We visit our dentist’s office every six months for a routine dental cleaning and oral health examination. However, sometimes we sustain acute or chronic issues with our teeth and gums between these appointments that require prompt attention from a dental professional.
If you notice pain or discomfort in your mouth, you should contact your dentist for an emergency appointment. Dr. Scott Finlay, a dentist in Annapolis, MD, describes three dental symptoms that could point to oral health concerns that should be examined by your dentist.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you experience a jolt of pain when biting into a sugary or cold food, you could suffer from tooth sensitivity. This condition occurs when the outer surface of your tooth, enamel, erodes and exposes the underlying dentin. Dentin contains nerves that send pain signals to your brain when stimulated.
Enamel can thin or weaken for a number of reasons, but once it deteriorates, it cannot regrow on its own. Even if you consider sensitivity pain to be tolerable, you should let your dentist know about your symptoms. Tooth sensitivity could signify a severe dental problem.
Gum Concerns
Gum disease does not always have recognizable symptoms, which is why routine dental exams are so important for your periodontal health. But if you notice sore, swollen, or bleeding gums, you should reach out to your dentist to screen for gum disease.
Untreated gum disease could lead to major and irreversible dental issues, including tooth loss. Therefore, you should maintain proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, as well as pay attention to the appearance and feel of your gums.
Bad Breath
Bad breath strikes the best of us if we relax our oral hygiene regimen or eat a garlicky meal. However, if your teeth brushing and flossing habits do not resolve this issue, you might want to bring it up with your dentist.
Bad breath, or halitosis, usually stems from lingering food particles in your mouth that interact with saliva and begin to break down. Persistent symptoms could point to tooth decay, gum disease, or an underlying medical condition.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment Today in Annapolis, MD
Annapolis Smiles offers periodontal therapy and other general dental treatments for patients of all ages. Dr. Finlay is a highly qualified dentist located in Annapolis, MD who specializes in restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry, including teeth straightening treatment with Invisalign. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 410.989.7132.