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Dental Problems You Should Never Ignore

Even when you were a child, you were taught about the importance of good dental hygiene. You brush your teeth twice daily and floss to remove tiny food debris stuck in between our teeth, but sometimes, things can still go wrong. You may find yourself struggling with some dental health issues.

Sometimes, problems, like tooth sensitivity or foul breath, are simply symptoms of the flu. After recovery, these symptoms go away. However, some oral health problems affecting you could be an indication of a more serious underlying medical issue that requires immediate attention and treatment. No matter how small and uncomplicated a symptom may seem, it is never good to ignore the problem until it turns into a more complex and costly condition.

Take note of the following dental health problems you should never ignore before you visit an Oshawa dentist:

Dental Problems You Should Never Ignore

 

  • Bleeding Gums – Bleeding gums may be a common dental health problem, but it does not necessarily mean it is normal. Injury to the gum tissues could cause bleeding. However, it is uncommon for gums to bleed when brushing or flossing every day. It could indicate gingivitis. Gingivitis should never be ignored as it could turn into periodontitis, a more serious gum problem that causes loosening or even falling out of teeth due to infection. Plaque buildup along the gumline causes gum inflammation, resulting in gingivitis and periodontitis. If left untreated, gum inflammation could lead to other inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and erectile dysfunction. Visit the nearest dental clinic in Oshawa for a dental checkup if you notice any of these symptoms:
    • Change in gum colour (from normal pink to red or bluish-red)
    • Swollen gums characterized by a spongy feeling
    • Receding gumline
    • Unpleasant odour due to the presence of pus

Dental Problems You Should Never Ignore

  • Clicking Jaw or Pain in the Ear – If you experience sharp pain right in front of the ear or a clicking or popping jaw, it could be a symptom of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Symptom(s) should never be ignored as TMD can progress over time without immediate and proper treatment. Teeth grinding and clenching, dislocation of the jaw, arthritis of the jaw, and stress are among the most common causes of TMD. A dentist in Oshawa will check the following symptoms to determine if you have TMJ:
    • Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
    • Ear pain triggered by chewing, talking, or opening the mouth wide
    • Locked jaw while the mouth is opened or closed
    • Feeling of facial tiredness
    • Difficulty chewing
    • Dizziness, headache, and hearing problems

Dental Problems You Should Never Ignore

 

  • Stubborn Bad Breath – Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily can keep your breath fresh. However, if bad breath does not go away with a daily oral health routine, you may be suffering from a more serious underlying health problem, such as diabetes or a liver or kidney condition.

 

Dental Problems You Should Never Ignore

 

  • Persistent Tooth Sensitivity – Occasional tooth sensitivity is not a serious dental problem. Sensitivity is often caused by grinding your teeth, which results in loss of the natural tooth structure or erosion of the enamel. When the tooth enamel becomes thin or eroded, it exposes the tooth’s nerve endings. This makes your teeth overly sensitive to the hotness or coldness of your food or drinks. Make a dental appointment immediately. The dentist will examine the condition and design a personalized treatment plan so that you can enjoy your favourite foods and drinks without worrying about sensitivity and discomfort. Enamel erosion also increases your risk of tooth cavities and decay.

Dental Problems You Should Never Ignore

 

  • Tooth Pain – If tooth pain is persistent and lasts for several days, you should see a dental health professional. It could indicate a serious tooth infection or sensitive tooth. It could also be a sign of tooth decay or a cracked tooth. Uncontrolled oral bacteria can worsen the infection. The sooner you visit your dentist, the sooner you are taken care of. If the pain is left unaddressed, the infection is likely to spread to nearby teeth or other areas in the body. Potential causes for tooth pain include tooth abscess (infection at the root of the tooth or between gums), food particles trapped in between the teeth, and advanced staged gingivitis or periodontitis.  There are some dental pains you should not ignore however.

 

  • Chronic Dry Mouth – A healthy production of saliva helps protect your teeth from decay and maintain your gum’s health. However, when the production of saliva becomes low, it could result in dry mouth. Reduction in saliva in the mouth may be due to health issues such as salivary gland disease, autoimmune disorders, or diabetes. It could also be a side-effect of taking pain killers or other medications.

 

  • Persistent Mouth Sores – Mouth sores can be quite painful, especially if they last for weeks. If you experience persistent mouth sores, contact your dentist right away. They could be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, irritation from a dental device, or an underlying health problem.

 

 

  • Changes of Colour or Texture in the Mouth – After brushing your teeth, make sure to check your cheeks and the top and underneath area of your tongue for any changes in colour or texture. White or red patches or lumps in your mouth should be reported to your dentist.

 

Your oral health changes become less resilient as you age. That is why it is extremely crucial to be more vigilant with your mouth, teeth, and gums, especially if you are on daily medication. By visiting your dentist regularly, he or she may be able to spot early warning signs of dental problems. This does not only save your teeth and gum but your general health, as well. The dentist will recommend the proper treatment and improvements to your daily oral care routine.

Keep in mind that forming a strong partnership with your dentist is one of the most effective ways to keep your oral health in optimal condition. Also, always pay attention to the current condition of your health and if you notice any changes, make sure to mention them to your dentist as soon as possible.

Simcoe Smile Dental is a trusted dental office that offers professional dental checkups for Oshawa residents. We have a team of caring and professional dental staff to provide you and your family with personalized care and attention. Whatever dental services you are looking for, turn to us. We are your go-to clinic for family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, and more!

Call us today at (289) 312-1482 to book an appointment. You can also use our online contact form to send us your message or questions. We will be happy to reply and look forward to serving you.

 

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