Do you often feel discomfort in your mouth?

Don't ignore anything that bothers you, whether it's a lesion or sore that won't go away or pain that keeps coming back. Some dental issues only cause pain once they've progressed. If the pain gets too bad to handle, it could be a sign of a dental problem that needs immediate treatment.

Stop thinking the discomfort will go away by itself. Oral health might not cross your mind when you think about general wellness. But the inability to speak, eat, smile, and laugh as usual because of a dental problem can greatly affect your everyday life.

Oral health issues can impact the rest of the body, so talk to your dentist about them. Here are some signs of a serious dental problem:

• Recurring Toothaches

  A toothache can be temporary, lasting, or recurring. If it has only happened once, it probably isn't serious. However, if you also have swelling, cavities, and other dental problems, the pain subsiding on its own is unlikely and you'll probably need urgent care.

  Infection in the gums or teeth can cause severe pain, and left untreated, it can also spread to other teeth and body parts. Sometimes, a toothache can also come with a fever and headaches. This is another reason not to ignore it.

  Consult with your dentist so you can finally keep the pain from recurring.

• Persistent Bad Breath

  Improper brushing or flossing can cause food deposits to remain in the mouth. These residues attract harmful bacteria, cause them to multiply, and eventually produce acids that eat away at the enamel and irritate the gums.

  This can further result in bad breath as the food debris rots. If you’re wearing dental appliances, such as braces and dentures, deposits can also linger in them and result in bad breath. Cleaning them properly and maintaining good oral hygiene habits is important.

  Anyone can have bad breath, but if it continues to be an issue even after boosting your oral hygiene routine, it could be a sign of an urgent dental problem. Severe gum disease, cavities, and a dry mouth, for instance, can contribute to bad breath.

  The unpleasant smell can also be connected to medical conditions such as chronic acid reflux and diabetes.

• Lumps and Sores That Don't Heal

  Several factors can cause mouth sores. They can be due to injuries, such as accidentally biting your tongue or lips, or they can be due to health conditions, such as HIV.

  In some cases, cancer treatments can also cause mouth sores to develop. Not all sores are serious and contagious. Canker sores, for example, heal on their own and don't require treatment at the dental office. However, if the lesions or patches in your mouth don't heal, it may be time to talk to your dentist about them.

  These sores can spread and become contagious and painful. Your dentist can evaluate them and check if they're connected to a health issue.

Do You See Any Irregularities in Your Mouth? Talk to a Dentist Today

These are only three signs of a potentially serious dental problem. Don't underestimate any abnormality in your mouth. It's hard to diagnose on your own, but your dentist will be able to rule out other causes and determine if it's a major issue.

Your dentist can also educate you further about the signs you need to look out for and inform you if you're at an increased risk for dental issues.

If you need to schedule a dental examination in Rundle NE, Calgary AB, please contact us at Rundle Dental. We're always happy to help address your oral health-related concerns.