Gum Disease
Gum disease is where the gums become red, swollen, sore, and bleed. It’s very common, but it’s important to get it checked by a dentist.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, floss, or eat hard foods
- your gums become swollen, red, and sore
Gum disease can lead to:
- bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth
- your gums shrinking back, also known as recession
- your teeth becoming loose or falling out
Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing. Studies say a dental condition is to blame in about 85% of people with persistent bad breath. They may include:
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Oral cancer
- Dry mouth
- Bacteria on the tongue
Mouthwash only masks the odour caused by these problems. If you have chronic bad breath, visit your dentist to see what’s behind it.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious and deadly disease. It affects millions of people and is more common after age 40.
Someone in the United States dies of oral cancer every hour. But this disease is often curable if it’s diagnosed and treated in the early stages.
The biggest risk factors are:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer include:
- Sores
- Lumps
- Rough areas in the mouth
- Change in your bite
- Difficulty chewing or moving your tongue or jaw
Regular dental visits can help catch oral cancer early. An oral cancer exam is part of your usual check up at The Courtyard Clinic.
