For many people, the thought of visiting the dentist causes great fear and anxiety. It’s not uncommon to meet people who avoid even routine dental cleanings like the plague.
The thing is, you can only put it off for so long. Sooner or later you’ll notice that something is wrong, such as bleeding when you brush your teeth, tooth sensitivity, or pain.
If you occasionally see a little bit of blood when flossing or brushing, it’s not necessarily cause for alarm. But if you skip flossing altogether and bleeding is a regular part of brushing, you likely have gingivitis, which is the beginning stage of gum disease. Left untreated, this could cause tooth decay.
Healthy gums are light pink. Depending on your skin’s pigmentation, it may vary in color, but having bright red or swollen gums are cause for concern.
This is called halitosis, and it could be caused by either poor oral hygiene or an underlying medical condition. For example, if you don’t brush and/or floss regularly, food particles start decaying between your teeth and gum lines. The resulting bacteria will cause bad breath.
In addition, certain illnesses can also increase the likelihood of halitosis, such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, acid reflux, or issues with the liver.
Regardless of what is causing your bad breath, a dentist can help you address the issue.
Dry mouth is a result of insufficient saliva. As a result, the ability to naturally fight bacteria that causes tooth decay is significantly diminished. This makes it even more essential to get professional help to sustain oral health.
Teeth are made of several layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. When you have healthy teeth, the enamel (outer layer) is in good condition and protects the interior layers. If your teeth are sensitive to cold or hot drinks or food items, the dentin (middle layer) is likely exposed.
When enamel and dentin erode, the pulp (innermost layer) is exposed. When a cavity reaches the pulp, you’ll feel a sharp or throbbing pain that won’t go away. This is a serious condition, if you want to save your tooth, you’ll need a root canal, stat.
Most people would want to get this issue resolved for cosmetic reasons, and that’s a valid concern. However, in addition to aesthetics, taking care of a chipped tooth is necessary in order to prevent infection or even tooth loss.
Jaw pain could be the result of several conditions, such as trauma to the mouth, rheumatoid arthritis, or temporomandibular (TMJ). However, it can also be caused by gum disease, a cavity, or teeth crowding.
That said, a sudden onset of jaw pain could also be an indication of a heart attack , so never ignore this symptom.
At Impeccable Smiles, we understand that going to the dentist can make people anxious. Therefor, one of our top priorities is to making our patients feel welcome and comfortable.
Contact us today , and let us help you!
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