Your bi-yearly visits to Allen Dental Center are terrific and necessary, but how do you know if you need to schedule an additional appointment? While keeping up with your hygiene and exams will do wonders for the health of your smile, there is still a possibility oral health issues may arise. We want to aid you in identifying these problems. Catching them early will ensure they can be treated promptly and will not become more severe. Helping our patients improve their smiles while saving money on treatment and time spent at our office is a priority!
Everyone wants shining, healthy teeth. A beautiful smile increases confidence and will lead to better health in other areas of your life. There are many dental anomalies that, if not dealt with, can hinder your overall well-being and confidence. They are more widespread than you think, and knowing how to spot them will decrease your chances of permanent damage to one or multiple teeth.
So what are some of the most frequent dental complications?
- Tooth decay is the most widespread problem we see in patients. It occurs when bacteria form plaque on the surface of your teeth, which can permanently damage the enamel. This damage is characterized by toothaches, pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, dark spots on your teeth, and even occasional cracks or pits.
- Gum disease has many different stages and starts as a bacterial infection caused by plaque buildup. Left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis: the most severe form. Tobacco use, irregular oral hygiene, and diabetes are all risk factors.
- A dental abscess is caused by the buildup of bacteria in a tooth’s root. If you have a persistent, severe toothache, there is a good chance you may have an infected root.
- Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be very distressing to patients. It is commonly the result of dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, an infection, or several other factors. If you have bad breath, your dentist will assess the situation to determine its cause and what treatment is needed.
- Tooth sensitivity can be an extremely uncomfortable sensation. When your enamel is worn away, hot and cold foods and drinks will cause pain. This is due to the dentin being exposed, which contains tubes leading to the nerve attached to your tooth.
One of the best ways to avoid these concerns in the first place is by coming in to see us regularly! During your dental exam, your dentist will check your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. If you are experiencing sensitivity in one or more of your teeth or struggle with bad breath, these visits are a perfect opportunity to get started with treatment and address your concerns. To book an appointment, call us at 972.640.7564.