Dental health is closely connected to our overall health. However, when we experience tooth problems we tend to ignore them hoping they go away on their own. The reality is that untreated teeth problems can contribute to systemic health issues and costly treatments in the future.
In this post, we’ll discuss seven teeth issues you should not ignore for the overall health of your body.
1. Tooth Pain
While a toothache may be hard to ignore, taking painkillers to deal with the throbbing pain is not the best solution. A toothache can be a sign of a dental problem like gum disease, cavities, or infection. If left unchecked it could lead to more extensive teeth damage and costly treatment.
2. Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums are firm and pink in color. If you notice your gums are swollen, changing color, or you spit blood when you brush, it could be an early sign of gum disease. Plaque that builds up over time contains bacteria and can inflame the gums leading to swelling, discoloration, and receding gums. If left untreated, gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to tooth loss or a condition like heart disease.
3. Tooth Sensitivity
Have you been experiencing a sudden tingling sensation when you take something too cold or too hot for some time now? Don’t ignore it. Lingering tooth sensitivity occurs due to cracks, cavities, and the weathering down of the enamel. Early detection and treatment of these problems will help relieve the discomfort and protect your oral health.
4. Bad Breath
If bad breath won’t go away despite flossing and brushing twice daily, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. Consulting a dentist can help to pinpoint the cause and eliminate the embarrassing problem permanently.
5. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can be a result of dehydration, anxiety, cancer treatment, and some prescription medications. While avoiding certain foods and staying hydrated may help increase saliva production, sometimes, a dry mouth may be a sign of a more serious health issue like an autoimmune disorder or diabetes. So, it’s best not to ignore it and have your dentist check it out.
6. Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that has not fully emerged from the gum tissue usually due to overcrowding. You may dismiss it as another toothache but an unchecked impacted tooth can cause pain, lesions, infections, and damage to the adjacent teeth. A dentist can help identify the impacted tooth and recommend the best treatment.
7. Mouth Sores
The occurrence of mouth sores is one of the big signs you should never ignore. It’s not much of a concern if, for instance, you accidentally bite your cheeks. However, if the sores persist for weeks, have them checked out by a dentist to prevent further health complications like oral cancer.
Contact Dixon Dental Center for Quality Dental Services
If you have any teeth problems, call our team at Dixon Dental Center. Our expert dentists provide unparalleled and customized dental services to help you regain good oral health and a beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.