To maintain good oral health and hygiene, we visit our dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and exam. However, in between appointments, we may experience acute or chronic issues with our teeth and gums.
If your mouth feels sore or uncomfortable, it is a good idea to seek an evaluation from your dentist. Dr. Jason Baldwin, a dentist in Truckee, CA, highlights three symptoms that could point to dental concerns that should be treated urgently by your dentist.
Tooth Sensitivity
A jolt of pain through your tooth when biting into a cold or sugary food could be tooth sensitivity. This condition occurs when the outer layer of your tooth, enamel, erodes and exposes the underlying dentin. Dentin contains nerves that send pain signals to the brain when stimulated.
Enamel can thin or weaken for a number of reasons, but once it is gone, it cannot regrow on its own. Though you might consider sensitivity pain tolerable, it could signify a larger dental concern and should be evaluated by your dental professional promptly.
Gum Concerns
Gum disease does not always have noticeable symptoms, which is why it is important to visit your dentist regularly for a periodontal disease screening. But if you experience bleeding, sore, or swollen gums, you should seek prompt treatment from your dental professional.
Gum disease requires intervention from your dentist and will not go away on its own. If left untreated, periodontal disease could cause severe dental damage, including tooth loss.
Chronic Bad Breath
Bad breath can affect the best of us if we are lax on oral hygiene or eat a garlicky meal. However, if this condition becomes chronic and you cannot get rid of it with your typical oral hygiene routine, you may want to contact your dentist.
Bad breath commonly stems from lingering food particles interacting with saliva in your mouth and beginning to decay. However, if this symptom persists, you could be experiencing a larger dental problem, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or an underlying medical condition.
Schedule Your Dentist Appointment Today in Truckee, CA
Dr. Baldwin is a highly qualified dentist offering periodontal care and other restorative dental treatment to patients in Truckee, CA. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry, including treatment for TMJ disorders. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our team online or reach our office by phone at 530.206.0392.