Your overall physical health is connected to your oral health. When things aren’t right in your mouth, chances are there could be something going on in your body. You may not realize how important your oral health is and may even ignore some signs and symptoms of something being “off” simply because you are not aware.

It is important to learn and know about the connection between your overall health and your oral health so you can protect yourself.

Concerned about your oral health? Not sure if you are taking care of your teeth or gums properly? There are signs and symptoms that alert you of poor oral health. Here are a few:

Do your teeth ache or hurt when drinking cold or hot drinks? If so, you have sensitive teeth. This can be a sign of tooth decay, worn tooth enamel, and gum disease. Sometimes switching toothpastes can help with sensitivity. Obviously, cutting sugar intake can prevent tooth aches and pain. If the sensitivity persists you should see your dentist for treatment options.

Gingivitis or Gum disease is not too uncommon, there around 200,000 cases in the US per year. People who do not floss regularly or do not brush thoroughly can be diagnosed with a gum disease. The symptoms can be spotted as such– receding gums from the teeth and bleeding or inflamed gums. If your gums are red in color versus a light pink color or your gums bleed while brushing you might have gingivitis. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to tooth decay and loss or other serious conditions. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis a cleaning by an oral hygienist and prescription oral rinses can treat and cure the disease.

Your breath can be a vital indicator of your oral health. Don’t be too quick to pop in a mint to subside bad breath, your breath might be trying to tell you something.

Do you have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth? This could be a sign of plaque buildup which can also cause gum disease. These bacteria irritate the gums, decompose and then cause bad breath. Flossing regularly removes the plaque and prevents bad breath.

Be sure to visit a dentist every 6 months for a cleaning to remove the harder to reach and persistent plaque and bacteria from your mouth. If you see any of the mentioned signs and symptoms it is good to make an appointment with your oral hygienist so they can properly diagnosis and treat the symptoms.

Overall oral health is a top priority at Sedki Dentistry. Dr. Sedki and his staff offer a personalized experience which includes a full range of dental services as well as educating their patients about the importance of oral health. Long term dental health is their goal. When your mouth is healthy, your smile is healthy, and Dr. Sedki will provide the most effective treatment available to meet your unique needs. Call today for a Free Dental Consult!