Unless you are one of the very few people that have never had a cavity, you know that they can cause a variety of symptoms and problems if left untreated. The American diet is filled with sugars and acids that take a serious toll on the protective coating (enamel) that covers our teeth. Some individuals may be predisposed and susceptible to developing more cavities just based on the makeup of the surface of their teeth but a cavity can wreak havoc on any tooth regardless. Knowing when you may have a cavity can save yourself pain and money by getting it fixed early but the symptoms may not always show early.
When the enamel and minerals of a tooth are broken down and worn away from acids (think soda and sugary drinks), the underlying weak and vulnerable tooth becomes a great place for bacteria to gather and grow. The bacteria will continue to break down the tooth and if left untreated, they will reach the nerve/root of the tooth and will cause serious pain and dental issues. While the most common cavities occur in the crevices of molars (hard to clean) cavities can occur on any surface of a tooth. Sometimes cavities can form on the front of a tooth, while rare, these cavities can involve a bit more creativity to fix. The dental cavity symptoms for the front of a tooth can be very similar to those of a cavity located elsewhere- pain when biting, staining on the tooth surface (white, brown or black), visible pits or holes, tooth sensitivity, toothache or sharp/mild pain when consuming hot/cold/sweet items.
Treatment for a cavity on the front of a tooth can include:
Crown– if there is an extensive decay of the tooth from the cavity, the dentist will drill away the decayed portion of the tooth and cover the tooth with a crown that can be made from resin, gold, porcelain or other medical-grade substances.
Filling– fillings are the most popular choice for treating a cavity because of the ease of treatment. For early-stage cavities, the dentist will drill out the small decayed portion of the tooth and fill the remaining hole/pit with porcelain, composite resin or a combination.
Fluoride Treatment– for cavities that are just beginning to erode enamel, dentists may choose to treat with fluoride to help restore the enamel of the tooth.
Root Canal– if the cavity has reached the inner tooth (pulp), a root canal may be necessary. In this case, the dentist with remove the diseased/infected tooth pulp and replace it with a filing.
Tooth Extraction– if a cavity has been left untreated to the point where there is no treatment method to restore or save the tooth, extraction is the only option.
Besides from a diet low in acids and consistent oral health habits, the best course of preventative action you can take is visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Not all issues that affect the mouth and your general oral health start as pain.
We are taught from an early age that proper oral health is maintaining healthy teeth. The simple acts of brushing and flossing are instilled in us so that we maintain our “pearly whites” – yet, oral health is much more than clean teeth. It involves the gums and their supporting tissues, the palate, the lining of the mouth and throat, the tongue, the lips, the salivary glands, the chewing muscles, the nerves, and the bones of the upper and lower jaws.
Recent research has indicated possible associations between chronic oral infections and diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, and low birth weight or premature births. In other words, oral health refers to the health of our mouth and, ultimately, supports and reflects the health of the entire body.
An important first step in combating the two leading causes of poor oral health, dental caries and periodontal disease, is understanding that tooth loss is often the result of disease or injury, rather than an inevitable consequence of aging. Educational programs emphasizing the importance of oral health promotion/disease prevention are also necessary to raise awareness and discourage the lack of concern regarding oral health. Proper oral health is vital to a productive and healthy life.
Messages that encourage lowering sucrose intake, reducing acidic beverage consumption, and routine brushing and flossing teeth should continue to be disseminated through all sources of media – including dental literature, television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and the Internet. It should be incorporated into the education curriculum targeting children, caregivers, and communities.
Everyone experiences impacted teeth differently. Many of us get impacted teeth during adolescence. For most people, they erupt with no fuss or muss, while others may have to deal with numerous problems associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
What are impacted teeth?
If the dentist reveals an impacted tooth, it indicates that the tooth cannot push through the gum. There is the likelihood that other tooth is blocking its way.
