Oral health has a lot more to it than just white teeth. Because a brighter smile can be achieved with bleaching, you may be deceived by how healthy your mouth really is. Good oral health is a big factor in overall bodily health and bad oral hygiene can quickly land you in a world of pain with potential lifelong damage. It is important to know what to look for when determining if your mouth is really healthy or not. Don’t be ignorant to the top 3 signs that your oral health is suffering so you can give your mouth and your overall health the attention they need to keep you happy and healthy.

1. Pain

Pain is always a flashing red flag that something in your body is not right. Mouth pain can be the reason for a whole host of issues that need to be addressed. If you have an aching tooth, you may have a cavity that needs to be filled so it doesn’t lead to more pain or a more involved procedure. If you have constant sores in your mouth, there is a potential for bacteria infections and potentially more serious health conditions. Of course, those pesky wisdom teeth can often create the perfect situation to trap food debris and cause an incredible amount of pain that will leave you desperate for relief.

Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold can be the subtle first sign that your oral health may need attention. Your teeth can go from sensitive to painful rather quickly if not addressed properly. Loose, broken, or chipped teeth can also be sensitive and can lead to a more painful experience if not seen by a dentist.

2. Gums

Gums can be an excellent way to determine oral health because you can visually see healthy or unhealthy signs if you know what to look for. Gums should be light pink and firmly fit around each tooth. If you take a gander at your gums and notice that they are:

• Red or dark purple
• Swollen or inflamed
• Are receding, exposing the root, and appearing longer

You can easily determine that your oral health is suffering and needs to be looked at by a dentist so that you can get your mouth on the road to recovery and prevent more permanent and damaging effects from poor oral health.

3. Breath

For most people, grabbing a mint or stick of gum to address coffee breath or brushing their teeth to get rid of morning breath is the extent of how they deal with their bad breath. But for others, bad breath can be a definite sign that their oral health is suffering or could even be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Poor oral hygiene can leave food particles between teeth that cause bad breath and can also lead to the tongue trapping odorous bacteria. Mouth infections from oral procedures or even tooth infections can add to bad breath.

If you determine that your oral health is suffering because of mouth pain, gum appearance, or bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist so you can begin to address these 3 signs of poor oral health. If you are in St. Augustine, FL, and are looking for a dental office that offers comprehensive dental care to help you address your oral health, call the friendly staff at Dental Remedies today!