There a variety of symptoms that can affect the health and comfort of your mouth, most of which can indicate a number of oral health issues. Easing or curing these symptoms depends on finding and treating their root cause. To help you maintain your oral health and find comfort from your dental troubles, Sheridan dentist Dr. Coon discusses some of the most common dental symptoms and what they may mean.
Common Dental Symptoms
Tooth Sensitivity
Toothaches are no laughing matter. The pain can often be debilitating, and over 25% of adults in America admit that they’ve had to take time off of work to deal with a sensitive tooth. Toothaches are also among the most common tooth problems, and can result from myriad causes, including tooth decay, gum disease, sinus infection, rapid changes in altitude, and many more. If your tooth hurts, see Dr. Coon as soon as possible to determine the cause and the appropriate course of treatment.
Bleeding, Sore, and/or Swollen Gums
Inflamed gums are a typical sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease and the only point at which the infection can be reversed. Your gums can also become irritated from brushing or flossing your teeth too harshly, but if they are swollen and/or bleeding enough to make you worry, don’t hesitate to contact our Sheridan dentist’s office for a thorough examination. Once gingivitis advances to periodontitis, it is no longer reversible and extensive treatment may be needed to restore the damage.
Dry Mouth
Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is typically more uncomfortable than it is painful, unless it is severe. However, the lack of saliva production could result in an increased risk to your dental health. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay. It contains essential minerals that help strengthen tooth enamel and washes away food debris, bacteria, and acids. When your saliva production is significantly reduced or halted, dry mouth occurs and dental issues are more likely to develop. Saliva deprivation can result from a number of causes, including certain health issues and some medications. If you suffer from dry mouth, contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
Treat Your Dental Woes in Sheridan
If you experience these or other discomforting dental symptoms, or if you’d like to speak with your Sheridan dentist about improving your oral health, then schedule a consultation at Grinnell Street Dental by contacting our Sheridan dentist office at (307) 672-7567. We welcome patients from Sheridan, WY and the surrounding communities.
