4 Signs to Watch for in Your Mouth with Your Dentist in Norwood

While you’re brushing your teeth in front of the mirror, you notice something odd in your mouth that wasn’t there before. Is that normal? Should you be worried about it? Does it mean that something is wrong? Maybe. Symptoms in the mouth can indicate more serious oral and medical conditions and shouldn’t be ignored. Take a look at these 4 oral signs to watch out for with your dentist in Norwood.

Red, Swollen Gums

Red, swollen gums is a telltale sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that irritate gums, causing them to become inflamed. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, the more advanced stage of gum disease. During this, the gums start to recede, and the connection between the supporting tissue and your teeth starts to deteriorate. Eventually, periodontitis could lead to damage to the jaw bone and tissue and tooth loss.

Needless to say, gum disease is much easier to treat during the gingivitis stage. Usually a routine cleaning with your dentist or hygienist and good oral habits, including daily brushing and flossing, at home are enough to treat gingivitis. Later stages of gum disease require much more extensive treatment.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums is another common sign of gingivitis. If plaque is not removed from your teeth during brushing and from in between during flossing, your body sends more blood to the gums to help fight the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Although usually not sensitive or painful, your bleeding gums are a sign that something is wrong. Bleeding gums could also indicate infection or trauma, so it is still a good idea to talk to your family dentist in Norwood if you experience this.

Lumps on Your Gums

If you notice lumps on your gums, you may have an oral infection, like an abscess. An oral infection is most often caused by canker sores or trauma, which includes injury to your mouth, ingesting very hot food or beverages, or getting used to new braces or dentures. Food particles, plaque, and tooth decay can also lead to oral infections, especially if your immune system is low. Sometimes lumps are nothing to worry about, such as those around the gum line during pregnancy. However, lumps could also indicate more serious problems, such as oral cancer. If you notice lumps on your gums, ask your dentist about it during your next checkup. They will be able to help you properly diagnose and take care of the problem.

Swollen Tongue

For people who have allergies, contact with certain things can make the tongue swell suddenly. Medical treatment with steroids, antihistamines, and epinephrine should resolve this kind of tongue swelling. If, however, your tongue swells gradually, then low iron levels, strep throat, or even leukemia could be the reason. If symptoms persist, see your doctor for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Painful lumps on your tongue are most often inflamed taste buds, which can occur after you accidentally bite your tongue or ingest hot food or drink. Stress and hormones can also cause this. If these painful lumps are also accompanied by fever and swollen glands, you could have lingual papillitis, a contagious condition typical among children that passes without treatment in two weeks.

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Your mouth may be trying to tell you something about your health. With any of these, let your dentist in Norwood and also your doctor know so that you can receive the treatment you need. If you have more questions about oral and medical conditions that manifest symptoms in your mouth, contact your dentist. By paying attention to your symptoms, you can take a proactive role in your oral health.

About the Author

Norwood Dental Care proudly treats patients in the Norwood, Westwood, Canton, Walpole, and Dedham communities. Dr. John Michaels and his staff of dedicated professionals offer dental services ranging from preventive care to dental implants, teeth whitening, and more. You can contact them for an appointment by calling (781) 769-6140 or clicking here.