You're probably aware that seeing your dentist at least twice a year is something you have to do. But how can you know if you need to visit a professional in between regular appointments? Lots of dental problems can cause excruciating pain and discomfort, requiring urgent medical help. How do you tell which symptoms can be overlooked and which need to be addressed right away?
Continue reading to learn about six common dental issues that need to be treated as soon as possible.
1. Pain or swelling
These are some of the most significant reasons you should see a dentist right away. Your mouth should not hurt even when you chew. Infection, severe tooth decay, or gum disease are all possible causes of pain and swelling. Even if your symptoms go away after a while, the underlying problem may still be present, posing a risk of future complications.
2. Bleeding and painful gums
If brushing or flossing makes your gums bleed, it's an indication of a problem. Your gum line, just like your teeth, is an important part of your dental health and deserves the same level of attention. Gums that pour blood is an initial gum disease symptom, and it's vital to start treatment ASAP to avoid further complications.
Gingivitis is a type of gum disease that begins in the early stages. It’s a reversible condition that may generally be treated with a professional dental cleaning. Other medical conditions, like diabetes and cancer, can also show their early symptoms in your gums. Diabetes patients have higher glucose levels in their saliva, which worsens oral infections. If your gums are bleeding, swollen, or painful, you should see a dentist right away.
3. Dental injury
This may seem obvious, but if you’ve suffered a dental injury, you need to see a dental specialist immediately. Any form of dental injury may cause hidden damage to your dental health. A chipped or broken tooth should never be neglected because it can lead to infection and other serious complications.
4. White spots on teeth
If you notice a white spot on one of your teeth, it could be an early sign of decay. If you see your dentist right away, they'll be able to treat it before it turns into a full-blown cavity.
If you discover any white spots along your gum line, you're probably dealing with an infection. Infections surrounding the tooth root may not cause pain right away, but if left untreated, they can lead to a loose tooth or a dental abscess. Make an appointment with your dental specialist if you notice any white patches on your gums or teeth.
5. Dry mouth
A dry mouth is a medical condition characterized by your salivary glands failing to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. It's a typical side effect of many medications. However, it can also result from things like smoking, nerve injury, or even the natural aging process.
It's unpleasant, can make it difficult to speak, and can lead to bad breath. If your mouth is extremely dry, it's time to make an appointment with an experienced dentist. Your doctor can use various methods to address a dry mouth. These may include mouthwashes and prescription medications.
6. Extremely sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth are one of the most annoying oral problems that gets ignored by lots of people. Sensitive teeth treatment is necessary not only to relieve pain but also to identify the precise culprit behind your symptoms.
Receding gums, tooth decay, and teeth grinding or clenching are all possible causes of sensitivity. Contact your dentist for treatment of the underlying issue and advice on which toothpaste to use to relieve your symptoms.
