- Toothache
A toothache is one of the most common dental problems and its causes vary widely. It can be due to tooth decay, fractured tooth, damaged dental work, infected gums, and abscessed tooth, among many others.
The pain can be mild or sharp and can sometimes come with swelling. In some instances, it is also accompanied by a fever or headache. Be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible if your toothache is already keeping you up at night. The cause may also be an underlying health condition.
Your dentist will examine the area and ask you questions about your pain. The treatments will also vary depending on the cause. Fillings, tooth extractions, and root canals are some of the possible solutions at the dental office.
- Bad breath
Also known as halitosis, bad breath is also a common issue among dental patients. It can go away with brushing but it may also persist.
You can fight the bad odor with the help of mouth sprays, mints, and mouthwashes. But these options are only temporary solutions. Bad breath can be caused by the food you eat, poor dental hygiene, fasting, and habits.
By determining the cause of the problem, your dentist will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment plan or refer you to a physician if they suspect it’s related to another health issue.
- Sensitive teeth
Teeth sensitivity can be triggered by eating, drinking, and even brushing. Usually, it is due to exposed nerves. When the enamel is wearing away, the roots become exposed, which then causes heightened sensitivity.
If your sensitive teeth are already bothering you, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste to help block the pain, surgical gum graft to replenish lost gum tissue, or a root canal to treat the dental pulp.
To prevent the same issue from coming back again, it’s important to brush and floss regularly and avoid aggressive brushing. It may also help to limit the intake of acidic food and beverages, which can cause the tooth enamel to erode over time.
- Bleeding gums
When you see blood while brushing or flossing your teeth, the cause can be simple or it could also be something serious.
It can be due to aggressive brushing or flossing, but it can also be caused by gum disease, certain medications or health conditions, or poor-fitting dental appliances.
If bleeding gums still persist even after making changes to your habits or lifestyle, see your dentist. They can help determine the exact cause of the problem and work with you to resolve it.
- Mouth sores
Mouth sores can appear anywhere inside or outside the mouth. They can show up on your lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks. Usually, they go away on their own within one to two weeks.
However, there are also cases when they persist or indicate a viral infection. Common mouth sores include cold and canker sore.
Cold sores are painful, fluid-filled blisters with symptoms similar to flu. It can be triggered by stress or weakened immune system and is highly contagious. Canker sores, on the other hand, are open sores in the mouth that are not contagious.
To properly treat mouth sores, seek the advice of a dental professional. You need to find out what type of sore you have to know how to address it.
Catch Early Signs of Dental Problems and Keep them from Worsening
Dental issues are never fun but if you ignore them, they’ll only get worse. See your dentist as soon as possible so you no longer have to endure the pain and discomfort for long, and so you can also prevent experiencing the same in the future.