What Can You Determine from Oral Health?

What Can You Determine from Oral Health?

The health of your teeth and gums has a direct link to the health of the rest of your body. Today, we’re discussing how certain oral conditions or issues may be a clear indicator of something more serious. Continue reading to learn what can be determined from oral health.

Bleeding and Swelling

Swollen or bleeding gums are common issues. In fact, these issues are so common that most people, when discovering that their gums are swollen or bleeding after brushing, may dismiss the issue completely.

The fact is that any amount of bleeding or swelling – even after brushing – is not normal, and is an indication that something is wrong. In most cases, these are telltale signs of gingivitis; gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, characterized by an infection of the gum tissue.

Gingivitis can be successfully treated and reversed with timely professional treatment. In order to treat your condition, your hygienist will conduct a deep cleaning, during which plaque and tartar will be removed from both above and below the gum line. After this deep cleaning, you can return to having regular cleanings done.

If you are not able to treat your gingivitis in time, you face the risk of developing gum disease – a serious oral condition that can not be reversed and may lead to tooth loss and other serious issues.

Bad Breath

Bad breath may sometimes simply be a result of what you have recently eaten, but if you notice that you consistently have bad breath or are experiencing an unpleasant taste in your mouth, this may be an indication that something more serious is occurring.

Bad breath (clinically known as halitosis) is caused by bacteria within the mouth. Bacteria naturally reside in the mouth but are multiplied to dangerous levels by the foods and beverages we eat and drink, along with other activities like chewing or smoking tobacco.

Brushing and flossing twice daily (as well as regular dental hygiene appointments) help keep the mouth’s bacteria levels regulated and healthy. When proper home care is not practiced – or when the patient fails to attend their check-up and cleaning appointments – the bacteria begin to multiply and develop both above and below the gum-line. In turn, an unpleasant smell or taste may arise in the mouth.

Dark Spots on Teeth

If you have noticed a dark spot on one of your teeth, it is important that you alert your dentist right away – even if you are not experiencing sensitivity or pain.

A dark spot is usually a clear indicator that decay is present in the tooth. One mistake that many people make is avoiding the issue simply because they do not feel any pain. While of course, it is good that the spot is not giving you any pain, you may find that this situation is quite short-lived.

In fact, many patients do not experience sensitivity or pain until the decay has reached the central nerve of the tooth. It is at this time that the tooth can no longer be restored with a simple filling; it will need a root canal. Be sure to alert your dentist as soon as you notice a dark spot on your teeth.

Loose Teeth

Each of your teeth is held firmly in place by the bone that makes up your jaw. When bacteria is allowed to grow beneath the gum line, it begins to eat away at both the gum and bone tissue, eventually leading to the recession of both the gum and the bone.

When this happens, the patient will experience a looseness in their teeth that worsens over time. If professional treatment is not administered in time, the patient faces the risk of losing their teeth altogether.

If you have noticed a bit of looseness in one of your adult teeth, it is best not to wait on it. Be sure to inform your dentist right away, so that he or she can conduct an examination and help you restore the health of your teeth and gums.

Gum Disease

As previously mentioned, gum disease occurs when the mouth is overrun by a large number of bacteria both above and below the gum line. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, it is important to keep in mind that this condition can be directly linked to various other serious medical conditions.

Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gum tissues. If the infection is left untreated, it has the ability to enter the bloodstream, consequently travelling to the heart.

In addition to unpleasant side effects such as loose teeth, tooth loss, chronic bad breath, and bleeding and swelling in the gums, gum disease has been linked to the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• Increased risk of heart attack
• Increased risk of stroke
• Increased risk of Alzheimer’s

The truth is that the health of your teeth and gums is extremely important, and has a direct impact on the health of your body as a whole. Be sure to maintain proper oral care at home and attend your regular cleaning and check-up appointments as scheduled.

FY Smile: Your Local Dentist in Double Bay, Sydney.

Moving forward with the information you have learned here, you will have a more solid understanding of just how important your oral health is.

If you’re in the Double Bay area and searching for the “best dentist near me”, search no longer. For the most comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry in Sydney, put your trust in FY Smile.

Your journey towards the beautiful smile of your dreams starts here. In addition to offering comprehensive dental and orthodontic treatment options in Sydney, FY Smile is proud to operate as an official Digital Smile Design clinic. Our team of experts will work with you to design a beautiful smile that naturally complements your features and provides you with priceless confidence.

For more information about dental treatment in Sydney or to make an appointment at our Double Bay dental office, give us a call anytime at 02 8319 5557.