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Dental Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Routine dental appointments are important, however, there are some conditions that occur in between dental check-ups that should you should never ignore.

Many diseases, such as diabetes, leukemia, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart disease and kidney disease, can cause symptoms in your mouth. Your dentist is on the frontline for spotting these serious health conditions before they are evident to you. This is just one of the reasons it’s so important to see your dentist at least twice a year with Dr. Shane S. Porter of Premier Dentistry of Eagle, for dental cleanings and checkups.

When caring for your teeth and gums at home, it’s also important for you to watch for any changes in your mouth, then call Dr. Porter! 

Some of the symptoms to watch for follow below.

Mouth and Jaw Pain

Mouth pain could be caused by a cavity, gum disease, an abscess or impacted tooth, all of which need dental treatment as soon as possible.

Experiencing pain in your teeth when you drink hot or cold beverages could indicate tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel, or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession.

Jaw and mouth pain can also be a sign of stress, especially if you clench your jaw (Bruxism). Bruxism can be the result of misaligned teeth, which can cause pain in the face, neck, and upper or lower jaw.

Pain or discomfort in the jaw can be an indication that you are having a heart attack. Don’t ignore this!

Bleeding and Sore Gums

Bleeding or sore gums could simply be caused by brushing too hard or overzealous flossing; however, this could also be the early signs of periodontal disease .

Plaque under the gum line attacks the soft tissue, and only a dental professional can remove it. The damage will continue to worsen if not treated.

Gum disease is often more severe in people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, which reduces the body’s resistance to infection. This puts your gums at risk for inflammation due to the bacteria that live in plaque.

If you notice blood while brushing your teeth, contact Dr. Porter at (208) 546-0655 to make an appointment.

Loose Teeth

Teeth that move or fall out unexpectedly are a sign of advanced gum disease. Tooth loss affects approximately one-third of adults ages 65 and older.

 Tooth loss can also be an early sign of osteoporosis, which decreases bone density and weakens your bones.

Women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss than those who do not have the disease. By seeing Dr. Porter regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting regular physical activity, you can get the jump on being diagnosed and treated before any serious injuries occur.

Recurring Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath can be an indication of poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gum disease, or side effects from certain medications. If you brush your teeth and tongue twice a day and floss daily, but still experience chronic bad breath, consult Dr. Porter to rule out an underlying medical condition.

Gum disease and gingivitis can also contribute to ongoing bad breath.

Beyond your teeth and gums, bad breath that persists can result from certain underlying health problems. These conditions include:

Sinus infections

Chronic lung infection

Liver or kidney disease

Gastrointestinal problems

Diabetes

Mouth Sores, Patches, or Lumps

Mouth sores can indicate an infection, virus, fungus, or simply an irritation from dentures or a sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Consult Dr. Porter if you’ve had a mouth sore for longer than one week.

Sores and unusual patches in your mouth can be a sign of something such as a canker sore or abrasion from eating certain foods.

Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. It often starts as a small white or red spot or sore in the mouth and occurs most often in smokers or people who use any other forms of tobacco or alcohol. Signs that you may have oral cancer include:

Bleeding sores that don’t easily heal

Hard or rough spots

Discolored tissue

Changes in the way teeth fit together

Numbness

Lumps or irregular tissue in the mouth, cheeks, neck, or head

Oral cancer is not something you should try to diagnose at home. If you see any of these symptoms in your mouth, be sure to see Dr. Porter right away. Have him check out any of these indicators to see if you have an oral fungal infection or something more serious.

Loss of Crowns or Fillings

When a crown or filling comes off, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Crowns and fillings help keep the teeth healthy and also protects the root of the tooth.

Broken Tooth

Occasionally teeth get broken or knocked out, especially with active teenagers and young children. Depending on the severity of the damage, there may be considerable pain and loss of function for the ailing tooth. Dr. Porter can help with pain relief and also begin the restoration process so that you can begin healing, regain function and normal appearance.

(05/18/2024)
by Premier Dentistry of Eagle.

More Information: https://www.premierdentistryofeagle.com/dental-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore/

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