In most cases, it may occur at an angle, which is quite common for wisdom teeth. Existing molars at the back of the mouth block them so they erupt only partially. It is true that an impacted tooth can destroy another tooth. They are also more susceptible to decay or infection, as the impacted tooth is difficult to clean.
Headaches and Impacted Teeth
Like baby’s teething, adults also experience pain and discomfort in this condition. Several people can even develop swelling and redness of gums, pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), swollen jaw and difficulties in eating and speaking.
There is a series of debilitating symptoms associated with this condition, as well such as infection, which brings swelling, pain and fever. Therefore, it is highly likely that the patient will experience intense headaches when developing impacted teeth.
Dental experts suggest that it would not be wrong to connect headaches with the development of the wisdom teeth. When they are coming in, you might need to adjust your bite to relieve discomfort occuring in the back of your mouth. This condition is common when impacted teeth have an infection and cause pain.
In addition, when you adjust your jaw to bite, it put stress on your TMJ, which demands surrounding muscles to do extra work. This overworking leads to spasm and results in pain radiating through the neck, face and head, turning into an intense headache.
Treatment
You should focus on the right treatment to relieve headaches due to impacted teeth. There are OTC painkillers such as aspirin and NSAIDs available to reduce the intensity of pain in a short time span.
However, dentists recommend to opt for an extensive solution and have impacted teeth removed completely. This is suggested because impacted teeth can cause constant headaches and are hard to clean. Therefore, instead of waiting for the development cavities, other dental problems or a headache, you should consider getting rid of impacted teeth once they begin to develop.
You might be wondering:
The intensity of a headache seems impossible to tolerate. That is why removing the impacted teeth is considered an ultimate solution. Be sure to consult with a certified dentist to the get the right treatment in this context.
If you’re like most people, you probably do your best to keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. But did you know that what you eat and drink every day can affect your dental health as well? Learn the foods and drinks that take the greatest toll on your teeth, as well as steps that can minimize the damage.
1. Cling-On Foods
Sugar-laden foods that cling to your teeth can wreak havoc because they lead to tooth decay. Try to avoid sticky, sweet and chewy foods, such as candy, cakes and muffins. Whenever possible, choose fresh, naturally sweet foods instead. If you need candy to satisfy your sweet tooth, a piece of sugarless gum or hard candy is a healthier option.
2. Crunchy Carbs
If you reach for crackers or chips at snack time, rethink how you munch. Bacteria in the mouth use simple carbohydrates for food, which can up your risk of cavities. This is because bacteria produce acid products that destroy the protective covering of your teeth. Lower your risk by pairing your carbohydrates with other healthy foods to help neutralize the acid. For example, add cheese to your crackers for a healthier smile.
3. Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks like soda are often high in sugar, which can coat the teeth and lead to tooth decay. But even diet sodas aren’t dental friendly; they contain their own kind of acid, which can also weaken teeth enamel. Cavities can form when enamel breaks down. If you do drink soda, try to limit your exposure. Have a soda with a meal once in a while, but don’t sip it throughout the day.
4. Other Sugary Beverages
In addition to sugar-laden soda, watch out for other sweetened beverages, such as lemonade, energy drinks, or sweetened tea or coffee. Again, sipping these drinks slowly gives your teeth a bath in sugar. Whenever possible, opt for water—the most dental-friendly beverage available.
5. Acidic Foods
Not all foods that are good for your body are also good for your teeth. Some nutritious foods can erode tooth enamel, too. These include tomatoes and citrus fruits like oranges. Don’t avoid these foods completely, but eat them with a meal to reduce their impact on your teeth.
6. Dried Foods
Although dried foods can be part of a healthy diet, the sticky consistency can cause them to adhere to teeth. Plus, the plaque acid these foods create can harm your teeth long after you’ve finished eating. Exchange dried foods for fresh whenever possible. Snack on grapes instead of raisins.
