We see patients all of the time with dental symptoms that they either ignore or don’t know about. Paying attention to your oral health is incredibly important and you should recognize when something feels ‘off’ inside of your mouth. Whether you are experiencing pain brushing or are constantly thirsty, understanding warning signs your mouth gives you is the first step in getting help before small issues turn major. Below, we have listed seven common dental symptoms that people experience and what it could mean for your oral health.
Of course, this list is not complete and is not meant to diagnose any issues. It is simply a helpful guide to remind you that certain things shouldn’t be ignored. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, we encourage you to come into Century Dental or Seaview Dental. Our friendly dental staff will take x-rays if necessary and perform a thorough examination and cleaning. At your visit, we can discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health and our professionals will be able to check for symptoms you might not even know about. Keep reading below to learn more!
Seven Common Dental Health Symptoms
- Bad Breath: Did you eat too many onions at lunch, or do you have an oral health issue? Bad breath is one of the most common symptoms of gum and teeth problems, yet many people have a hard time identifying their own bad breath, especially if it has been persisting for quite some time. Bad breath can be a symptom of a cold, or it could be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay. If you have breath that never seems to be as fresh as you’d like, come to see one of our dentists for an examination.
- Sore Tooth: A sore tooth or a toothache is one of the more obvious signs of a dental problem. Toothaches typically happen when you have a cavity or some amount of gum disease, but can also happen after an injury or if you have an abscess in your root canal. Toothaches should never be ignored, so be sure to see your dentist as soon as you start feeling pain.
- Dry Mouth: If you drink plenty of water but your mouth still feels dry, it could be a sign of an underlying disease or a side effect of certain medications. Smokers also often experience dry mouth. While it may seem harmless, saliva is incredibly important to your oral health, as it balances the pH in your mouth and washes away sugar, food, acid, and other things that cause tooth decay.
- Mouth or Tongue Sores: Mouth sores can have obvious causes, like if you accidentally bite your tongue or a piece of tortilla chip cuts the roof of your mouth. However, they can also be symptoms of other issues like viral, fungal, or bacterial infections, such as a canker sore or a cold sore. In a worse case, mouth sores or rough patches in the mouth can be a sign of oral cancer, so if this is a frequent problem, don’t put off seeing a dentist just because it isn’t affecting your teeth.
- Popping, Clicking, Or Pain In Your Jaw: If your jaw pops every time you take a bite of a sandwich, that’s not normal. Healthy jaws should move smoothly and without pain. When your jaw pops, it could be the sign of a sinus infection, arthritis, gingivitis, teeth grinding, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
- Sensitive Teeth: If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, you might be experiencing normal wear and tear of the hard enamel that protects the sensitive part of your teeth. However, it could also be a sign of receding gums, worn down fillings, fractured teeth, or a cavity. It is best to make an appointment with a dentist before relying on a tooth desensitizing toothpaste to be sure nothing serious is going on.
- Bleeding Or Swollen Gums: Your gums are one of the best indicators of oral health, so if they are constantly swollen or bleed when you brush them, you should see your dentist for a thorough examination. Gums that are consistently in a bad state can be a sign of gum disease, which needs immediate attention and will not get better on its own in most cases.
Visit Our Office For A Dental Examination
When it comes to your oral health, there are certain issues that should not be ignored. If you notice any of the above symptoms, please make an appointment at one of our two dental locations. Century Dental in Jackson and Seaview Dental in Eatontown. We are here for your health! Get in touch today to learn more!
