In dentistry, as in most things in life, it is always better to notice and address problems as the first emerge. The sooner that you are able to treat a dental problem, the better your long term prognosis!
For this reason, our Saint Louis dentists want to help our patients learn about the signs of dental damage; that way, our patients gain the ability to monitor their own smiles between professional dental appointments.
Here are some common oral health changes that may point to dental problems:
Sensitive and bleeding gum tissue: if you notice that your gums look swollen, that they are painful, or that they are prone to bleeding, these issues could be sign of emerging periodontal disease
Persistent bad breath: it is also very common for people with dental problems to experience hard-to-treat bad breath. As oral bacteria take root in your smile, they release bad odors. So if you are noticing that your mouth never really feels “fresh,” reach out to your dental team
Gaps in your gum tissue: as oral infections set in, you may notice that your gum tissue actually starts to pull away from your teeth and jawbones. These gaps in your gum tissue are called “periodontal pockets,” and they are a sign that your gum tissue is being damaged by a chronic infection
Visible changes to your smile: if you do notice spots or dark deposits developing on your smile, these might be related to dental damage. It is always best to have your oral health provider check them out just to be sure
Do you have more questions for our Saint Louis dental team? If so, please feel free to give us a call for more information—we are here to help in any way we can!