Signs of Unhealthy Teeth & Gums You Shouldn’t Ignore

Your smile is, without a doubt, one of your greatest assets. However, maintaining your beautiful smile may be a challenging thing to do. Taking care of your teeth requires consistent effort and care — day in and day out. 

Sometimes, you may unintentionally neglect your oral health due to a lack of proper knowledge or your busy schedule. Or else, you may find yourself avoiding the dentist because of dental anxiety or financial concerns. But the truth is, if you neglect your oral health, you are more likely to have unhealthy teeth and gums. 

Unhealthy teeth, left untreated, can lead to many problems like tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Research even suggests that it can also lead to/worsen cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and respiratory infections, among others. 

This article aims to educate you about the telltale signs of unhealthy teeth and gums so you can get help when you need it. Let’s dive right in! 

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

We all experience bad breath now and then, which is entirely normal. However, if bad breath persists, it is a sure-fire sign of an underlying dental condition. It occurs when bacteria build up in your mouth, producing a foul odour. 

There’s no need to worry because you can get rid of bad breath with good oral hygiene and a little help from PMD. When you visit our dental practice, we will first identify the cause of bad breath and then treat the underlying condition. One treatment option is to perform scaling and root planing to remove tartar and plaque around your teeth and under your gums. 

Stained Teeth 

Your teeth can get discoloured due to many reasons. When almost all your teeth are discoloured, it’s often due to your dietary choices (like wine, coffee, and beetroot) or lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Certain medications can also contribute to tooth staining. In such cases, we offer professional teeth whitening services to visibly restore your pearly whites in just a single session. 

However, if only one or two teeth are discoloured, it could be a sign of a more severe dental condition like tooth decay or trauma to your tooth. After a comprehensive assessment of your teeth, we will perform personalised treatments to save your teeth. 

Tooth Sensitivity 

Do you experience pain when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages? This is a classic sign of tooth sensitivity, and it can occur for various reasons.  

The most common reason is when the tooth enamel, which is the outer layer that protects the tooth, erodes. When it erodes, it exposes the inner dentin, and when this generally comes in contact with an external stimulus, it can trigger pain or discomfort. In addition, cracked teeth, shrinking gums, teeth grinding and clenching, and worn fillings are all common causes of tooth sensitivity. 

Bleeding or Swollen Gums 

Caring for your gums is as equally important as caring for your teeth. If your gums are inflamed and tender or bleed when brushing, it could be a sign of gum disease.  

Also called Periodontitis, this condition is caused by neglected plaque build-up on your teeth and beneath the gum line, which causes inflammation and infection in the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Factors like smoking, poor nutrition, pregnancy, puberty, certain medications and certain medical conditions can also contribute to gum disease. Left untreated and allowed to reach severe stages, this is irreversible and can cause tooth loss! 

At Port Melbourne Dental, we’ve got your dental needs covered. From regular dental checkups to general and cosmetic dentistry, we provide a comprehensive range of dental solutions to ensure your oral health is in good condition and your smile looks great.

If any of the above signs sound familiar, book an appointment with one of our experienced dentists. Our team will carefully diagnose and treat your condition with the most suitable and personalised treatments so you can smile confidently!