Mouth Talk: What It Tells You About Your Health
Noticed your teeth’s a bit crooked all of a sudden? Your gums bled when you brushed earlier today? Though these changes seem like nothing to you, you may be surprised at what your mouth is actually telling you about your overall health.
Sharp Tooth Pain
A slight discomfort in your mouth may mean nothing if it lasts for a day or two. However, if the pain is persistent especially when biting, then you may have cavities or tooth decay. It may also signal a sinus infection if the ache is in the upper teeth. Only your dentist can confirm this. So call a cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale for an appointment if the pain lingers for more than three days.
Loose, Cracking or Newly Crooked Teeth
Stress can actually cause cracking or loose teeth. How, you ask? When stress triggers muscle tension, it can cause tooth grinding or jaw clenching which typically happens during sleep. To relieve yourself from stress, try relaxing before going to bed. Meditation and Yoga is a good practice to start doing.
In addition, a loose tooth may also be a cause of periodontal disease. This happens when tartar buildup spreads into your gums and bones in your mouth. Contact your cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale right away if you notice any suddenly crooked or loose teeth.
Bleeding, or Swollen Gums
While this could just be an irritating side effect of hormonal changes, bleeding or swollen gums could also mean a bacterial buildup happening inside your mouth which can possibly enter your bloodstream causing problems in the arteries. This should not be taken lightly. If the bleeding happens frequently, schedule a trip to your dentist so it can be remedied immediately.
Sores in your mouth
Mouth sores may mean that you probably just ate too much scalding or citrus foods. But when a sore does not disappear after two weeks or if it turns swollen, red or white, then it requires more attention. An immediate check-up by your dentist is needed.
Gum Pain
Gum pain could be a sign of cavity or exposed roots of your teeth. This happens when you brush too forcefully, grind your teeth, or because of bacteria. But a more serious cause of gum pain is oral cancer. Seek your dentist if red or white spots appear and ache prolongs for more than a week.
Cuts on the Inner Corners of Your Lips
These cuts (angular cheilitis) are not just because of a lip-licking habit or chapped lips. Cuts are actually inflamed areas of infection because of nutritional deficiencies. Talk to your doctor and find out if there’s a need to adjust your diet.
Halitosis
No, that’s not your lunch you’re smelling, it’s bacteria build up. Try to be more mindful of your brushing to avoid bad breath. In some occasions, halitosis may be a cause of something more—a respiratory disease, post-nasal drip, uncontrolled diabetes, gastric reflux, or kidney failure. If the funny smell lasts for days, check with your dentist to know what steps to be taken next.
