| Warning Sign |
The Problem? |
| Bad breath that doesn't go away |
The cause might be gum disease, food, drinking, smoking, medicine you are taking or a health condition. If you cannot get rid of bad breath with daily brushing and flossing, see your dentist. |
| Your gums bleed when you brush or floss |
If you just started to floss, a little bleeding is normal. But if you bleed almost every time you brush or floss your teeth, see your dentist. |
| Dry Mouth |
For women, menopause may be the cause. It is also a side effect of many common medicines. It does not feel good and it can make dental problems worse. You need to tell your dentist if you have this problem. |
| A tooth that is a little bit loose |
A loose tooth could be caused by gum disease or by a blow to the mouth. In any case, it is a serious problem. You should see your dentist. |
| A sore mouth |
A sore mouth might be caused by false teeth that don't fit well. It could also be from leaving false teeth in overnight. "Burning mouth syndrome" is a problem that affects some older women. Not eating the right kind of food may also be the cause. |
|
Bleeding that you can't explain
Mouth sores that don't heal in 7 to 10 days
White or red patches in your mouth
Feeling numb or sore inside your mouth
|
These symptoms may be signs of oral cancer. See your dentist right away. |
|
Teeth that are sensitive to:
- Hot
- Cold
- Sweetness
- Pressure
|
Teeth can become sensitive all of a sudden, or it can happen over time. In most cases, this kind of pain means something is wrong. Check with your dentist |
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