subject: Dental Symptoms To Discuss With Your Dentist [print this page] Everyone knows that it is important to maintain a good relationship with their dentist and have annual checkups and cleanings, but some symptoms may not seem important enough to make an additional appointment. However, there are several symptoms that your dentist should be consulted about, in order to prevent bigger dental issues. A few of them are listed here for your review, but anything that causes pain or concern should be discussed with your dental professional.
Frequent Bad Breath
Bad breath doesn't just affect your personal relationships; it can also indicate medical or dental conditions. It can be caused by smoking, not keeping your mouth clean, things you eat, or dry mouth, but it can also be an early sign of periodontal disease (gum disease). You can reduce the amount of bad breath that you get by brushing and flossing daily. Both practices are vital in preventing gum disease. You can also brush your tongue to get rid of lingering bacteria. If your family has a history of gum disease, it is even more important to follow a strict regime of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Breath mints can only improve the smell of your bad breath, but the dentist can correct what is causing it.
Sore Gums or Sensitive Teeth
Both of these symptoms, sensitive teeth and sore gums, can be caused by conditions that may require dental work. If your teeth bother you when eating hot or cold foods, it is safe to say that you have sensitive teeth. This should be discussed with the dentist to see if it could be the result of gum disease, worn fillings, fractured teeth, tooth decay, or worn tooth enamel.
Exposed tooth root from gum recession can also cause sensitivity to cold and hot. Sore gums would also be an area to discuss with your dentist. Bleeding gums could be a sign of early gum disease or it could be from brushing or flossing incorrectly. The diagnosis and treatment will depend upon the source, and the dentist will examine areas to determine the best avenue of correction.
Tooth Ache
Any type of tooth ache should be discussed with the dentist on your regular checkup appointment, if it isn't severe enough to make an emergency visit. Having a tooth ache is an indicator of dental issues, but sometimes you can't tell which of the teeth is affected. It may just feel like your whole face and jaw is hurting. The dentist will be able to pinpoint the exact tooth and the reason for the pain. It could be anything from cavities to gum disease.
Impacted wisdom teeth or other problems under the surface could also cause the pain. Your dentist will examine your teeth by taking an x-ray to locate the source of the issue and then determine the course of action to correct the problem and alleviate the pain. If you have any of the above symptoms, call your dentist for an appointment before it's too late. Some dental work may need to be performed immediately. If you wait too long, you will take the risk of allowing the tooth to die before getting treatment.
