Signs Your Teeth And Gums Need To Be Checked By The Dentist

Your teeth and gums are a vital part of your overall oral health. Your teeth are not healthy without your healthy gums and vice versa.

Here's the thing, however. You may not realize you have a tooth and gum issue unless both issues are noticed at once. However, your teeth and gums often present issues in their own way, and only a dentist would know whether the problems are connected.

If you have teeth and gums issues, your dentist needs to know right away. Don't wait until your whole mouth is suffering in tandem to see the dentist; here are signs your teeth and gums need to be checked by the dentist.

Your gums are discolored

Your gums don't need to be bleeding or otherwise showing issues and wear and tear to be considered a dental problem. If your gums are discolored (meaning purple, white, red, or even a dark pink along the gum line), then see your dentist. Discoloration often means swelling and infection, or at the very least an issue with circulation, and these are all things your dentist needs to know about it.

Your teeth are discolored

Discolored teeth are often caused by the things you eat and drink or by smoking. However, a discolored tooth could also mean a lack of enamel in the teeth or that a tooth has encountered nerve damage and subsequently died as a result. Your teeth can change color for a variety of reasons, and it's up to you to go to the dentist to make sure your dental discoloration is related to lifestyle choices and not a serious concern.

Your mouth is sore

Sometimes if your mouth is sore and you can't pinpoint the pain, it's not just your teeth or just your gums. It can be both working on an infection (gum disease can cause a tooth issue and a sore tooth can infect the gums) that will worsen without the right care. In the end, it's best to see your dentist if you have ongoing pain in the mouth you cannot identify as a canker sore, sore lip, sore throat, or otherwise.

Your dentist wants to see you yearly at the least to ensure your oral health. They'll want to see you more frequently if you have issues with your oral health in general, have a history of gum disease, or if you have other oral health concerns.  

Contact your dentist for more information.