We normally don’t think much about the conditions in our mouth unless something comes up, and as long as we are brushing and flossing daily, and seeing a dental professional every six months, we can go about our day-to-day activities and our oral health should be fine. But sometimes things do arise, that may require intervention. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you should see your dentist.
–If you are experiencing sudden tooth pain that just won’t go away, you may have a cavity. This is a hole in your tooth that may reach the tooth pulp where the nerves are exposed, causing you to feel pain.
—Plaque from oral bacteria can harden and mineralize into a substance known as tartar. Tartar usually builds up along the gum line, where the teeth meet the gums, requiring removal by professional dental tools.
—Gums that are perpetually inflamed or infected are signs of gingivitis, or gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.
–If you are persistently experiencing bad breath no matter how much you clean your mouth, or notice a metallic taste in the mouth, you may be displaying the early stages of gum disease.
—If you have brief, sharp bouts of tooth pain whenever you ingest something hot or cold, you may have a cavity or gum recession, which allows the exposure of the layer of dentin (and the tubules leading to the nerves) under the tooth enamel.
—Waking up with chronic headaches is one sign that you are grinding your teeth in your sleep. Also called bruxism, this unintentional clenching or grinding can wear down tooth enamel over time. Wearing a night guard (a mouth guard worn at night) can not only prevent these headaches, but will protect your teeth against further erosion or cracks.
–If you can see white spots developing on a tooth, this may be an indication of dental decay. It is not uncommon to have a cavity even if you aren’t feeling pain or showing any symptoms (pain upon biting, visible holes, etc.).
—Canker sores can be triggered by a variety of conditions, including trauma to the mouth, emotional stress, illness or allergic reaction. These ulcers in the mouth, or “canker” sores usually heal on their own, but if they persist or are unusually large, something more serious may require intervention.
Dr. Sean Ferguson and Dr. Michael Ferguson are delighted to help keep you smiling in between cleanings and exams. To restore your healthy smile, you can schedule a visit with our Ferguson & Associates, DDS dental team in Concord, North Carolina by calling 704-786-8317 today!