Our lives have gotten so busy that sometimes we cannot pay attention to certain things, and often intend to ignore them until they start causing issues. Your mouth is one of those. That means you are not paying attention to your teeth and overall structure.
If not taken care of, you can experience things like toothache, cold sores, bad breath, and whatnot. It’s equally important to pay attention to your mouth health and get it checked every once in a while. But are there any signs that shouldn’t be ignored and need immediate attention?
So, in this article, I’ll be mentioning 5 signs you need to see a dentist. If you are having any of the issues mentioned, go to the doctor right away. Let’s get started.
1. Persistent Toothache
A persistent toothache isn’t normal. It can feel like a dull, throbbing pain that lingers throughout the day, even when you’re not chewing. It could even feel sharp or jabbing, especially when you are trying to bite down on something.
If the toothache is longstanding, you will become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet items. Every time you eat or drink something like that, you’ll experience severe pain. Tooth pain can indicate tooth decay, gum disease, receding gums, or infection. Book an appointment with a dentist in Pascoe Vale to deal with the core problem.
2. Bleeding or Swollen Gums
I’ve seen people taking care of their teeth but completely ignoring their gums, which need equal attention. Healthy gums are pale pink, while gum disease can make them bright red, swollen, and tender.
One of the most common signs of gum problems is frequent bleeding, even when you’re doing simple hygiene tasks like brushing and flossing. Don’t be too harsh on them, keep in mind that they are soft and can get damaged easily if too much force or a sharp object is used on them.
FUN FACTAn average human spends almost 38 days of their whole lifespan brushing their teeth!
3. Loose or Shifting Teeth
Adult teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. Watch out for these signs of loose or shifting teeth:
- Widening gaps between teeth
- Changes in bite alignment
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Receding gums
A dentist will assess the underlying cause and severity of the problem before suggesting a treatment plan. Splinting, root canal treatment, bone grafting, and root planning are all common treatment options.
4. Bad Breath that Won’t Go Away
If you’re brushing twice a day, using a high-quality mouthwash, and flossing every day, and still experiencing bad breath, there might be a bigger issue at hand. Persistent bad breath can be caused by:
- Periodontal disease: When the surroundings of your teeth have been corrupted by inflammation or infection. It usually creates smelling compounds that make your breath smell so bad that the person standing next to you can smell it.
- Xerostomia: Dry mouth or xerostomia is caused by reduced saliva production, hindering the mouth’s ability to cleanse itself.
A dentist is a specialist who can pinpoint any issue that you might be having and treat it, so your oral health gets better. They might recommend an antibacterial toothpaste or recommend professional cleaning to get rid of plaque or tartar buildup.
5. Problems with Dental Work
If a crown is missing or the filling has been damaged, it is bound to cause discomfort. Eventually, it will lead to multiple oral and health issues. Moreover, dental implants, despite being generally successful, can sometimes fail to integrate with the jawbone.
Excessive teeth grinding can also put pressure on your dental work, causing premature failure. If any of your dental work feels crooked or out of place, you should book a dentist’s appointment immediately. They will fix the issue promptly, preventing the onset of more serious dental problems.