Not All Foods Are Bad
Not all foods are bad for your teeth. In fact, eating the right foods can boost your dental health. Many fruits and vegetables actually help clean your teeth. Plus, they stimulate saliva production, which washes food particles from the teeth and prevents tooth decay. Foods with calcium, such as cheese, spinach and almonds, as well as phosphorus-rich protein, such as meat and fish, can protect and rebuild tooth enamel.
Taking care of your mouth with good oral hygiene is an important part of your overall health. Dental issues don’t only affect your mouth. Problems like infections can spread and lead to life-threatening complications. Other problems, like bad breath, may be caused by a health issue you aren’t aware of yet. Learn about some of the more common oral health conditions, and dental symptoms you should never ignore.
1.- Changes in your gums
Gum disease, called periodontal disease, can affect people at any age, but it tends to become more common as we age. It can loosen your teeth and result in infections and abscesses. If you notice changes in your gums, see your dentist as soon as possible. Early gum disease can often be reversed. If not, you may be able to stop its progression. A common gum disease is gingivitis. Symptoms may include:
Change in gum color, swelling and pain
Receding gums
Bleeding when you brush your teeth
Consistent bad breath
Sensitive teeth without an obvious cause
2.- Toothaches or sensitivity
A healthy mouth doesn’t include teeth that are sensitive to heat or cold, or that cause pain. Increased sensitivity may occur if your gums recede, exposing the nerve roots. Pain could mean you have a cavity, a broken tooth, decay, or an abscessed tooth. Any hole or crack in a tooth leaves it vulnerable to infection. An abscessed tooth is infected and requires antibiotics as quickly as possible.
3.- Swelling in your jaw
Just as swollen gums are a reason to see a dentist, so is a swollen jaw. Swelling could be a sign of infection or blockage in a salivary gland. While not common, a blocked or infected salivary duct or gland can become very painful and needs prompt treatment. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon if the blockage can’t be removed or eased with warm compresses.
4.- Tender or sore jaw muscles
If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth while you sleep, you may have temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Left untreated, the pain can worsen and the TMD could eventually make it difficult to open your mouth. In severe cases, you may not be able to open it at all. TMD can also cause unexplainable headaches, a clicking or popping sound from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when you are moving your jaw, even loose teeth and problems with your gums. Your dentist will advise you of treatment options, depending on how severe the TMD is.
5.- Bumps and sores in your mouth
Bumps or sores in your mouth (tongue, gums, palate, cheeks or lips) may be harmless, but they may also be a sign of oral cancer. Other symptoms include persistent mouth pain, numbness in some areas, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and a lump in your neck. See your dentist right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
6.- Broken or chipped tooth
A dentist needs to evaluate a break or chip to reduce the risk of bacteria causing an infection. Small breaks and chips may be fixed using a special filling. If the break is serious, you may need a root canal and a crown.
7.- Bad breath
Bad breath that lingers despite good oral hygiene may be the result of problems in your mouth or your overall health. Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth and gum disease, or by infections, diabetes, gastric reflux, and other conditions. See your dentist if you are experiencing bad breath, no matter how clean you try to keep your mouth.
There are over 400 medications that can create the dry, parched feeling in your mouth referred to as "dry mouth." Most of these medications have an antiadrenergic / anticholinergic effect, meaning they block certain functions of your body's systems that help promote watery secretions from glands, like saliva. Studies say dry mouth can create problems with swallowing, chewing and dental decay. Familiarize yourself with a few commonly used types of medications that can lead to oral dryness.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Studies suggest medications used to treat hypertension like alpha blockers and beta blockers have side effects including dry mouth. Researchers also found calcium channel blockers can inhibit saliva secretion. Experts say ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors used for treating high blood pressure as well as diabetes and kidney problems can also lead to oral dryness.
