Here is a quick guide to common dental problems. You should visit your dentist if you have these warning signs.
| Warning Sign | The Problem? |
|---|---|
| Bad breath that doesn't go away | The cause might be gum disease, food, drinking, smoking, medicine you are taking or a health condition. If you cannot get rid of bad breath with daily brushing and flossing, see your dentist. |
| Your gums bleed when you brush or floss | If you just started to floss, a little bleeding is normal. But if you bleed almost every time you brush or floss your teeth, see your dentist. |
| Dry Mouth | For women, menopause may be the cause. It is also a side effect of many common medicines. It does not feel good and it can make dental problems worse. You need to tell your dentist if you have this problem. |
| A tooth that is a little bit loose | A loose tooth could be caused by gum disease or by a blow to the mouth. In any case, it is a serious problem. You should see your dentist. |
| A sore mouth | A sore mouth might be caused by false teeth that don't fit well. It could also be from leaving false teeth in overnight. "Burning mouth syndrome" is a problem that affects some older women. Not eating the right kind of food may also be the cause. |
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These symptoms may be signs of oral cancer. See your dentist right away. |
Teeth that are sensitive to:
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Teeth can become sensitive all of a sudden, or it can happen over time. In most cases, this kind of pain means something is wrong. Check with your dentist. |
