What Are Early Signs of Dental Issues?

Many dental issues first show minor signs before they eventually get worse. For example, even the slightest toothache or sensitivity may indicate something is wrong with your oral health. Whatever is wrong, it’s important to catch the problem sooner rather than later, as, that way, you won’t spend as much time or money on treating it.

Luckily, we are here to answer your question: what are early signs of dental issues? Some of these signs are more obvious than others. If any of the following early signs of dental problems show up, call your dentist as soon as possible. Remember, dentists are experts in good oral health, and they’ll be able to treat it!

Bad Breath

One of the most embarrassing symptoms of poor oral hygiene is bad breath. Not the kind you get after eating anything with garlic in it or raw onions. Instead, this bad breath stays around even after you’ve brushed your teeth or used mouthwash. That’s because the problem isn’t what you’ve eaten – instead, it’s because of a dental issue.

Gum disease, infections, and cavities can all cause bad breath. However, other potential causes exist, such as tonsillitis and a dry mouth. Discover what the cause is by making an appointment at bafdentistry, and from there, your dentist will create a treatment plan depending on the issue. For example, if the problem is a cavity, the dentist will clean out the cavity and put in a filling.

Toothache

The pain level of a toothache varies. It can feel like a slight, dull aching, but it can also feel sharp and intense. Both warrant a trip to the dentist, as toothache is a sign of an underlying dental issue, such as an abscess, broken tooth, broken filling, or infection. Treatment for a toothache might be as simple as a filling. In some cases, however, the patient might need a root canal or extraction.

Loose Teeth

Loose teeth are regular for children, with the experience ending with a fallen-out tooth and a trip from the tooth fairy. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for adults! A loose, wobbly tooth as an adult is one of the warning signs of various dental issues.

One potential reason for loose teeth is gum disease, requiring a dentist trip for treatment. Another possible cause is excessive grinding, also known as bruxism. This also requires treatment, often in the form of wearing a mouth guard during the night. Otherwise, the patient might wear down their teeth over time.

Receding Gums

Receding gums is when your gums recede from the teeth, showing the root. Various factors cause receding gums, including smoking, age, too much brushing, and gum disease. You can’t grow receding gums back, but you can stop them from worsening by learning the cause and seeking treatment. For example, if it’s gum disease, your dentist may provide a professional deep clean to remove all the bacteria.

Bleeding When You Spit

Do you see blood when you spit? If so, that’s a warning sign that you have a dental issue. Don’t ignore it. Bleeding gums occur when you have too much plaque on your gums and require dental treatment to clear it up. If you leave it too long, it could turn into gum disease, which is often accompanied by painful, swollen gums. The treatment usually isn’t too intensive: a deep clean can sort the issue. However, it’s essential to treat it sooner rather than later, as gums bleeding can lead to tooth loss if left unchecked for a long time.

Sensitive Teeth

Some people’s teeth are more sensitive than others. Tooth sensitivity is often felt when a person eats hot or cold food, which creates an uncomfortable or painful sensation. However, if tooth sensitivity comes on later in life, it could indicate an early sign of a dental issue, including gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, or receding gums. Many people also experience sensitive, painful teeth after getting their teeth bleached.

Preventing Dental Issues

If you show any signs of dental issues, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. They can diagnose and treat the problem, leaving you with clean teeth and good oral health. However, a trip to the dentist isn’t enough – you must also look after your oral hygiene from home.

• Brush Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth twice daily is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay and maintain oral hygiene. Remember to brush for two minutes, taking the time to clean each tooth individually.

• Use Toothpaste with Fluoride

Fluoride toothpaste is the best kind for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. That’s because fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel, preventing cavities.

• Floss Regularly

Without flossing, bacteria builds up between the teeth and gums, causing dental issues. Prevent that by flossing at least once a day, preferably before brushing your teeth.

• Avoid Sugary Foods

There’s a reason dentists tell you to stay away from candy – they cause cavities! While a sweet treat from time to time isn’t the worst thing, too much sugar will wear down tooth enamel over time due to the acids.

• Don’t Smoke

Smoking increases plaque and tartar on the teeth, leading to problems down the line, including tooth loss. The solution is not to smoke at all. If you’re having trouble quitting, a doctor can help devise an action plan.

• Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Don’t just schedule a dental appointment once you’re already showing signs of problems. Instead, visit your dentist regularly – preferably twice per year. There, you can get a full, deep clean and a check-up to see if anything is wrong. A good dentist will ensure you have clean teeth and excellent oral hygiene throughout your life.

We at BAF dentistry can help solve any dental issues you may have. We offer a wide range of family dentistry services, including dental cleaning, bridges, implants, bleaching trays, and more. So don’t wait until your dental problems worsen – make an appointment as soon as you can, so you can be smiling with full confidence once more!