Should I have my dentist check this?
Good homecare, a healthy diet and regular dental exams and cleanings support a healthy mouth. There are some things that may need to be checked before your next regular exam.
Persistent bad breath: can be caused by gum disease, food, drinking, smoking, medicine or a health condition. If daily brushing and flossing doesn’t help, see your dentist.
Bleeding gums: a little bleeding when you start flossing is normal, if they bleed every time you brush or floss, see your dentist.
Dry Mouth: is a side effect of many medicines. It can increase your risk of cavities, tell your dentist if you have this problem.
A loose tooth: can be caused by gum disease or trauma. It is a serious problem and you should see your dentist.
Sore mouth: can be caused by ill-fitting dentures, certain foods, or products, talk to your dentist about this.
Unexplained sores that don’t heal within 7-10 days, white or red patches, numbness- these can be signs of oral cancer, see your dentist.
Teeth that are sensitive to temperature, sweets or pressure: tooth sensitivity can occur gradually or suddenly, in most cases, pain means that something is wrong and should be checked by your dentist.
