Most people know or have heard that they should schedule dental visits every six months for cleaning and checkups. These visits help your dentist monitor your dental health. However, sometimes, these biannual visits are insufficient. If you were to have a dental emergency, you cannot wait until your next visit. Immediate dental care is vital to prevent tooth loss and systemic infection. This blog highlights the warning signs that necessitate an urgent appointment rather than waiting for your next check-up.
Sores on Lips and Tongue
It is not unusual to have canker sores from time to time. However, if you develop those that will just not go away, it is time to see your dentist. This also applies to other mouth lesions you might have. Cancers of the mouth can be highly aggressive, and they are not as uncommon as you might think. A significant number of Americans receive a mouth cancer diagnosis each year.
If they are not addressed early enough, oral cancers can worsen quickly. Your dental professional can conduct a biopsy to ensure that what you have is not cancer. Merely having a mouth lesion does not automatically mean you have oral cancer, though; your dental professional may instead take an intraoral picture of the lesion. That way, they can keep monitoring it to observe whether it grows.
Bleeding, Tender, Swollen, or Painful Gums
Our dentists have told us that our gums should not bleed. So what do bleeding gums mean? Bleeding, tender, swollen, or painful gums could indicate that you have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. You want to visit your dental professional for an appropriate diagnosis. Fortunately, gingivitis can be treated when detected early.
To prevent gingivitis, ensure you floss at least once daily and brush your teeth at least twice daily. Brush using fluoride toothpaste, and ensure you brush along the gumline, as that is where bacteria harbor.
If you practice proper oral hygiene, but you still have bleeding gums, you want to visit your dentist. It is particularly essential to see your dental professional as soon as possible if you notice that your gums are bleeding frequently or receding. Excessive bleeding and receding gums could indicate the progression of gum disease.
If you do not address gum disease promptly, you might not be able to save your teeth. You can notice that your gums are bleeding after brushing or flossing, or when you spit.
Severe Toothache
You can address a slight toothache at home if it is not too painful. However, should the pain worsen, you want to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. A dentist can provide a solution that gives instant toothache relief. Your dentist's approach to your tooth pain depends on its cause. Therefore, they have to properly diagnose you before treating you.
You will tell your tooth pain is worsening if you find it difficult to drink or eat cold or hot things, or if you cannot chew comfortably. Undiagnosed tooth pain can become so dangerous so quickly. Your dental professional can prescribe medication to manage the pain, though a procedure such as a root canal is often necessary to remove bacteria from inside the tooth and prevent infections from spreading.
Having a Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a severe, painful infection. It is mainly caused by untreated gum disease or cavities. An injury to the tooth is also another prevalent cause of a dental abscess. Dental abscesses fall under two categories. The first is a periodontal abscess that develops close to the tooth in the gums. A periapical abscess is another type, which forms at the root of a tooth.
Symptoms of dental abscesses include swollen glands, pus, and fever. These signs and symptoms could also arise if you have other infections, meaning you must talk to your dental professional to know what you are dealing with. They may recommend surgery to clear out the infection.
You should take an abscessed tooth very seriously. If left untreated or not treated promptly, it can be threatening to your life. The infection may spread to nearby tissues, other teeth, the jawbone, and other body parts. Ludwig’s Angina is a bacterial infection that can develop after a dental abscess. This type of cellulitis causes inflammation of the tongue and neck. Without immediate treatment, it can result in suffocation and eventually death.
Having Loose Teeth
An adult’s teeth should not loosen at any point in their lives. By the time you become an adult, your permanent teeth have already grown into the permanent structures you use daily to chew food. You should not expect to pull them out at some point, like you did your baby teeth. A wiggling tooth can be a sign of an injury. A tooth-related injury can result from a car accident or playing contact sports.
You want to schedule a dental visit after any injury to your mouth. You might not even experience any pain right after the car or sports accident, but there may be underlying jaw and nerve damage that is not presenting symptoms at that moment.
A tooth can also loosen due to a localized infection. It is essential to see your dental professional so they can explain the cause of the infection. They will perform an oral examination and X-rays to determine whether cavities or gum disease are causing the problem.
Should you lose a permanent tooth or teeth, it does not mean you will be toothless for the rest of your life. You can fill the resulting gap or gaps with dental implants. However, you want to avoid losing teeth in the first place.
Consistent Bad Breath (Halitosis)
It is normal to have bad breath once you are done eating certain foods. However, the foulness should disappear once you brush. In contrast, persistent bad breath could indicate that you have gum disease. Halitosis can also be caused by smoking, dry mouth, specific medical conditions such as diabetes and sinus infections, and particular medications.
If you are concerned about your breath, you want to consult your dentist. They can establish what is causing the halitosis and prescribe proper treatment.
