In this age of cosmetic dentistry, we regularly see a host of glittering white smiles whenever we look at photographs of a star-studded event. It’s easy to make comparisons and wonder about the quality of our own teeth. So, what should you be keeping an eye on? There are a range of tell-tale signs that hint at dental problems and it’s always best to be aware so that these problems can be spotted and dealt with immediately.
The most important thing you can do to ensure your mouth stays healthy is to listen to your body. If you feel pain or increased sensitivity, get it checked out. Your dentist can determine the source of the pain and prescribe an appropriate course of action to ensure that you leave pain free.
You should also be going to see your dentist if your teeth aren’t living up to what you want from them. This means if you are aware of bad breath, discoloration or staining, or crooked or gappy teeth, you should be booking an appointment. Bad breath is actually a common indicator of gum disease and, if this is the case, it can be treated. The same is true if you spot any bleeding of the gums – another common sign of gum disease. Similarly, the cause of the discoloration or staining can be identified, and steps taken to restore your teeth to their natural colour, or measures to straighten wonky teeth – including cosmetic dentistry options such as orthodontics.
There are also occasions where you should visit the dentist straight away and none more so than if a tooth breaks. The sooner you go, the more chance there is of saving the damaged tooth. It is also worth remembering that the site will need cleaning to prevent infection.
Even if you don’t spot any of the above symptoms, you should still be making sure to visit your dentist at least every six months. Problems can begin before there are any obvious symptoms and your dentist can spot and treat these problems before they cause you any further nuisance.
Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is to prioritise taking care of your teeth and keeping an eye on any changes. If you do this, you give yourself the very best chance of ensuring a problem-free smile.