Young children, a demanding job, a friend in need ― many things can cause preventive health care to fall by the wayside. Until a nagging symptom reminds you it’s been a while since your last checkup.
It’s tempting to put off seemingly minor dental issues until your schedule lightens up. But the warning signs below shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is especially true if you’re managing a chronic condition, like diabetes. Read more about the connection between oral health and overall health. By catching problems early on, you’ll save yourself precious time and money.
Blood on your toothbrush or in the sink isn’t normal. It could mean you’re developing gum disease ― also called periodontal disease ― an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. When untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth and eventually tooth loss. Other signs include red, swollen or tender gums, and discharge between the teeth and gums.
Some gum recession can be a normal part of the aging process: 88% of people over 65 experience recession around at least one tooth. But recession can also be a sign of gum disease. Regardless of the cause, retreating gums can expose the delicate roots of teeth, increasing the risk of decay, infection, pain and tooth loss. When it’s caught early, treatment can stop or even reverse the process.
A healthy mouth is well lubricated by saliva, which washes away food particles and neutralizes the acids produced by plaque. If your mouth feels unusually dry, it could be a sign of illness. Your dentist can determine what’s causing your dry mouth and suggest ways to restore moisture and protect your teeth.
Adult teeth should last a lifetime. If you notice slight movement or widening gaps, take it seriously. It could be a sign of infection or bone loss. Also look out for changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, or changes in the fit of partial dentures.
Common canker sores will clear up on their own in one to two weeks. But other oral lesions need to be treated. A fungal infection called thrush, or candidiasis, can show up as white sores on the tongue, inner cheek, tonsils or roof of your mouth. People with diabetes are more prone to thrush, which thrives on high sugar levels in saliva. Medicine can treat thrush.
Okay, this one’s obvious. But it bears repeating that toothaches shouldn’t be ignored. Pain and sensitivity can have many causes: a cavity, abscess, broken tooth, damaged filling or grinding your teeth. Only your dentist can determine what’s behind the pain, treat the underlying issue and help you avoid future problems.
Often there are no warning signs of early gum disease. So be sure to get regular checkups ― even when you’re experiencing no symptoms ― and take good care of your teeth at home:
You are now being directed to the AMA site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the Give an Hour site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the CVS Pharmacy site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the CDC site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Aetna is proud to be part of the CVS Health family.
You are now being directed to the CVS Health site.
You are now being directed to the Apple.com COVID-19 Screening Tool
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the US Department of Health and Human Services site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to the CVS Health COVID-19 testing site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
You are now being directed to
The Fight Is In Us site
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Please log in to your secure account to get what you need.
The information you will be accessing is provided by another organization or vendor. If you do not intend to leave our site, close this message.
Get a link to download the app
Just enter your mobile number and we’ll text you a link to download the Aetna Health app from the App Store or on Google Play.
Message and data rates may apply*
Each main plan type has more than one subtype. Some subtypes have five tiers of coverage. Others have four tiers, three tiers or two tiers. This search will use the five-tier subtype. It will show you whether a drug is covered or not covered, but the tier information may not be the same as it is for your specific plan. Do you want to continue?