Oral Health: Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

We can’t take our teeth for granted; they’re an essential toolset that helps us eat, smile, and speak. If you’re having a minor tooth issue, you might be tempted to ignore it. After all, not many of us enjoy going to the dentist. 

Ignoring a sore tooth or swollen gums can jeopardize your smile. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist: 

Loose Teeth

As a child, it was pretty common to lose teeth a few times a year. You might’ve gotten excited about it—it meant the tooth fairy would stop by soon. But as an adult, loose teeth are much more concerning. 

A 24 hour dentist in Edmonton writes, “Loose teeth don’t necessarily mean that you’ll lose your tooth. When you meet with your dentist, they can identify treatment options to preserve your teeth. It’s a lot more affordable to save one tooth than to replace it once it’s gone.”

Changes in Gum Tissues

Do you notice any of these concerns with your teeth?

  • Bleeding gums. If you haven’t flossed in a while, it’s normal for your gums to bleed a little. But if your gums bleed after you eat or quite frequently, it’s a serious warning sign. 
  • Inflammation. Do you notice that your gums are puffy and tender? Have they changed colors from pink to red? Plaque buildup leads to inflammation and cavities.
  • Receding gums. If your gums are pulling away from your teeth and exposing the root, it causes sensitivity. It may even lead to loose teeth.

If these symptoms describe your oral health, it’s cause for concern. All these changes are indicative of periodontal disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it may be irreversible. Call your dentist sooner than later to prevent tooth loss. 

Sensitivity & Toothaches

When you take a sip of a hot or cold beverage, you find yourself wincing in pain. As tooth enamel wears away, it exposes the nerves of your teeth. This causes sensitivity whenever you consume something hot or cold. 

A few causes of sensitive teeth include: 

  • Cavities
  • Eroded tooth enamel
  • A diet that’s high in acidic foods (soda, sports drinks, tomatoes)

Are you dealing with a persistent toothache? It’s time to call the dentist. Minor cavities can lead to major infections. By getting your cavity filled sooner, you can prevent complications, like tooth abscesses or root canals.

Bad Breath

Most of us wake up with morning breath, that funny taste in our mouths from a lack of saliva. But what if your bad breath doesn’t go away? Even after you brush your teeth, you notice a strange smell. 

Bad breath may result from chronic dry mouth. Since saliva is important for preventing cavities, talk to your dentist if you’re dealing with a dry mouth. It can be caused by certain medications or lifestyle choices (such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or consuming cannabis).

Jaw Pain

Do you notice that your jaw is sore in the mornings? It may lead to headaches, earaches, or facial pain. Jaw pain is usually a symptom of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). It’s often caused by grinding your teeth.

If your teeth are decayed, you might feel embarrassed about your smile. You may be dealing with pain, sensitivity, or gum disease. When you notice these warning signs, call your dentist ASAP. They can develop a treatment plan that will be perfect for you.