London dentist shares tell-tale dental warning signs patients shouldn’t ignore
A dentist from London has shared a host of tell-tale warning signs patients shouldn’t ignore to try and encourage people to seek help for dental issues.
Dr Reena Wadia, from RW Perio, London, said that patients should be aware of potentially dangerous symptoms, which can signal dental and general health issues.
One of the most important symptoms to look out for is bleeding gums, a common sign of gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults in the UK, despite the fact that is almost always preventable. If you spot blood when you brush your teeth, or your gums are swollen or sore, it’s wise to book an appointment with your dentist. Mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, is treatable. If symptoms go untreated, there is a risk of developing advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, which causes irreversible damage to the bone tissue that supports the teeth.
Another potential problem to keep an eye out for is worn teeth. If the edges of your teeth are flat, this might be a by-product of bruxism. Bruxism is the medical name for tooth grinding. Dentists across the UK have seen an increase in the number of patients displaying symptoms of bruxism, including damaged teeth, headaches and jaw pain. Tooth grinding can be linked to stress and anxiety, and it is also more common in people who have issues with their orthodontic bite or damaged fillings and crowns. If tooth grinding is resulting in damage to the teeth or symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, dentists may recommend using a bite guard, a removable device that is worn during the night to prevent the upper and lower arches of teeth clashing.
Dr Wadia is also encouraging patients to be wary of mouth ulcers. Ulcers are very common, and they usually disappear without causing any problems. If patients have ulcers that take a long time to heal, it’s advisable to see a dentist or a GP. Slow-healing ulcers and sores can be a symptom of mouth cancer. Other signs include red or white patches in the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing, abnormal lumps or swelling, unexplained oral pain or bleeding and persistent hoarseness
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