instance, almost 100-percent of adults and 60 to 90-percent of school children actually have cavities. 15 to 20-percent of people in their middle ages, or 35 to 44 years old, actually have severe gum disease. Meanwhile, 30-percent of people that are between 65 to 74 years old actually don’t have any natural teeth anymore. These problems are much more prevalent among disadvantaged and poor population groups. As such, for those with access to health care, it’s important to avail proper dental and oral care to preserve healthy teeth.
Oral Health: Signs And Symptoms Of Danger
With the above into consideration, it’s important to understand that you should approach matters of dental health with efficient care and research. Not everyone gets to avail proper dental and oral health, but that doesn’t mean you should be reckless as well. Given the above numbers, you can avoid serious health conditions with proper oral health care, and Farnham Dentistry Jacksonville dentists and other dental health professionals are prepared to give you the appropriate assistance. Below are some signs you should be wary of:
- Toothaches are often characterized by hurting of the jaw or the mouth. These usually mean a cavity exists in the immediate area, or it might be a sign of a gum disease. Sometimes, a toothache is also a sign of an impacted tooth or an abscess. Dentists should look into a toothache immediately, as a tooth might die if left alone and untreated.
- Cracked or broken teeth can also happen for a variety of reasons. They’re often the cause of injury, teeth grinding, or brittle teeth. The cracks can be big enough to be visible, or small enough to be visible only through x-ray. They can often be a cause of severe pain, and even generate problems if untreated.
- Sore gums or bleeding can be a sign of gingivitis. This is a reversible and early stage of gum disease, as it’s often caused by the beginning of a new flossing routine or by brushing too hard. Though if your gums do bleed regularly, or if the bleeding has started to cause concern, it might help to talk with a physician or a dentist on the matter.
- Mouth sores can be divided into multiple subgroups. These include candidiasis, leukoplakia, cold sores, and canker sores. The classification of mouth sores really depend on the cause and the severity of a said sore, as there often can be irritation because of dentures or braces, the sharp edge of broken filling or teeth, or a symptom of a disorder or disease. If your mouth sores last for more than a week, it’s recommended a dentist take a good look at it.
- Clicking or popping or pain in the jaw can be a symptom to a lot of things, which makes it something to watch out for. Problems that cause these kinds of pain include gingivitis, teeth grinding, injury, arthritis, toothache, or even sinus problems. Examinations, which may have an x-ray test with it, can help determine the direct cause of the pain you’re feeling.
- Dry mouth can either be a side effect of certain medication, or a medical disorder. Remember that the saliva is actually the primary defense system of the mouth against tooth decay as it washes debris and food, provides substances that fight disease around the mouth, and it neutralizes the bacteria’s acids that are found inside the mouth.
- Sensitive teeth are characterized by the hurting of your teeth when drinking cold or hot beverages. Sometimes, this is the result of the tooth root being exposed due to gum recession, worn tooth enamel, gum disease, worn fillings, fractured teeth, or tooth decay. Treatment for this really depends on the kind of source of the sensitivity. Though if you’re worried about your teeth sensitivity in general, it may help to consult a dentist on the matter.
- Discolored or stained teeth can be caused by a variety of factors. These include certain medications, injury, genetics, aging, smoking, or regular consumption of tea or coffee. You can use over the counter treatments to whiten teeth, or you can have a cleaning procedure as well.
- Bad breath might seem ordinary for some, but it really can be an immediate cause of concern for dental health. This is because bad breath can actually be caused by medical conditions, smoking, dry mouth, not cleaning properly, or by what you eat. If you have a persistent occurrence of bad breath, it might be a sign of gum disease. You can avoid this by flossing daily and brushing twice a day. It also helps to brush your tongue in the process.
The Bottomline: Effective Oral Health Means Observation, Diagnosis
With the above taken into consideration, it’s important to remember that efficient oral health is best tackled through first assessing the kind of teeth and overall oral health you have. Only then can you start taking up medicine or other procedures. Being careful with your overall oral health appears to go beyond taking care of your teeth, and in fact involves making sure the entirety of your mouth is efficiently managed to provide a much healthier and better lifestyle. If you feel as though your concerns with oral health have become too intense, you should probably visit a dental professional as well to secure your oral health.
