Experiencing tooth pain or bleeding gums? Discover 9 warning signs that it’s time to see your dentist before minor issues become major problems.
Over 10 million adults in the United Kingdom suffer some kind of dental anxiety and phobia. That’s one in five Brits who stay away from the dentist due to fear.
Dental anxiety is a problem for the patient and the dentist. Fearful patients often have extra problems like tooth decay and missing teeth. Dentists must spend more time with anxious patients. Extra care is necessary to soothe a nervous person.
It’s important not to let dental anxiety keep you from proper oral health. Good oral and dental hygiene can affect your circulatory, digestive, and reproductive systems.
In fact, the state of your mouth can reveal your total health. There’s a strong connection between your mouth and other systems in your body. Ignoring dental hygiene can lead to serious conditions.
Some people avoid the dentist and skip cleanings out of fear. Others don’t go to save money. The truth is, visiting the dentist on a regular basis is a good way to stay healthy and can save you money.
If you chip a tooth or it falls out, you go to the dentist. But what about less obvious signs that you should see a dentist?
Practicing good oral health can reduce the risk of serious health problems. Keep reading to learn when you should see a dentist Clacton.
1. Tooth Pain
If you have a sore tooth or swelling inside your mouth, it’s important to find out why. Don’t ignore tooth pain — it could be a sign that you need to see your dentist.
If you suffered trauma to your mouth, you likely know the cause of your tooth pain. If not, it’s important to learn the cause. That’s why it’s always a good idea to see your dentist for a proper diagnosis.
It could be an infection or a sign of something more serious. Not all tooth pain is the same. The most common types of tooth pain are:
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Throbbing Pain
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Shooting or Stabbing Pain
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Extreme Sensitivity
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Pain While Chewing
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Dull Aches
A dental abscess causes pain. It occurs when there’s an infection between the gum and the tooth or at the root of the tooth.
An abscess can make your gums red and swollen. You may feel pain and have a bad taste in your mouth. It can also cause a fever.
An infection in your mouth can’t heal without help. See your dentist right away to prevent further complications.
2. Bleeding or Sore Gums
Do you seek pink or red blood in the sink when you brush your teeth? If your gums bleed at all, pay attention.
Bleeding gums often mean there is plaque build up. Untreated plaque can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
The best treatment is a thorough, regular oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss twice a day, plus get professional dental cleanings and checkups.
There are other causes of bleeding gums. Such as:
- Stress
- Smoking
- Poor Diet
- Medications
- Pregnancy
- Family History of Gum Disease
Left untreated, swelling and pain in your gums can result in receding gums and damage to your jaw bones. At worst, an unattended infection causes tooth loss.
If the pain in your mouth is from lumps or bumps don’t hesitate. If it lasts more than a week, go see your dentist.
Mouth sores include cold sores, canker sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis. The causes can be disease, virus, fungus or bacteria. Irritation from braces, a broken tooth, or dentures can cause it.
3. Halitosis (Bad Breath)
If you have bad breath or Halitosis, you’re not alone. Everyone in the world has some sort of bad breath at some point. It can be morning breath, or something more serious.
Food particles, dry mouth, and tobacco products cause bad breath. Yet, if you have persistent bad breath it may show there’s another health issue.
Diabetes, kidney ailments, chronic bronchitis or sinusitis, and liver problems cause bad breath. Gastric reflux and gum disease also produce chronic bad breath.
If you have bad breath that isn’t resolved by brushing, mouthwash or mints visit your dentist as soon as you can.
4. Dry Mouth
Is your mouth always dry? Often dry mouth symptoms are a side effect of medications.
Prolonged dry mouth causes cavities in short order. The problem is you need the enzymes in saliva to fight bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
Saliva also helps with chewing, swallowing, and digestion. Dry mouth is annoying. If it’s left untreated it can damage your teeth and gums.
If you have dry mouth, have your dentist check for cavities. The solution to your dry mouth depends on the cause. The most important thing is not to wait to seek treatment.
5. Tobacco Use
If you smoke or chew tobacco, it affects your oral hygiene and overall health. Tobacco users experience everything from persistent bad breath to serious conditions like oral cancer.
