Heed symptoms before harmful damage results in bigger problems.
Teeth can be harmed in various ways, and these include not only physical causes like impact and breaking, but also disease. Oakwood Dental Arts of Freehold says that certain symptoms of distress in the mouth warrant scheduling an immediate appointment to avoid bigger problems.
DAMAGED TEETH
Cracked or broken teeth can have a variety of causes such as brittle teeth, teeth grinding, or injury.
A crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even in an x-ray, but it can be painful and create bigger problems if untreated.
Pain while chewing is a typical indication that you must see your dentist in Freehold, NJ at Oakwood Dental Arts for a diagnosis and a plan of treatment.
MOUTH SORES
Mouth sores can include canker sores and cold sores.
Two other worrisome kinds of sores have unfamiliar names but warrant prompt attention. One is called leukoplakia, which is generally believed to be precancerous. It is characterized by thickened white patches on mucous membranes. Another is called candidiasi, an infection associated with a yeast-like fungus known as Candida. This fungus is usually benign but has been known to become pathogenic.
These different kinds of sores vary in both severity and their causes.
A mouth sore could be a symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria; viruses or fungus; or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures, or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Ask your trusted specialist at Oakwood Dental Arts of Freehold to examine any sore lasting a week or longer.
BAD BREATH
Persistent bad breath can be a warning sign of gum disease. Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth, certain foods, not cleaning your mouth properly, smoking or other medical conditions.
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily help to reduce bad breath and prevent gum disease. Brushing your tongue can help too. To address what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment with Oakwood Dental Arts. Your dentist can determine the cause and treat it.
DRY MOUTH
Dry mouth could indicate a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications.
Saliva is the primary defense against tooth decay. It washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances. Contact your dentist in Freehold, NJ at Oakwood Dental Arts to discuss recommended ways to restore moisture.