Five “Not Normal” Problems Related To Oral Health

Occasionally, we see new patients who have problems that, to their surprise, is not normal. Five of these are listed below…

Seeing blood in the sink when brushing teeth  

     There is a misconception that scrubbing teeth so rigorously that they bleed is a sign of doing a good job. It’s not. This action not only wears away precious tooth enamel, it wears away tender gum tissues that wrap the base of teeth. Always use a soft to medium bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive, fluoridated toothpaste. Never use substances such as baking soda. Use a swirling motion rather than going back-&-forth.

     Bleeding gums is also a symptom of gum disease. This may be accompanied by gum tenderness or having some swelling. Without treatment, gum disease will progress further. Seek treatment as soon as possible to halt the damage (which can lead to tooth loss). 

Having bad breath frequently

     While bad breath can be the result of an onion-ladened hot dog for lunch, that’s a temporary problem. However, persistent bad breath is typically a by-product of bacterial build up or some medical conditions. However, a well-maintained mouth should help you avoid awkwardness in close conversations.

     Oral bacteria, like any bacteria in the body, are organisms that reproduce rapidly. Although saliva flow is designed to help rinse bacteria from the mouth, they can quickly exceed saliva’s capabilities. Twice-daily brushing and flossing help control bacteria levels in the mouth by removing the sticky film of plaque. If not removed, plaque takes on a hardened form, known as tartar. Tartar is a mass of bacteria that can no longer be brushed or flossed away. 

Having sore jaw joints  

     On each side of the head, just in front of the ears, lie the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These hinge the lower jaw to the skull. A misaligned bite can cause these joints to become strained, leading to inflammation. In addition to sore jaw joints, TMJ problems can cause frequent headaches, ear ringing, dizziness, and difficulty opening the mouth fully. Bite misalignment can also lead to night-time clenching or grinding. This action can be so forceful it can break or chip teeth.

     In addition to keeping oral bacteria levels under control, a properly aligned bite is necessary to having a smile that supports your overall well-being. As a neuromuscular dentist in our Macomb County dental office, we check specifically for signs that indicate TMJ disorders through careful evaluation. If indicated, our advanced technology can determine its presence and to what extent it exists.

Noticing that some teeth are longer than others

     The gums are designed to snugly wrap the base of each tooth. This provides a protective seal that keeps bacteria from penetrating below the gum line. Although oral dryness can shrink gum tissues, a common cause of gum recession is periodontal (gum) disease. 

     When the gums recede, sensitivity to hot or cold may occur. The darker segments of the tooth may also be exposed, which are highly vulnerable to oral bacteria. The bacteria of gum disease can damage the structures that support natural teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Spots on the tongue or inside the mouth

     People occasionally develop canker sores inside the mouth. This can be caused by stress or having an acidic diet. A cold sore, commonly on or around the lips, is caused by a virus and is highly contagious. Both, however, should go away within ten or so days.

     Any spot or change inside the mouth or throat that does not resolve on its own within two weeks should be seen immediately. Oral cancer can first appear in many forms. It may be a red or white spot or even cause hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. If caught early, oral cancer can be successfully treated. Acting promptly is highly important.

     In our Macomb County MI dental office, our advanced technology includes a dental laser. This technology is able to speed the healing process of non-cancerous oral lesions through a comfortable and (typically) pain-free process.

It has been shown that having good oral health is an advantage to having good overall health. Decades of research now correlate some serious health problems with the infectious bacteria of gum disease. These include stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, some cancers, diabetes and arthritis.

To help you enjoy the benefits of good oral health, begin with a thorough oral hygiene examination in our Shelby Twp dental office. Or, ask for a free consultation. Call 586-739-2155 or tap here. New patients are always welcome!

You may also want to get to know our comprehensive family dental office through a brief video: DrBarbatOfficeTour