Health Tips for September 21

Health Tip: Do You Have an Impacted Tooth?

Teeth below the gums are supposed to continue growing and break through. But sometimes, teeth -- most often wisdom teeth -- don't emerge and become impacted.

Head and neck pain may signal an impacted tooth, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Here's a more complete list of common symptoms:

• Persistent bad breath.
• Problems trying to open the mouth.
• Sore or tender gums, or pain in the jaw.
• Headache.
• Swollen or red gums near the impacted tooth.
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
• Persistent bad taste in the mouth.

Health Tip: At Risk for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a disease of the mouth that can damage the gums, ligaments and sockets that surround the teeth.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, people with these risk factors should be extra careful about preventing gingivitis:

• People with poor dental health or dental hygiene practices.
• Pregnant women, as certain hormonal changes can increase gum sensitivity.
• Diabetics who can't manage or control their disease.
• People with teeth that are poorly aligned, or with braces or fillings with rough edges.
• People taking certain medications, including birth control pills and phenytoin.