We all know that a visit to the dentist twice a year is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your oral health. Spotting signs of tooth decay or gum disease early can save you heaps of trouble later down the road. However, it’s likely that you’ll still experience some discomfort with your teeth in between your dental appointments. We’ve got together a few early signs that, when spotted, should be a prompt to pop on the phone to your dentist and organise an appointment.
Swollen gums
Swelling of the gums is both an uncomfortable and characteristic warning sign of gum disease. If left, gum disease can do some serious damage to your entire oral health. Don’t worry though – with early treatment and a disciplined hygiene routine, gum disease can be reversed. If you’re noticing your gums turning more red than usual, it’s time to get in contact with your dentist.
Ulcers
Many people bite their lip, hold their tongue and put up with the unpleasant effects of canker sores. Mouth ulcers can be very painful and cause disruption to your sleeping pattern and mental health. It doesn’t matter whether they’ve grown out of stress or injury, it’s always best to do something about them. If your ulcers aren’t healing within a week, organise a trip to the dentist.
White spots
Despite being painless at first, white spots on your teeth and gums are one of the earliest signs of tooth decay. Unfortunately, these white spots can be difficult to spot if you’re not looking out for them. We’d suggest having an eagle-eyed inspection of your teeth and gums every night to shine a spotlight on any irregularities. If you find any white spots, give your dentist a call in order to prevent those nasty cavities developing.
Bruxism
If you’re waking up with a banging headache and a sore jaw, you may be suffering from bruxism. Regular teeth grinding isn’t only uncomfortable – it can do some serious damage to your teeth. While stress relief and relaxation can be key to stopping bruxism, your dentist can also solve your teeth grinding problems with a variety of treatments. Using detailed imprints of your upper and lower teeth, our mouthguards will protect your teeth during those long, grinding nights.
At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re noticing something that doesn’t feel right in your mouth, contact us at London City Smiles for a consultation and we’ll be able to put your mind at ease.
