7 Things Your Teeth Want to Tell You

Sudden toothache - be careful of tooth decay.

Dr. Crum says that if one or more teeth suddenly hurt when you eat, you may have tooth decay. There is a special kind of bacteria in the mouth that converts sugar in food into acid, which causes tooth decay. The deeper the holes in your teeth, the more sensitive they become, eventually leading to tooth decay. If toothaches occur occasionally and are not confined to one spot, they are usually nothing to worry about.

Toothache lasts for more than 1 week - grinding your teeth while sleeping.

Dr. Shirley Worth, a cosmetic dentist in California, said that if toothache lasts for more than a week, it may be caused by bruxism (habitual grinding of teeth while sleeping or unconscious grinding of teeth when awake). Wearing an anti-bruxism mouth guard can effectively prevent nighttime teeth grinding. Dr. Worth said that if persistent toothache is accompanied by swelling of the gums or parotid glands, it may be caused by a gum abscess and you should see a dentist.

Yellow teeth - not rinsing mouth after drinking tea.

Yellow teeth are not usually a symptom of serious dental disease. Coffee, tea or other dark beverages can cause your teeth to yellow, Dr. Worth says. It is best to rinse your mouth immediately after drinking such beverages. In addition, using whitening toothpaste and teeth cleaning can help improve the problem of yellow teeth.

Loose teeth – improper brushing.

Dr. Crum said that loose teeth are a typical sequelae of periodontal disease, because periodontal disease can easily lead to bone loss in the teeth and jaw. The correct way to clean your teeth includes: brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing between teeth, and having your teeth cleaned twice a year. If these cannot be done, dental plaque will easily form, and then tartar will form, which will damage the gums and teeth and cause loose teeth.

Bleeding and swollen gums - beware of periodontitis.

Dr. Pierre Leeb, a cosmetic dentist in New York, USA, said that if the bleeding and swollen gums last for a day or two, there is no need to worry too much. Brushing your teeth regularly and flossing can relieve the symptoms. However, periodontitis caused by hormonal changes or bacterial infection can also cause bleeding and swollen gums, so it is best to see a dentist.

Sore gums - the bristles of the toothbrush are too hard.

Dr. Crum said that if your gums hurt when you breathe in cold air or drink hot or cold drinks, it may be tooth decay or gum recession. Bacterial infection, bruxism and brushing vigorously with a hard-bristled toothbrush can easily lead to gum recession and exposed tooth roots. If red or white spots appear in the painful area and persist for more than a week, be sure to go to the hospital for examination.

Gum ulcers - eat less sour, spicy and hot foods .

Dr. Worth said that eating too much sour, spicy or hot food can easily lead to oral ulcers. If the pain from the ulcer disappears in two or three days, then there is no big problem. If the ulcer lasts for a long time, it may be a sign of vitamin A deficiency. It is recommended to eat more foods rich in vitamin A, such as spinach and carrots.