Ever wonder what that pain in your mouth is? Is it something serious? Should you get it checked out? Who really has time to go to the dentist for one more thing? Well, keep reading and decide for yourself if it is worth an immediate visit.
Some problems may be more persistent and dangerous than others; sometimes, you may need immediate attention.
Some of those symptoms may include toothache and jaw pain, which could an abscess or impacted tooth. I’m pretty sure this warrants an immediate call to your dentist.
Do your gums bleed regularly? It could be gingivitis, you could be brushing too hard or if you flossed for the first time, it can cause bleeding.
What about the good old mouth sores, which is it, canker or cold? Do you seek treatment? If it lasts more than a week and doesn’t go away with over the counter remedies, call your dentist, it may indicate an infection.
Bad breath, it may kill a romantic mood, but it can wait until your scheduled visit…it may be a sign of what you are eating or not brushing frequently enough. Don’t forget to brush your tongue; many bacteria can make their home there.
Jaw pain is harder to diagnose because there can be so many causes. These include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or TMJ. Your dentist will give you an exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.
What about that dry mouth? Because saliva can help prevent tooth decay, talk to your dentist about ways to restore moisture.
If you have a cracked or broken tooth, it can happen for a variety of reasons—brittle teeth, teeth grinding, injury. The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but it can hurt and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing see your dentist. They will diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.
Are your teeth discolored? You can see your dentist for whitening options or you can wait until your scheduled check-up and discuss your concerns then. Discolored teeth may just be from certain foods, beverages and/or side effects from medications.
Lastly, one of the more common ailments may be tooth sensitivity. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, roughly 45 million Americans experience tooth sensitivity. Don’t just chalk it up to abrasive brushing or aging, it can also be caused from a variety of other reasons. Sometimes sensitivity can be caused by gum recession, acidic liquids that cause enamel wear, tooth grinding, teeth whitening or it could be as serious as root nerve damage gum disease or a chipped or fractured tooth. No matter the reason, a dentist can best help identify the cause of the problem, which will ensure the best treatment for you.
http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/tooth-sensitivity/
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/top-ten-dental-symptoms.aspx
