5 Common Oral Health Issues You and Your Smile Shouldn’t Ignore
Don’t you wish taking care of your teeth was just as easy as flashing your smile? Well, we have good news for you. It is! And when you do, your risks of developing an oral health concern drops significantly. That said, our mouths do a lot of work each day. And for that reason, sometimes problems creep up. When they do, you shouldn’t ignore them.
In this article, we’ll explain five common oral health issues and what you should do if they happen to you.
1. Bleeding Gums
It can be a bit unnerving to be going about your morning, brushing your teeth, only to spit the toothpaste into the sink and see it has a pink tinge. What does this mean? Well, unless you are brushing with a pink-colored toothpaste, this typically means you have bleeding gums.
Bleeding gums are often one of the first signs of early gum disease. Even if it only happens once in a while, it is not something you should brush off as “normal.” Healthy gums should not bleed during regular brushing or flossing. When plaque builds up along the gumline, it can cause irritation and swelling.
Over time, this can turn into a more serious infection that affects the bone supporting your teeth. Early treatment can stop the problem before it leads to tooth loss.
2. Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away
Bad breath is nothing to smile about. And when no amount of gargling with mouthwash or chewing on peppermint gum will make it go away, the entire situation can get terribly frustrating.
But what is it that causes bad breath? And no, the bad breath causes are not restricted to garlic. Ongoing bad breath can be a sign of an infection in your gums or even untreated tooth decay. Bacteria trapped around the teeth and below the gumline can produce odors that mouthwash simply masks.
If you notice that the problem keeps coming back, it is time to schedule a visit. Dr. Spencer can identify the source and create a treatment plan that addresses the problem at its core.
3. Tooth Sensitivity
Imagine sitting down after dinner with your family in front of the television. You’re ready to enjoy a bowl of your favorite peppermint bon-bon ice cream while watching your favorite show. You’ve been looking forward to this part of the evening all day. But, when you scoop that first bite of cold ice cream into your mouth, your tooth reacts with the most unpleasant of zingers. Ouch!
If cold, hot, or even sweet foods trigger discomfort, your tooth may be trying to tell you something. Tooth sensitivity can be linked to worn enamel, gum recession that exposes the root, or even a cavity forming beneath the surface. While some sensitivity may seem minor at first, it is always worth having it checked out before it turns into a bigger issue.
4. Mouth Sores That Don’t Heal
Most people get a small sore in their mouth at some point. Many go away on their own within a week or two. But if a sore sticks around, keeps coming back, or feels painful, it deserves attention.
Common mouth ulcers include canker sores, oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral thrush. Some are mild and temporary. Others can signal an underlying issue. In rare cases, a lingering sore may be linked to mouth cancer.
If a sore lasts longer than two weeks, bleeds easily, or changes in size or color, call the dentist. During your visit, Dr. Spencer will examine the area, ask about your symptoms, and recommend next steps for care or further testing, if needed.
5. A Tooth That Feels “Off”
Do you ever have one of those days where your body just doesn’t quite feel right? Your mouth can have off days too. But when those days turn into weeks, it can be a sign that something isn’t right and needs dental intervention.
Even if you are not in pain, subtle changes in your bite, pressure when chewing, or the way a tooth looks should be checked out. The culprit could be something like a small crack, fracture, or hidden decay. And the thing to understand is that these issues start on the sly. And then, before you know it, things can get worse. And fast. A visit with your dentist in Great Falls, MT can help identify the problem early and determine the right dental treatment before it becomes more serious.
When it come to oral health issues your smile knows when something’s wrong. Do you?
We know how busy your days can be. When we have so many competing priorities, it can be easy to overlook issues like bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, or a sore tooth. Don’t ignore the little things. As we said before, those little oral health issues can quickly escalate. While treatment options are available, it’s always better to have dental treatment before things get out of hand.
We never want pain in your mouth to get to the point that it is unbearable, especially when dental care is available. Even those little annoying pains that come up here and there deserve attention. As a trusted Great Falls dentist, Dr. Spencer provides comprehensive dentistry focused on prevention and early treatment. Schedule an exam today. We’ll set you on the path to feeling better and enjoying your smile once again.
