Even those with good oral hygiene can experience problems
We all know it’s important to take good care of our oral health by brushing, flossing and seeing a dentistregularly. Even with proper oral health habits at home, we can encounter problems. According the American Dental Association’s website mouthhealthy.org, here are the top 10 dental symptoms:
1. Toothache
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity, but they also can signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.
2. Sensitive teeth
If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, it can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root because of gum recession. Treatment will depend upon what is causing the sensitivity. If you’re concerned about the sensitive teeth, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options.
3. Bleeding or sore gums
Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease, or simply the result of brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine. If your gums bleed regularly or enough to worry you, make an appointment with your dentist. It could be a sign that something else is wrong.
4. Mouth sores
Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores and other conditions that vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus; or the result of irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.
5. Bad breath
Bad breath can be caused by what you eat, not cleaning your mouth, dry mouth, smoking or other medical conditions. Persistent bad breath also can be one of the warning signs of gum disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential to reducing bad breath and preventing gum disease. Brushing your tongue can help, too. If you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, see your dentist, who can determine the cause and a treatment plan.
6. Jaw pain or clicking in the jaw
Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gum disease or problems with your jaw, such as TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which might include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.
7. Dry mouth
If you have dry mouth, it might be the symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay. It washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Your dentist can recommend ways to restore moisture.
8. Oral piercing infection
Oral piercings can create a wide range of problems for your health, oral and otherwise. Your mouth is home to huge amounts of bacteria, creating an ideal place for infection to start. If you have any signs of infection — swelling, pain, fever, chills, shaking or a red streaked appearance around the site of the piercing — contact your dentist or physician immediately.
9. Cracked or broken teeth
A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons — brittle teeth, grinding or injury. The crack might be not be visible to the naked eye, or even an X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing, see your dentist.
10. Stained or discolored teeth
Over time, your teeth can become stained and change color. This often is the result of eating certain foods, such as coffee or tea, smoking, aging, genetics, injury or certain medications. Whitening options can include over-the-counter or in-office treatments. Check with your dentist about your options for stain removal.
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