Urinary Incontinence Drugs
Some drugs prescribed to treat urinary incontinence caused by nerve over activity can cause dry mouth. Studies show antimuscarinic drugs help counter the muscular spasms that contribute to urinary frequency. However, this antimuscarinic property also affects your body's ability to secrete saliva – leaving you with that dry mouth sensation.
Antipsychotic Drugs
Antipsychotic drugs are often prescribed to treat schizophrenia and symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, delusional disorder and psychotic depression. Some are also used in the treatment of Huntington's disease and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A common side effect of these types of medications is dry mouth. Dry mouth is also associated with atypical antipsychotics, which can also used be used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism and in major depressive disorder.
Antidepressants
There are many different classes of antidepressants, yet most share a common side effect: dry mouth. Studies suggest the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAIs), which are sometimes used in treating Parkinson's disease, reportedly cause dry mouth. Reports say serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) can create oral dryness. Experts say certain SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) with lower anticholinergic activity may have a lower occurrence of dry mouth.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can eliminate bacterial infections in your body. However, they can trigger dry mouth, as some have anticholinergic properties. Certain antibiotics are known to cause dryness in the mouth. Antibiotics used to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, ear and skin infections can also contribute to oral dryness. This class of drugs is used to treat bacterial infections in different parts of the body and can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth and antibiotics can leave you at risk for developing a type of fungal infection in your mouth called thrush.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines help alleviate runny noses and red, watery eyes, but some reportedly have antimuscarinic effects. These drugs inhibit the action of a neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system. This blocking mechanism can lead to decrease secretion of saliva, leaving you with a dry mouth sensation. There are different types and forms of antihistamines like nasal sprays and pills. They are also available in prescription and over-the-counter form.
Antidiarrheal / Gastric Medications
Many antidiarrheal medications rely on their anticholinergic properties to decrease intestinal smooth muscle contractions and relax spasms associated with diarrhea. However, these properties can also cause dry mouth. Some antiulcer medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) act by inhibiting the body's pathway that secretes stomach acids. These have been linked to dry mouth. Proton pump inhibitors, also used to address GERD, are known to contribute to dry mouth.
Bronchodilators
Pulmonary diseases are often treated with bronchodilators. Bronchodilators may cause dry mouth. This happens because most bronchodilators contain either beta 2 agonists or anticholinergics, and experts say both of these medications temporarily prevent the production of mucus and saliva. Some bronchodilators used to treat bronchospasms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, have an antimuscarinic effect, which studies say can inhibit salivary secretions in the mouth.
Pain Medications
Many patients typically say they feel "cotton mouth" when taking pain medications. One side effect of commonly prescribed pain medications is dry mouth. Certain narcotic analgesics used to relieve pain and cause numbness can also create a dry mouth sensation. Opiates in particular are well known for their antisecretory effects. In addition to affecting motility, opiates stimulate absorption of fluid and electrolytes in your body, leaving less fluid available in the mouth.
Numerous organic substances make the human body's everyday growth and function possible. In addition to the macronutrients you must consume (such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats), you also need micronutrients with vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can benefit every part of your body, including your teeth.
When you understand how certain key minerals play critical roles in keeping teeth strong and healthy, you can work on getting sufficient amounts of these minerals to help ensure a more attractive and durable smile. Learn about four minerals that merit special attention.
1. Calcium
You may have heard that calcium supports dental health without understanding exactly why or how. The body uses calcium to produce a substance known as crystalline calcium phosphate. This mineral compound makes up the hard tooth enamel that surrounds and protects the inner parts of your teeth.
Calcium also plays a key role in bone formation, lending your jawbone the necessary strength and structural integrity to contain the tooth roots in their sockets. Since both enamel and bone wear out with use and over time, the body must keep producing these materials.
Without sufficient calcium in your diet, your tooth enamel may break down faster than it can rebuild itself, making your teeth prone to cavities and other damage. Insufficient bone calcium may also allow the sockets in your jawbone to widen until the teeth become loose.