Changes in Gum Shape, Texture, or Color
If, after checking your gums, you notice they look less rosy and more pale or grayish, or feel extremely bumpy, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Healthy gums should be pink and firm. They should also be smooth and even. In essence, healthy gums should be firm, pink, and resilient.
If you see that your gums are swollen, red, or bleeding, or if they are starting to turn grey, it is a sign that something is wrong. These changes could be a sign of gum disease or other dental health problems. Therefore, do not ignore them, and see your dentist immediately for a solution.
Persistent Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is what you experience when you lack adequate spit (or saliva). Salivary glands generate saliva to lubricate your mouth and help keep it clean. When something prevents the salivary glands from producing enough saliva, there is not enough to lubricate the mouth, leading to xerostomia.
You can occasionally have dry mouth, for example, when you are feeling especially anxious or are dehydrated. However, when your mouth is constantly dry, irrespective of the amount of water you drink, it could be a sign of a dental problem, and you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. If not treated, persistent dry mouth can have adverse effects on your dental health. For example, it can expose you to gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental-related problems.
The primary symptom of persistent dry mouth is a sticky feeling in your mouth due to insufficient saliva. Whenever you speak, it may feel as though your tongue is sticking to your palate. Other potential symptoms include:
- Constant sore throat
- Bad breath
- Difficulty speaking, eating, or swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Dry feeling in your nose
- Mouth, tongue, and lip pain or sores
- Increased thirst
- Taste disorders
- Difficulty wearing dentures
Most often, persistent dry mouth is a side effect of particular medications, such as decongestants, some antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and antihistamines. It can also be caused by underlying medical conditions, radiotherapy, particularly for neck and head cancer, dehydration, stress, and mouth breathing. Knowing what is causing your condition will enable you to find the means to address it and keep your mouth fresh.
When you see your dentist for persistent dry mouth, they will prescribe treatment based on the underlying cause. For example, if the condition is caused by medication, the dentist can consult with your prescribing physician to see whether a dosage adjustment or a different medication is an option. You can also try managing xerostomia at home by staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, and considering using oral mouthwashes or moisturizers.
Sensitivity to Cold and Hot
One in eight adults experiences sensitive teeth. Even though it may be a prevalent problem, it is not something to ignore. Should you experience pain when you consume cold or hot drinks or food, your dental professional can assist in determining what is causing the issue. Sensitive teeth may be a symptom of receding gums, which is usually a sign of gum disease. Localized tooth sensitivity, for example, on a particular tooth, may be a symptom of cavities (also called tooth decay), cracked or broken teeth, worn enamel, tooth grinding and clenching, or worn fillings.
See your dental professional if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity in a specific area, particularly if you notice a broken tooth or have fillings. That said, your dentist can address even general tooth sensitivity, providing relief.
Jaw Clicking or Pain
If your jaw feels creaky or clicks whenever you chew, it is time to seek advice from your dentist. Jaw clicking or pain may be a sign of underlying dental problems that require attention. Jaw-related pain can be caused by several issues, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, teeth grinding, or even stress. Understanding the cause of your jaw pain is essential to determining the most effective treatment option and restoring your jaw to its optimal health.
If the jaw-related pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other signs such as headaches or difficulty opening your mouth, you should consult your dental professional. Ignoring this pain could cause more severe dental problems.
Having a Numb Tooth
If you have had severe tooth pain, but the tooth that ached is now numb, you should see your dental professional. A numb tooth is a sign that an infection has spread to its root. It can also mean an abscess has reached the tooth’s nerves. At times, your dental professional may have to conduct root canal therapy to restore your tooth's health.
Consistent Headaches
Headaches happen for several reasons. Sometimes a simple thing, like missing a meal, can lead to a headache. Headaches become a concern when they become recurring and chronic. This is often an indication that something more severe is going on.
Dental issues can often be the underlying trigger for chronic headaches. It therefore makes sense that dental pain can transform into a headache. A simple thing like grinding your teeth while asleep can cause headaches during the day. If that is the case, your dental professional might recommend wearing a mouthguard while you sleep.
Find a Professional Dentist Near Me
Watching for signs that indicate the need to visit a dentist is crucial since it helps maintain a healthy, attractive smile. By addressing dental problems early, you can prevent further complications and protect your dental health in the long term. Always remember that routine checkups and prompt intervention are key to maintaining the optimal condition of your gums and teeth. Do not hesitate to visit your dental professional should you experience any warning signs.
At La Puente Advanced Dentistry, we have friendly dental professionals who will assess your situation thoroughly and provide the best possible defense against your oral woes. Call us today at 626-626-7075 for advice, treatment, or to learn more about our services.
