Generally, your regular dental check-up can be an effective preventive oral health maintenance since it keeps your gums and teeth healthy. However, even with constant visits to your dentist, things might still go wrong. That said, it’s always important to keep an eye on any problems that might affect your dental health.
If you don’t want a minor dental issue to become a major one, here are the ten dental signs you shouldn’t ignore right from the start.
Tooth Pain
When your tooth experiences persistent pain, this can be one of the dental red flags that you should be wary of. Sometimes, a simple toothache can be treated by rinsing your mouth with warm water, taking a pain reliever, or using floss to remove food between the teeth. But if your tooth pain persists even after doing these do-it-yourself remedies, it can be an indication of a significant problem.
Typically, swelling, having pus around a tooth, and fever are some of the severe symptoms of tooth pain. If you notice these signs, call your dentist and make an appointment as soon as possible. Your dentist might prescribe you some antibiotics to relieve the pain.
Mouth Sore Or Lump That Won’t Heal
Having a mouth sore or a lump on your gum or cheek, which isn’t healing for weeks, can be a sign of a dental problem that you shouldn’t take for granted. Even if the symptoms aren’t visible, a sore or lump might indicate possible oral cancer.
Because of this, it’s imperative to visit your dentist. “When you have an early diagnosis of oral cancer, you can also have a better and higher chance of recovery,” says Dentist James Hyer DMD. As such, don’t hesitate to contact your dental specialist and get your mouth checked as soon as possible, even if you haven’t seen any symptoms.
Increased Sensitivity To Hot And Cold
Becoming increasingly sensitive to hot or cold food can be a sign of a serious dental health problem. This usually occurs when your tooth decay starts to affect the enamel and the center of your tooth, where you can find the nerves and blood vessels. Thus, if your tooth’s sensitivity to hot and cold lasts for an extended period, contact your dentist immediately. By making a dental appointment ASAP, you can treat a cavity and thereby prevent further tooth damage.
Hyperdontia (Too Many Teeth)
This is a rare dental condition that you should take seriously. Having too many teeth inside your mouth is medically known as hyperdontia. Although it might not have serious symptoms, people who have this condition might also be suffering from Gardner’s Syndrome, which produces only benign tumors.
So, if you have too many teeth and more teeth are still growing, it’s best to visit your dentist right away to discuss the treatment. They’ll recommend to get your extra teeth extracted and use orthodontics for your full recovery.
Gum Problems
Another dental sign that you should keep an eye on is your changing gums. Essentially, gum diseases, which include gingivitis or inflammation of the gums and periodontitis, are the conditions that need immediate dental attention. In most cases, these diseases can transform your plaque into tartar, which slowly accumulates below your gum line, leading to more inflammation.
That’s why if you notice changes in your gum color, swollen and receding gums, or new spaces forming between your teeth, make an urgent appointment with your dentist.
Foul-Smelling Breath
Usually, having bad breath can mean that you’re not taking care of your gums and teeth religiously, which is why there might be a build-up of bacteria. However, the foul-smelling breath can also be an indication of other dental health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, or throat infection.
Hence, if someone close to you will tell you that you have bad breath, don’t get easily offended. Instead, consider it as your drive to visit your dentist’s office right away. By going there, you’ll know what this bad-smelling breath is all about.
White Spots On Teeth
White spots on your teeth can be an early sign of dental decay, which, when untreated, will become a cavity that needs filling. However, tooth decay is a condition that you won’t notice right away. This is one of the reasons why regular appointments to your dentist are crucial.
When you go to a dental professional, they can probably prevent further decay, which might lead to more serious oral health problems. So, if you don’t want things to get worse with your teeth, check whether your teeth have white spots that didn’t exist before.
Impacted Teeth
Having impacted teeth might or might not be a severe dental issue. Usually, this condition occurs when one of your teeth is stuck against your other tooth or your bone. And when it’s causing pain or other dental problems, you’re highly advised to see a dentist and discuss the possible treatments.
Changes In The Tongue
It’s also essential to check your tongue from time to time for any changes that might occur. If you fail to take care of your tongue properly, you might develop a common illness known as thrush. It’s a yeast infection that’s found in your mouth, specifically on your tongue.
If you notice some white lesions on your tongue, throat, or the side of your mouth, visit your dental professional as soon as possible.
Teeth Discoloration
Stained teeth can affect your overall dental health. For instance, consuming foods, tobacco, and medications can cause discoloration. And while you can treat stained teeth by bleaching them at home, it’s still best to visit the dentist for other professional treatments. Besides, they know exactly what to do when it comes to stained teeth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about improving your oral health, the signs and symptoms above should prompt you to see a dentist immediately. As soon as you notice these signs, call for a dentist appointment right away to treat them. Remember, a regular dental check-up can go a long way in keeping your teeth, gums, and tongue healthy.