The trouble with most dental health issues is that, unlike a small cut or the common cold, problems with your oral health don’t typically resolve themselves. Dental diseases are usually progressive, and protecting your oral health depends on prompt action to halt the disease and repair any dental damage. When trouble does occur, many patients don’t realize it until the situation becomes dire and they require emergency dental treatment. By knowing and paying attention to common, early symptoms of dental health issues, you can avoid some dental emergencies and the need for extensive restorative treatment.
Toothaches
There are many reasons why a tooth can hurt, from direct damage/erosion of your tooth’s structure to exposed tooth roots resulting from gum disease. Regardless of your toothache’s cause, the discomfort is rarely benign and likely indicates the exposure of sensitive tooth structure. If you ignore it long enough, the danger may threaten your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels or diminish your mouth’s ability to retain the tooth. This could lead to tooth loss or the need for an extraction.
Loose and/or Bleeding Gums
Loose gums may or may not be noticeable, depending on their severity, but if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, then immediate attention may be vital. Bleeding gums don’t usually hurt, but they do indicate an infection in your gums, which is the beginning of destructive gum disease. Left untreated, the infection can destroy your gums and jawbone underneath, costing you one or more teeth.
Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath can be pretty embarrassing, and if it lasts longer than your morning tooth-brushing and flossing routine, then it may be a symptom of something sinister. If you suffer from chronic bad breath that just doesn’t seem to go away, then your teeth and/or gums may be in the grips of an infection. Or, you might just need to improve your hygiene before a dental disease develops.
Learn More by Visiting Your Dentist
If you notice these or other troublesome dental health symptoms, then schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling us today at 847-234-0517. We also proudly serve residents of Chicago and all surrounding communities.