You can boost your calcium intake by consuming more dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. If you suffer from a condition that promotes calcium deficiency, you may also want to take supplements. Get plenty of Vitamin D as well, since the body needs this vitamin to make proper use of calcium.
2. Phosphorus
Phosphorus combines with calcium in forming crystalline calcium phosphate. It also supports calcium's role in bone production and remodeling. Without phosphorus, your body can't use calcium well, even with Vitamin D. The results include bone brittleness and teeth that chip easily.
Eating cheese can provide your body with both phosphorus and calcium. You can also get your daily phosphorus by consuming foods such as pumpkin seeds, lentils, soybeans, beef, and pork.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium and calcium work together and complement each other in their efforts to build hard tooth enamel and maintain bone density. Ideally, you should receive a two-to-one ratio of calcium to magnesium every day. If you take supplements of both minerals, measure your daily dosages accordingly.
Good dietary sources of magnesium include dark green vegetables, legumes, nuts, corn, brown rice, buckwheat, rye, and other whole grains. Too much magnesium all at once can cause digestive side effects such as diarrhea, so you may need to spread your intake out over the course of the day.
4. Potassium
Potassium serves as a companion to magnesium in the body's efforts to regulate its blood acidity. When your blood becomes too acidic, the acids can remove calcium from your teeth and jawbone, weakening them. A diet rich in potassium can, therefore, help your teeth and bones use calcium more efficiently.
You can get potassium from many kinds of foods, most notably bananas. Prunes, avocados, potatoes (including sweet potatoes), tomatoes, and Swiss chard can also give you a much-needed potassium boost.
Potassium can also help your teeth in other ways. You may have noticed that some toothpastes contain an active ingredient called potassium nitrate. When this potassium compound enters the tooth enamel, it can reduce pain signals in people who suffer from tooth sensitivity.
Let’s take a moment to pay tribute to one of the most overworked and often under appreciated parts of the human body: our gums. You hear how important it is to brush, and how having healthy teeth is an important goal for all of us. With all this talk about teeth and bones, sometimes we forget about the humble gums, whose sole job is to hold our teeth firmly in place, protect them from the elements, and keep our entire mouth nourished and healthy. In short, we need healthy gums in order to have healthy teeth, and a healthy body, too.
We know that gums are often under-valued because as of 2012, a CDC report found that
more than 47% of adults living in the United States have some form of gum disease.
That rate goes up to a whopping 70% of adults over the age of 65.
What Is Gum (Periodontal) Disease?
Gum disease is caused by two things: 1. the presence of bacteria in the mouth and 2. places for that bacteria to congregate and stay. Most often, bacteria collect on buildup (calculus) around and below the gum line. This buildup causes inflammation and irritation, triggering an immune response by the body. The mildest form of gum (periodontal) disease is called gingivitis. Left unchecked, the condition can create periodontal “pockets” or areas where the bacteria can collect deeper under the gum line. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the bacteria, inflammation and the body’s continual response can actually break down the connection between the gums and the teeth.
What are symptoms of gum disease?
In many cases, people in the early stages of gum disease may not experience any pain or may have very mild symptoms that are easily ignored. Some of the more severe symptoms include:
Bad breath that won’t go away
Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Sensitive teeth
Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
Gum disease affects more than just your mouth
Untreated gum disease can result in the loss of teeth, but it doesn’t just stop there. Gum disease can have major impacts on other body systems and has been tied to other serious health issues, or can make certain existing conditions worse.
Lungs & Respiratory System
A study in 2011 found a relationship between the presence of periodontal disease and the incidence of respiratory illnesses including pneumonia, COPD (chronic obstructive pulminory disorder) and acute bronchitis. If the body is busy fighting inflammation and infection in another area of the body, such as the mouth, its ability to fight infections such as COPD or bronchitis may be limited or compromised.
