Signs You Have A Problem With Your Oral Health

We are passionate about our patients being mindful of their oral health. Your mouth often gives you a sign that you are experiencing a problem with your oral health. We see most of our patients only two or three times a year, so it’s important for them to regularly check their mouths for signs of a problem. Here are three common problems we see in patients:

Tooth Discomfort

• One of the most common signs of a problem with your oral health is tooth discomfort. If you experience discomfort, the first thing you should do is thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. The problem may be as simple as food trapped between the teeth that is causing discomfort or swelling of the gums. If that does not solve the problem, you may have an issue that requires treatment. Tooth discomfort can be a sign of worn or decaying tooth enamel.

Bad Breath

• We all experience bad breath from time to time, especially after eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages. However, if you are regularly experiencing bad breath, you may have a problem with your oral health. Bad breath can indicate dental decay, gum disease, or possibly an infection. If we recommend dental treatment, it is important to receive it in a timely manner. You may notice issues with your breath if you delay or forego treatment and your condition worsens.

Visibly Cracked or Chipped Teeth

• Between appointments in our office, it is important to visually inspect your teeth and gums and run your tongue along your teeth to feel for imperfections. You should be looking and feeling for signs of cracks and chips in your teeth. These issues can develop from not only trauma to the mouth but also from clenching and grinding the teeth, biting your nails, or chewing on ice. If chips and cracks are not repaired promptly, they can lead to further complications and the need for a root canal or even a tooth extraction.

If you are in Charlotte, NC or the surrounding areas and have recently experienced any of the warning signs mentioned above, we recommend calling our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We want to be sure to diagnose any problems in your mouth and recommend treatment to prevent any issues from progressing. We also recommend scheduling an oral hygiene examination for yourself and your family if it has been longer than six months since your last visit. We hope to hear from you soon!