There are four major warning signs that you need to see the dentist right away. Dental health is extremely important. Your oral health can very easily influence the well-being of your entire body. If you see any of these four major warning signs, make a call to your dentist right away.
Tooth or Gum Pain
Tooth pain can be caused by many different factors. If you have injured a tooth, it may become sore and possibly become loose or fall out. Another cause of tooth pain is sensitivity to hot and cold. There are several causes for sensitive teeth including:
- Wear and tear, due to brushing too hard, age or grinding
- Tooth decay near the gums
- Gum disease
- Inflammation due to gum damage
- Grinding your teeth
- Mouthwash use
- Plaque buildup
Only a dentist can make an accurate determination of the cause of your tooth pain and show you how to help your teeth be pain free.
Bleeding in the Mouth
If you see bleeding of the gums or around the teeth, you need to make an appointment with your dentist right away to determine the cause. Sometimes brushing with a hard-bristled brush or over- zealous flossing are the only causes for bleeding from the mouth. But bleeding can also be caused by infections or oral cancers, as well. The only way to know for sure is to check with your dentist.
Loose Teeth
Loose teeth can be caused by several different events. If you had an accident involving your mouth and have a loose tooth, have a dentist look at it right away. Morrell M. Russell DMD or a dental professional in your area will be able save a broken or damaged tooth. If infection, cavities or disease are the reason for the wiggly tooth, your dentist can prescribe a round of antibiotics or other treatments to heal the tooth. If the tooth really must come out, your dentist can make sure that the tooth is removed and replaced with a dental implant if the situation indicates it.
Headaches and Jaw Pain
If you have recurring headaches and pain in your neck and jaw areas, you may have a bite problem that is giving you those headaches. Jaw misalignment or grinding you teeth while you sleep may be the cause of chronic headaches.
Your dentist can painlessly help you through these problems and any other dental problem you might have, so contact your dentist right away if any of the above problems occur.