Heart Disease & Stroke
Research has identified a variety of common risk factors associated with gum disease as well as heart disease and risk of stroke, including age, genetics, smoking habits, presence of diabetes, and more. More research is underway to examine a possible connection between the type of bacteria and chronic inflammation that occurs in the mouth, and bacteria that collect in the arteries which can cause certain types of heart disease.
Fertility & Pregnancy
According to the results of a recent study, women who have active gum disease take, on average, two to three months longer to conceive than women who do not have gum disease. Fertility specialists and IVF (in-vitro fertilization) clinics often require women who are trying to conceive or who are attempting IVF to show that they either do not have, or are actively in treatment to correct gum disease.
Nearly 40% of women who are pregnant develop gum disease at some point. In many cases with extra care and monitoring by a dentist, pregnancy-related gum disease will go away on its own. However, pregnant women who have active gum disease are more likely to deliver either prematurely or have babies with unexpectedly low birth weight.
Painful mouth, swollen, red gums? Trouble eating and drinking? These common mouth infection signs could be caused by either bacteria or fungal infections in your mouth – and it’s important you get the right treatment.
What is a mouth infection?
Mouth infections are inflammations of the oral cavity – either of your teeth, gums or facial bones.
The most common causes of such inflammations are:
Bacteria. High levels of bacteria can cause mouth infections and often appear as a dental abscess. It’s important to treat a dental infection sooner rather than later as any infection can turn into sepsis if allowed to escalate.
Fungus. The fungus Candida can cause an infection of oral thrush. It presents with different symptoms to a bacterial infection and needs a different kind of treatment.
Bacterial mouth infection: Good vs. bad bacteria
The mouth is full of bacteria – and that’s mostly a good thing even though it can sound a bit scary at first. The ‘good bacteria’ is the one that behaves on behalf of the human health and is helpful to keep the oral balance.
But there are also types of bacteria that don’t keep your mouth and teeth happy – those are non-beneficial bacteria that can ultimately lead to mouth infections and further issues such as periodontitis. This is an advanced gum infection where your gum begins to separate from your teeth. Read our article on periodontitis to learn more.
Zendium contains natural enzymes and proteins. The enzymes and proteins in saliva, and those in Zendium, help keep a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria in the mouth. Bad bacteria are the source of oral health problems including cavities, gum issues and bad breath. Good bacteria can help protect your mouth. The enzymes and proteins in Zendium work to both boost good bacteria that promote gum health and target problem-causing bad bacteria.
Mouth infection symptoms
There are many mouth infection signs that can help with diagnosis.
For bacterial mouth infections, including periodontitis, look out for symptoms including:
Bad breath
Bitter taste
Persistent pain
Sensitive or loose teeth
Swollen and inflamed gums, neck glands or jaw
Receding gums or new spaces between your teeth
Headache
Fever
Mouth infection symptoms for fungal infections like oral thrush include:
Cracked corners of the mouth
Loss of taste or unpleasant taste
Sore gums or tongue
Difficulty eating and drinking
Swollen gums with white patches
Mouth infection treatment
Now you know how to know if you have a mouth infection, the big question left to answer is how to treat it.
First, speak to a professional. Anyone not sure what to do for mouth infections and experiencing pain and/or a fever should speak to their dentist as professional treatment may be needed. Some mouth infection treatments will require antibiotics that need to be prescribed but for fungal infections such as thrush speak to your pharmacist who may be able to offer over-the-counter treatments.
Remember: both bacterial mouth infections and fungal infections such as thrush can spread to other parts of your body if not treated correctly. Act quickly if you develop any further symptoms.
Manage pain at home. Although you should always speak to a dental professional for diagnosis and treatment, there are ways to get short-term relief from the pain of a mouth infection. These include using over-the-counter painkillers, avoiding hot or cold food, using an antibacterial mouthwash or rinsing your mouth with salt water. These remedies don’t teach you how to get rid of a mouth infection though, they only help to manage the pain. That’s why you should always see your dentist.
