Three Dental Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Your mouth has many ways of letting you know that something has changed or may be wrong. Nevertheless, when we ask patients whether anything is bothering them about their smile, we find out they’ve been dealing with symptoms for a while! If you have any of the symptoms described below, please make an appointment to come see us so we can make sure we keep your smile happy and healthy.
Toothache or Other Oral Pain
Perhaps it should be obvious that pain sometimes your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, and the same is true of your mouth. You should not ignore tooth pain, especially if it is persistent and lasts for several days. Toothaches could be the sign of decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection. One thing we know is that oral pain isn’t something that usually gets better on its own. It’s worth a trip to the dentist to investigate the problem as soon as possible.
Bleeding Gums When Brushing or Flossing
We find that some patients have heard conflicted messages on this topic. Bleeding gums is common, but that does not mean that it is normal. If you notice blood when you brush or floss, that may be an early sign of gingivitis or gum disease. Take it as a sign that you need to have a conversation with the dentist about your oral health habits and what can be done to get your gums back to full health.
Tooth Sensitivity That Doesn’t Go Away
Occasional tooth sensitivity is not necessarily a sign of a big problem, but you should discuss your symptoms with your dentist no matter what. Sensitivity to hot, cold or sugary foods can be a sign of tooth decay. However, tooth sensitivity can also come and go naturally over time. If you have persistent trouble with sensitivity, you may be damaging your enamel by brushing too hard. A chat with the dentist about your tooth sensitivity is a good way to come up with a plan to address this issue so you can go back to enjoying all the foods and drinks you love without discomfort.
If you have any question at all about your oral health, don’t wait to have a conversation with us. Dentistry works the same way as most other things in life: if you think something is wrong, it will be easier (and usually cheaper) to fix if you take care of it early, rather than ignoring it and letting it get worse! We won’t chastise you for not taking good care of your mouth or tell you that you did something wrong. Instead, we will do our best to make sure your teeth are healthy and functional.