Peoria Dentist Shares Signs Your Smile is in Trouble
Healthy mouths add years to our smiles. That’s why we need to be aware of these warning signs so we can treat issues promptly.
Appearance of Teeth
The look of your teeth can tell a lot about what’s going on. For example, if your teeth appear to be short and thin, you might be a victim of teeth grinding. In addition, you might be experiencing a loss of tooth enamel. This can be caused by the acids in our diet or the improper care of our teeth.
If you notice a dark shadow between your teeth, this is an early sign of a cavity. Many times a cavity won’t hurt until it’s reached deep into the tooth, so you don’t want to wait for treatment. Cavities start as the acid attacks our enamel and breaks it down.
If you notice that a tooth is gray in color, you’ll want to have it looked at. Chances are it experienced trauma at some point and it could indicate that a nerve is dead.
Gums
If you have red or swollen gums, it could be an inflammatory reaction to the bacteria in your mouth. Swelling and bleeding are common signs of gum disease and you need treatment immediately. As this continues, you’ll begin to lose bone surrounding the teeth and you could even lose some teeth as a result.
Bad Breath
You can’t see bad breath, but you sure can smell it. This tells more about your health than you think. Bacteria are responsible for that putrid smell and it should be explored by your dentist. Sometimes it’s caused by an oral infection like gum disease. Other times it could just be from a lack of proper dental care.
Your dental health needs to be a priority for you to feel good and look great. Most issues are preventable with good oral hygiene, so you want to take the time to care for your mouth. Other times, issues can be resolved quickly with simple treatments, so don’t be afraid to seek help from your Peoria dentist. Do everything you can now to protect your smile.
To schedule your next appointment, please call J.S. Whitson LTD. Dental at (309) 688-7321.