How to prevent mouth infections
Following treatment, it’s a good idea to follow these preventative measures to reduce the risk of developing other mouth infections in the future:
Practice good oral hygiene – brush and floss your teeth daily
Use mouthwash regularly from a brand you trust like the Zendium Complete Protection Mouthwash with antibacterial enzymes and proteins.
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria that can collect here
It’s not only about dental diseases, but if you leave any disorder unnoticed or untreated, then it will become more severe in the next couple of days. The longer you leave them alone they get more serious, irritating, and expensive (in terms of treatment). The best and the most recommended way to deal with a possible dental disorder is to address it right away. The faster you visit a dental office in your surroundings to seek professional advice and treatment, the lower are the chances of dental problems becoming something serious and weighty.
Whether it’s oral health or the entire body, you need to be proactive to stay healthy and sound. In case of dental health, if you suspect any abnormalities with your oral health, then it’s always better to be safe than sorry. According to dentists in Falls church, if you find any of the below-mentioned symptoms, then you should see your dentist straightway.
Signs That Indicates You Need Urgent Dental Care
Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums are a sign of dental disorder, but it does not demand immediate medical attention every time. So, do not panic and label it as a dental emergency. Yes, bleeding gums indicate that your oral health is not in great health, and requires immediate medical attention to check the growth of the disorder. Typically, gums start to bleed because of the early stages of gingivitis. Gingivitis is one of the most common dental disorders that is caused when plaque irritates the gums, making them red, swollen, and sometimes bleed. Gingivitis is a minor gum disease, but it can lead to a serious dental problem if it isn’t addressed on time.
Fortunately, bleeding gums can be treated easily and efficiently. When you visit a dental office like Kakar Dental Group in Falls Church, the dentists will clean off the plaque irritating the gums to help you get rid of gingivitis. If you notice that your gums are bleeding while eating or brushing, then contact your dentist immediately. Even if the cause of the bleeding isn’t serious, your dentist can stop it from becoming serious.
Experience Pain While Chewing: There are couple of reasons why you may experience pain while chewing the food, but not all of them are dental problems worth immediate attention. Different types of chewing pain may be a sign of different dental problems. If your teeth are extremely sensitive to cold and hot, then it is because of the gums or enamel over the sensitive dentin has been lost. If your teeth are temperature sensitive, then you will experience a sharp “Stinging” pain when you drink or eat something cold or hot. If a tooth hurts when you bite down, one or more of your teeth may be cracked or damaged.
Whatever is the reason behind the pain you experience while chewing or drinking, dentists in Falls Church firmly recommend you to seek dental care as urgently as possible. A dentist at Kakar Dental Group will analyze the reasons behind the pain and plan the course of treatment accordingly to prevent further damage. Whatever is the problem, an experienced dentist can easily fix it.
Swollen Jaw or Mouth: Swelling is a sign of a serious dental problem. Along with swelling, you may also experience severe tooth pain, sensitivity, and a continuous bad taste in your mouth. Each of these symptoms is a sign of an infection known as a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a dental disorder that is caused when bacteria multiply and break down the surrounding tissues. If this disorder is left untreated, it can have some fatal dental and medical consequences.
Do not ignore dental abscess, because the longer you ignore the abscess, the higher are the chances of spreading of infection to other parts of the body. If you suspect you have an abscess, then dentists in Falls Church recommend you to visit a dental office at the earliest.
Broken or Chipped Tooth: Teeth are not indestructible; hence, they get broken and chipped due to injury. Your teeth can chip, break, or crack for all kinds of reasons. If your teeth are damaged due to decay or accident, then you must always address the damage urgently. Any amount of damage compromises that tooth’s structural integrity. Even a tiny crack can grow into a larger problem quickly.
Visit a dental office to fix a damaged tooth quickly and effectively. There are different types of dental treatments available, depending on the type and depth of damage.
