You take a sip of ice cold water and you feel a twinge of sensitivity. Or maybe you notice blood in the sink when you brush. Instead of ignoring symptoms like these and carrying on with your day, pay a visit to your dentist. They could be a sign of a bigger problem. Here are 6 oral health warning signs you should never ignore.

Tooth sensitivity

If you can’t drink a hot or cold drink without the searing pain of tooth sensitivity, something is not right. Teeth can become sensitive because of decay, gum disease, or problems with fillings.

Bleeding gums

Seeing blood in the sink when you spit out your toothpaste or on your dental floss? Get a check-up. Bleeding gums can be one of the oral health warning signs that indicate gum disease. If gum disease isn’t treated, it can lead to tooth loss and serious problems that affect your overall health like heart disease.

Teeth becoming see-through

If you’re noticing that the edges of your teeth look transparent, this could be a sign that your tooth enamel is wearing away. Once tooth enamel erodes, it can lead to sensitivity and discolouration of the teeth. Don’t ignore it.

Your breath smells bad

It’s normal to have breath that doesn’t smell so fresh first thing in the morning. However, if you’ve noticed that your breath has been persistently bad lately, it could be one of the oral health warning signs of gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, or even wider health problems like diabetes.

Mouth sores that won’t heal

We all get canker sores when we absent-mindedly bite our lips or cheeks, or when we’re run down. But if you have a sore that lasts more than two weeks and you’re experiencing severe pain, see your dentist as soon as you can. This could be a sign of oral cancer and early detection is key to getting the best outcomes.

Dry mouth

Having a dry mouth might not seem like it’s that big of a deal. But here’s the thing. Saliva plays an important role in neutralising acids in the mouth and washing away bacteria. If you don’t have enough saliva, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. If your dry mouth is down to the side effect of a medication you’re taking, speak to your doctor to see if there’s an alternative available. You can also try:

Drinking plenty of cold water

Sucking on ice cubes

Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free sweets

For more articles on oral health care and the products you need for a bright and healthy smile, check out the rest of our blog.