10 Dental Symptoms that Should Never Be Ignored

10 Dental Symptoms: Don’t Ignore!

It may be pretty obvious when it’s time to call a dentist near you. A broken tooth and severe tooth pain are obvious symptoms that you may need an emergency dental visit. There are a few other, less obvious symptoms, which can cause even bigger problems. Those should never be ignored.

If you are experiencing any of the following issues, contact us today to schedule your appointment to see whether your condition needs immediate attention.

Here is the list of what to look out for:

#1. Tooth Pain

Although tooth pain usually prompts an obvious call to your dentist nearby, some patients may decide to wait to see if their pain subsides after a few days. Even if the pain subsides after a day or two, you still need to see your dentist in Plano TX. Your body may have found a way to fight off the pain, but the root cause of it will still remain. Usually, the cause is an infection. If your tooth pain is severe, throbbing, or simply won’t go away, contact your dentist immediately. Potential causes for pain include trapped food particles in between teeth or gums, an infection at the root of the tooth or between gums (tooth abscess), or an advanced stage of gingivitis (gum disease).

#2. Bleeding Gums

If you see blood when you’re brushing or flossing, it should give you cause for concern. Gingivitis or gum disease can cause gums to bleed. Gingivitis can lead to a form of gum disease called periodontitis, and as a result, tooth loss. Most cases of gingivitis can be relieved with proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine visits to your dentist will help prevent disease.

#3. Bad Breath

Bad breath is one of the common signs of gingivitis. If you feel like you have bad breath even when you’re brushing regularly, you may have gingivitis. If left untreated, this can damage gums and the jawbone. Other causes of bad breath include cavities and untreated infection. Bad breath can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as a respiratory tract infection, diabetes, or liver problems, just to name a few. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and other serious health conditions. It is important to see your dentist immediately before this condition advances beyond the point of repair.

#4. Canker Sores

Canker sores can be quite common in some people. If you have one that won’t heal, however, you need to seek dental attention immediately. Likewise, if you’re experiencing a high fever or persistent pain, you should book an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.

#5. Headaches

Most people don’t associate headaches with oral care, but the two can be very closely related. If you are experiencing frequent headaches (especially in the morning), you might be grinding your teeth in the night. Your dentist can provide you with a nightguard (a mouthguard you wear at night) which should help alleviate your chronic headaches.

#6. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

If you are experiencing an increased sensitivity to hot and cold, there is a strong possibility that you have tooth decay. When dental decay first occurs, it affects the surface of your teeth. As the condition advances, it makes its way to the center of the tooth, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. This is when you start experiencing pain in response to hot and cold temperatures. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist immediately to get your cavity filled. The earlier that you treat the cavity, the less likely it will develop into something more serious.

#7. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can occur for a few different reasons. Sometimes, a dry mouth comes with age. It’s also a common side effect of many prescription drugs. However, if there’s no explanation for sudden dry mouth symptoms, it’s important you see your dentist. This could be a sign of bacteria or disease in the mouth. Saliva acts as natural defense against tooth decay and helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. If your mouth is chronically dry, you may be more prone to tooth decay. Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when the mouth does not produce enough saliva due to a medical disorder or side effect of pain killers or other medications.

#8. Sores That Won’t Heal

If you have a sore in your mouth that doesn’t go away within a week or so, talk to your dentist nearby. Sores can occur for many reasons like infections from viruses or bacteria, irritation from a dental device, or any underlying medical diseases or disorders.

#9. Metallic Taste in the Mouth

Do you sometimes feel like you’ve just chewed on a bunch of coins? It sounds odd, but a popular sign of gingivitis (and possible periodontitis) is a metallic taste in the mouth. The taste is very distinct and can lead to bad breath as well. If you’re experiencing this symptom, call your dentist to make an appointment. The sooner that you start treating the condition, the better the chances that it can be treated completely.

#10. Clicking/Popping Jaw

One of the most common reasons for ear pain is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can cause symptoms of earache along with clicking and popping of the jaw. The TMJ is the hinge of the jaw that allows you to move your jaw back and forth, side to side. When the jaw does not function as it should, TMJ disorder may be the underlying cause. Your dentist will be able to perform an examination of your jaw to help determine if you have TMJ disorder. Therapy depends on the cause of TMJ, the severity of the condition, and can include over the counter pain relievers, splints, bite adjustments, injections, or surgery.

No matter your issue, Dr. Bhalla, a dentist near Allen, Richardson, and Frisco will advise you on all of your options. We offer a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry as well as many other services. Call us to make an appointment today.