Time to Call the Dentist? 6 Signs Your Teeth Could Be in Trouble

When it comes to dental problems, early detection is the best plan of action. But potential issues aren’t always as glaring as we would like them to be. A dental concern may not be accompanied by pain or obvious visual changes. You may not know its warning signs, making it all the simpler for it to sneak past your attention. Dental caries and gum disease are well-known bad guys, but are you aware of the symptoms of bruxism or a jaw disorder? This blog post will help you decide when it’s time to schedule an appointment, and what the issue at hand could be.

Signs of Common Dental Problems

1. Your tooth surfaces are becoming worn. Worn teeth – what’s the big deal, right? In fact, tooth wear is a sign of many different dental concerns. The most pressing is teeth grinding, which wears down tooth enamel over time. It’s easy to tell when teeth have been exposed to years of grinding, but how do you tell if they’re just starting to erode? Look for flat, shiny patches on the occlusal (bite) surfaces of your teeth. If they’re starting to lose their shape, it’s time to get to the office and get a night guard.
2. Your gums are receding. Your gum tissue should not change. While recession may be seen as a side effect of aging, it’s usually due to some larger problem. Gums may begin to recede due to chronic bruxism, gingivitis, or periodontal disease. Losing gum tissue can mean finding your sensitive tooth roots exposed and uncomfortable. Extreme recession can also result in loose teeth and even tooth loss.
3. There’s any kind of persistent pain in your mouth. We say “persistent” pain because fleeting discomfort may not be the sign of a true problem. Your teeth can even feel slightly sore from overzealous oral hygiene, or from inconsistent flossing. But if the discomfort is ongoing, it needs to be tended to. You shouldn’t be spending your days feeling uncomfortable – you’ll find your mood and activities seriously affected.
   

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4. You’re waking up with sore teeth or a sore jaw. Morning discomfort in the jaw, face, or teeth usually points to a grinding problem or a TMJ disorder (a problem with one of the jaw joints). If left untreated, these issues can cause severe damage to the teeth and jaws. We’ll help you find a mouth guard that keeps your jaw functioning properly.
5. You have unusual, ongoing bad breath. A bad taste in the mouth after waking up is one thing, but bad breath that refuses to go away is more sinister. It’s a sign of increased bacterial presence in the mouth, which is usually due to a cavity or gum infection.
6. Your gums are swollen, red, or tend to bleed. These are all the textbook symptoms of gingivitis/gum disease. If you notice that your gums are puffy and uncomfortable, you need to take action right away. Stopping gum disease before it spreads or worsens will simplify your treatment and preserve your gum line.

- See more at: http://yourplymouthdentist.com/2014/04/detroit-see-signs-of-dental-problems-call-your-dentist/#sthash.vimXIqlx.dpuf

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