Many people think that there is no need to visit a dentist unless you have some obvious symptoms. However, many people don’t rush to the dentist even if they already have some obvious signs of oral issues. You should understand that without timely and accurate treatment, many conditions can aggravate and lead to the development of severe complications. In this article, we have gathered seven alarming signs that you should contact your dentist ASAP.
1. You have a cavity
If you have a cavity, it’s high time to make an appointment with your dentist. Some people believe that tooth decay can be left untreated since it can cure on its own. But the reality is quite the opposite. Untreated tooth decay can cause severe toothache. Additionally, it can progress and damage the entire tooth, so it may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant. To avoid such complications, it is better to treat tooth decay in time.
2. Your gums are red, swollen, and bleeding
There is a common misconception that gum bleeding that occurs during tooth brushing or on its own is harmless. But the truth is that red, swollen, and bleeding gums can manifest the development of gum disease. This condition means that your gums become infected and inflamed. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
3. You have bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth
There are a lot of factors that can lead to the development of bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth. The most common of them include the consumption of certain foods, digestive issues, poor oral hygiene, and some oral conditions. If you have bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth that are accompanied by toothache, swollen gum, and fever, it can be a sign of a quite severe condition called a dental abscess.
4. You have broken a tooth
If you have broken a tooth, you need to contact an emergency dentist immediately. In addition to the fact that a broken tooth can be extremely painful, it should also be repaired as soon as possible. This is because a damaged tooth can be extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Additionally, broken teeth are more likely to develop tooth decay.
5. You experience tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a condition in which your tooth may hurt for a few seconds due to temperature changes. This issue can be caused by tooth decay, dental abscess, gum recession, and enamel wear. Treatment for tooth sensitivity depends on the underlying cause of this condition. That’s why it is better to make an appointment with your dentist and undergo proper treatment rather than use questionable paste and home remedies to ease tooth sensitivity.
6. You have lost a tooth
Many people think that there is no need to replace a missing tooth. But you should understand that the neighboring teeth can shift to fill the gap that can result in a crooked dentition. Moreover, if you have lost a tooth a long time ago, it can be problematic to install a dental implant. So it is important to replace the missing tooth as early as possible.
7. You have wounds in the mouth that don’t heal
If you have noticed some wounds in your mouth that don’t heal for a long period of time, it is better to make an appointment with a dentist. This is because such wounds can be a sign of oral cancer. You should understand that the earlier you start oral cancer treatment, the more effective it will be. Regular dental check-ups can also help prevent the development of advanced oral cancer.
