Here are a few of the conditions to be aware of:

Gum disease –if your home care routine of brushing and flossing has slipped and you have skipped your regular dental cleanings, bacterial plaque and tartar can build upon your teeth. The plaque and tartar, if left untreated, may eventually cause irreparable damage to your jawbone and supporting structures, and could eventually lead to tooth loss. Since gum disease is a chronic problem and may have acute exacerbation has to carefully look for warning signs such as Halitosis (bad odor),bleeding gums, dull pain, redness of gums etc.

Oral cancer – According to the National Institute of Dental and Cranio-facial Research, men over the age of 40 have the greatest risk for oral cancer. About approximately 43,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer of the mouth, tongue or throat area, and the ACS estimates that about 7,000 people will die from these cancers.

The use of tobacco products and alcohol along with presence of a sharp tooth increases the risk of oral cancer. Most oral cancers are first diagnosed by the dentist during a routine checkup.

Dental fillings break down – Fillings have a life expectancy of eight to 10 years(depending on the material used and extension of decay). However, they can last 20 years or longer. When the fillings in your mouth start to break down, food and bacteria can get underneath them and can cause secondary decay deep in the tooth.