The condition of your teeth, gums, tongue and the tissues inside your mouth play a large role in your overall health and well-being. If you experience any abnormal pain, discomfort, stiffness, swelling or bleeding in the mouth, these could be a warning sign of something more sinister going on in your body, making it important to seek professional help.

The vast majority of medical conditions can present symptoms that impact your mouth, so it’s critical to be mindful of your overall oral health and not ignore any warning signs.

Here are some things to be aware of:

1. Pain in the gums, teeth, or jaw

Sometimes jaw pain is caused by stiffness or muscle aches and it will go away on its own. Sometimes a pain in the gums is caused by eating an exceptionally rough piece of toast. Sometimes these problems are caused by stress, which is something that should be treated through the support of your family doctor.

Pain in the gums, teeth or jaw could be a symptom of many conditions from a cavity to gum disease to bruxism. These are all common dental problems that are easy for your dentist to treat if caught early, so be sure to reach out for care at the earliest sign of mouth pain.

2. Bleeding in the gums

Have you ever noticed a touch of blood in the sink after brushing or flossing? While this could be normal or just a sign that you need to floss more, but it could also be a warning sign that your body is developing gum disease. Gum disease can be more serious for people with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, which lessens the body’s ability to naturally fight off infections.

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is one of those problems that can be easily treated if caught early, so be sure to make an appointment with your family dentist as soon as you notice the problem starting.

By letting gum disease progress, you could be setting yourself up for periodontitis, which often requires invasive treatment like dental extractions and replacement.

3. Changes in the appearance of the tooth

The tooth is covered by a hard substance called enamel. When that substance erodes, it can change the appearance of the tooth to make it appear more translucent.

The erosion of tooth enamel could be caused by genetics, poor oral hygiene, age, normal wear and tear, or increased acid production from eating disorders like bulimia, or other medical conditions that cause nausea and vomiting, and acid reflux.

Eroded enamel weakens the tooth, increasing the likelihood that cavities will develop, so it’s important to visit your family dentist if you notice a change in the appearance of your teeth.

If you have noticed any of these warning signs, contact the team at St. Jacobs Dental Care to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Mira Nusaputra is a general dentist accepting new patients.