Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene manifests in a number of different forms. From bleeding or swelling gums to toothaches, growths in the mouth and alterations to the tongue's surface, poor oral hygiene has plenty of forms. Some patients exhibit several common indications of poor oral hygiene. Here is a look at some of the most common signs of insufficient brushing, flossing and other oral hygiene practices.

Tooth Pain

If you notice pain in your tooth, do not ignore it. There is a good chance the pain will persist even if you improve the frequency or quality of your cleanings. In many instances, tooth pain is the result of significant tooth decay. Such decay can reach the tooth's inner nerve.

A chipped, broken or fractured tooth can spur significant pain. Those who have reconstructions that do not fit properly, such as a crown, might experience pain. Furthermore, an abscess, infection or teeth grinding/clenching can also cause pain.

Bleeding or Swollen Gums

Bleeding, swelling or alterations in gum color are signs that something is wrong with your oral hygiene. There might be an underlying issue with your gum health. Moderate swelling that lasts is an indication of an irritant beneath the gums.

Only a dentist will be able to tell if you are in the early stages of gum disease. Treating your gums will help to prevent the disease from progressing to the point that your gums recede and your teeth become unstable.

Alterations to the Tongue

If your tongue's texture or color changes, it is a sign you either have poor oral hygiene or your oral health is changing. You should clean your tongue every single night without exception. If you dread cleaning your tongue as you fear a gag reflex, switch to a tongue scraper. Meet with your dentist if you notice differences in your tongue after your nightly brushings.

Growths Within the Mouth

Some patients notice growths in their mouth. Others have them pointed out by the treating dentist. What matters is that the growth is identified and treated in a timely manner. Poor oral hygiene, diet and other habits can cause such growths and oral cancer. If you notice a lump, lesion, sore or other growth in your mouth that remains in place for multiple days, meet with your dentist.

Deteriorating Gums

Neglect your oral hygiene for years or simply fail to invest the time necessary for a thorough cleaning and you will find your gums begin to wear away. Deteriorating gums leave the roots of teeth exposed. This exposure is a clear sign of significant decay. The best approach to treatment is surgery or specialized teeth cleaning.

You can do your part to prevent gum deterioration by brushing and flossing following every meal. By making a commitment to oral hygiene and following through, you might not experience any of the poor oral hygiene signs noted above.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Smile Designers, request an appointment in our Houston dental office here: https://dentisthouston4smile.com. Or call us at (281) 947-0551.