It’s crucial to see your dentist every 6 months for a thorough exam and professional cleaning. These regular visits help detect early signs of damage caused by tobacco. During your checkup, your dentist will also perform an oral cancer screening — another important reason to see your dentist regularly.
6. Jaw Problems
Does your jaw pop out of place? Do you have jaw pain? How about trouble sleeping? If so, go see your dentist for an evaluation.
It could be a simple solution, like a night guard for your mouth. Or, it may be a jaw disorder.
Your jaw connects to your skull with the temporomandibular joint. Symptoms appear if there’s an injured or damaged joint.
Joint damage causes disorders like temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). TMJ symptoms include:
- Facial Pain
- Pain In and Around Your Ears
- Pain or Tenderness in Your Jaw
- Click or Pop When Open and Close Your Mouth
- Difficult Time Chewing
Consult with your dentist if you have any of these symptoms.
7. Related Medical Issues
Sometimes other medical issues affect your teeth and mouth. It’s important to let your dentist know about all aspects of your health. If you have any concerns, it’s a good time to see your dentist.
Tell your dentist if you have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or an eating disorder. Notify the office if you’re pregnant. If your treatment includes medications or chemotherapy, it may also impact your oral health — another reason to see your dentist and keep them informed.
Here are a few examples of conditions connected to oral health:
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Diabetes: Diabetes reduces resistance to infection. Gum infection can lead to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control.
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HIV/AIDS: Anyone living with HIV/AIDS should make dental care a priority. They are more susceptible to infections and may encounter problems like mucosal lesions.
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Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s patients often have poor oral hygiene as the disease progresses, which can lead to bacteria buildup and gum disease.
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Osteoporosis: This condition causes weak, brittle bones, including the jawbone. Bone loss in the jaw may result in tooth loss.
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Pregnancy: Pregnant women often experience bleeding gums due to hormonal changes. Regular cleanings and exams are especially important during this time — so don’t skip the opportunity to see your dentist.
Always tell your dentist if you’re taking medications, have suffered a recent illness, or are managing a chronic condition. See your dentist as part of your overall wellness plan.
8. Loose Teeth
When you’re young, losing a tooth is exciting and expected. But it’s a different story for adults. If you have one or more loose teeth, it’s time to see your dentist without delay.
Loose teeth can be a sign of something serious, like gum disease. Ignoring the problem increases the risk of losing the tooth entirely — another reason to see your dentist as soon as possible.
If a loose tooth is caused by trauma, don’t wait. Fast treatment can make the difference in saving the tooth, so see your dentist right away.
Older adults are particularly at risk due to decay, worn-out fillings, or plaque buildup. Make sure to see your dentist regularly to check the condition of old dental work, including fillings, crowns, implants, and bridges.
9. Periodontal Disease
When the tissues supporting your teeth get infected it’s Periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a common, milder form of the disease. It only affects the gums and is treatable.
Unresolved, Gingivitis leads to periodontitis, a more serious form of the disease.
Be aware of the warning signs:
- Constant Bad Breath
- Red or Swollen Gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Loose Teeth
- Separating Teeth
It’s important to note that you can have periodontal disease with no visible symptoms. Regular dental visits ensure you have good oral health.
Preventive Dental Care Saves Teeth and Money
Excellent oral hygiene starts with brushing and flossing twice a day. It continues with dental appointments for professional cleaning.
Preventive dental care prevents small issues from turning into major ones. It’s less expensive to fill a small cavity than it is to replace a decayed or damaged tooth with a crown. Early treatment is less painful, and you won’t lose your tooth.
A dentist can see underlying dental problems you don’t notice. Regular checkups, X-rays, and examinations keep your smile bright and healthy.
Visit your dentist on a regular schedule. The frequency depends on the state of your teeth.
Right Now is the Best Time to See a Dentist in Clacton
Refer to the symptoms outlined here as a good reason to visit your dentist. Trouble chewing or swallowing isn’t normal. Long-term bad breath and dry mouth need attention. Loose or damaged teeth are a real problem.
All dental problems are easier to resolve when you address them right away. Make an appointment right now if you have any issues with your teeth, gums or jaw.
Contact the pros at Admired Clinic if you have any dental questions or concerns. We’re here to help with general and cosmetic dentistry. We want to be your dentist in Clacton by providing the best care possible.