We visit our dentists on a regular basis for routine teeth cleanings and exams. This will prevent severe dental damage and emergencies. However, even with proper oral hygiene habits, dental issues may develop and impact our oral health between these scheduled appointments.
Though these concerns may seem minor, they could signify a larger dental problem that requires prompt attention from your dentist. Dr. Justin Deckard, a dentist practicing in Washington, DC, lists three dental issues that may seem minor but could need urgent evaluation from your dental professional.
Minor Dental Concerns That May Need Prompt Treatment
Sensitivity Pain in Your Teeth
Do you feel a sharp bolt of pain in your tooth if you bite into a sugary or cold food item? Dental professionals refer to this uncomfortable sensation as tooth sensitivity. It can occur when the surface of your tooth, enamel, erodes or weakens, revealing underlying dentin which contains nerves that send signals of pain to the brain when stimulated.
Though you may only notice discomfort when an external stimulus touches the tooth, pain of any kind is abnormal and should be examined by a dentist. The symptom could point to a larger dental problem, including cavities. Your dentist will determine the cause of the pain and provide the appropriate treatment to alleviate the sensitivity.
Bleeding or Swollen Gums
You might notice bleeding or soreness in your gums if you brush your teeth too hard. However, if your gums appear puffy and red and consistently bleed when you complete your oral hygiene routine, you might have an infection in your gum tissue, which dentists call periodontal disease.
This issue may seem minor, but if the disease progresses, you could suffer severe structural damage to your smile, including irreversible problems like tooth loss. If you spot concerns in your gums, let your dentist know as soon as you can. They can perform a periodontal screening and clean excess plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums if needed. For more information on periodontal disease and how we diagnose and treat it, please see Periodontal therapy.
Persistent Bad Breath
A garlicky or oniony meal can leave the best of us with bad-smelling breath. But if you brush your teeth, floss, or rinse with mouthwash, this unpleasant symptom should fade.
If bad breath, or halitosis, continues after these efforts and persists for an extended period of time, you may want to speak to your dental professional about this issue. Chronic bad breath could mean you have a major oral health problem, such as advanced tooth decay, gum disease, or an underlying medical condition. You should not hesitate to contact your dentist with any issues, even if you are not yet due for a routine visit.
Find Optimal Urgent Dental Care in Washington, DC
DC Precision Dentistry provides both preventative and emergency dental care for patients in Washington, DC. Dr. Deckard specializes in general, cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry, including periodontal care, for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our practice, contact our staff by phone at 202.851.7554 or reach our office online.