Why Oral Health Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Failing oral health can result in decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Daily oral care should include brushing at least twice with a fluoridated toothpaste; flossing every day to remove food debris your toothbrush missed; and visiting your family dentist every six months for cleaning and dental exam.
Even the most meticulous patient can suffer from a dental problem. Oral health symptoms that should not be ignored include:
Pain – Temporary discomfort from something caught between teeth is one thing … but throbbing pain that does not subside is an indicator of a serious problem. Could be dental decay or infection.
Sensitivity – If hot, cold, sweet, or sour result in a stinging sensation immediate treatment should be sought. Nerve exposure could mean decay, a broken tooth, or gum erosion.

Swelling – Facial or jaw swelling are symptomatic of possible infection.
Dull ache – Waking up with ear, neck, or head aches might mean you are grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw during periods of sleep. This can lead to broken teeth and uneven dentition.
Bleeding gum tissue – Many patients believe they need to scrub their teeth to remove plaque. This can lead to bleeding gums and eventual premature gum erosion. If gums bleed without provocation, you could be experiencing the onset of gum disease. Healthy gum tissue is pink and firm.

Chronic bad breath – This can be symptomatic of infection; it is not always from a dental problem … tonsils, throat, and sinus infections may be the culprit, but chances are if any other dental issues are present, gum disease may be diagnosed.
Teeth feel loose or are pulling away from gums – If your dentition has advanced to this point without treatment, you could be dealing with periodontitis. Lack of treatment could mean tooth loss.
Your family dentist has solutions to all of these issues, but treatment should be rendered as soon as possible. In some cases, endodontic (root canal) therapy may be needed to save a tooth; periodontal care may be needed; a dental crown may be recommended, or dental decay treatment may be needed. In some cases, minor treatment such as dental bonding may provide a solution.
But never ignore a dental symptom. The treatment you receive now might prevent tooth loss and time consuming, costly dental care in the future. See your family dentist right away.
For more tips or oral health information, call our office today!