It’s always a little nerve-wracking to suddenly experience an unexplained dental issue. Why is my tooth suddenly throbbing? What does it mean if my tooth hurts when I try to drink something cold? In this week’s blog, your Olney dentist explains what warning signs you should keep an eye out for and what they might mean for your dental health.
Watch out for these signs of trouble.
5 Dental Warning Signs to Watch Out For From Your Olney Dentist
Twinges
If you start to feel your teeth twinging it’s important to get it checked out by your Olney dentist as soon as you can. Twinges of pain can indicate a crack in your tooth which can quickly attract bacteria and lead to an infection. Your Olney dentist will be able to smooth or fill the crack unless it is significant in which case you may need a crown.
Sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth is a common problem, especially for adults over the age of 55. It is most often caused by gum erosion that is the result of periodontal disease. Mouth bacteria can multiply and loosedn your gum tissue away from your teeth, inviting the opportunity for disease. This bacteria can also eat into the bone and ligament that hold your teeth in place as well as enter your bloodstream where it can cause an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other seriously problems. Generally you will not experience symptoms of periodontal disease until serious damage has been done so it is important to have your teeth and gums examined and cleaned by a professional dentist twice per year. They will be able to identify periodontal disease before it causes significant problem. The best way to prevent it is to get into the habit of flossing religiously after every mean and brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum irritation.
Dry mouth
Saliva is incredibly important for your dental health as it washes away bad bacteria and helps to strengthen your enamel. So when your mouth is not producing enough of it and you experience dryness, it is important to discuss it with your dentist. Dry mouth can also lead to bad breath, an embarrassing and preventable problem. It is an especially common issue for women over 50 and is often caused by prescription medication. It is important to consult with your dentist on this issue: they may encourage you to switch perscriptions or incorporate products sweetened with xylitol to encourage saliva production.
Your Olney Dentist
Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.