919-682-5327 Oral health starts in the home, with daily attention to your brushing and flossing habits, and making six month dental checkups a priority. But, what happens if you experience dental problems in between visits. What are some signs that you may need dental intervention?
Halitosis
Prolonged bad breath, or a “metallic” taste in the mouth is caused by bacteria in the mouth and can be an indication of gingivitis, the early stages of gum disease.
Gum Inflammation
Chronic inflammation and infection of the gums (and the surrounding tissue) is one sign of gingivitis. Swollen or inflamed gums are the early signs of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Tooth Sensitivity (hot/cold)
If your teeth hurt whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold, you may have a cavity, or even gum recession, which allows the sensitive layer of dentin (and the tubules leading to the nerves) under the tooth enamel to be exposed.
Tartar
Oral bacteria cause plaque, and plaque which is mineralized turns into tartar. Tartar develops along the gum line, where the teeth meet the gums, and requires removal by a dental professional using scaling tools.
White Spots
White spots on your tooth enamel are actually early signs of dental decay. You may have a cavity even if you don’t feel pain or show any symptoms.
Toothache
Tooth pain that doesn’t go away indicates that you may have a cavity. This is a hole in the tooth that may reach the tooth pulp, where the nerves may be exposed, causing pain.
Headaches
Morning headaches are often caused by nighttime teeth grinding. Also known as bruxism, this is where you grind your teeth while you sleep, which can wear down tooth enamel if left unchecked. You may need the help of a night guard (a mouth guard worn at night) to protect your teeth against erosion or cracks.
Canker Sores
Ulcers in the mouth, or canker sores, can be triggered by emotional stress, allergic reactions, injury or a variety of other triggers, and typically disappear on their own. But if they persist or are unusually large, this may indicate something more serious.
Our dental team is happy restore your smile in Durham, North Carolina, and the surrounding communities of Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Roxboro, Rougemont, Cary, Mebane, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Fleming Dental‘s team is here for you at 919-682-5327.