Modern life is complex and fast-moving, which means it can be easy to overlook the basics, such as a visit to the dentist. Regular dental check-ups fall off the to do list for many people, but not getting your teeth checked can have profound consequences. If something in your mouth seems strange, it’s important you don’t sweep it under the carpet because the problem can get worse. No everyone likes going to the dentist, but regular appointments mean issues can be spotted early and treated before they escalate.
Riversdale Dental in Camberwell always welcomes new patients, so feel free to make an appointment. If you’re experiencing any of these 12 signs, you need to see a dentist right away!
Puffy or bleeding gums
If you have puffy or bleeding gums, it’s obvious you need to see your dentist in Camberwell immediately. Puffy or bleeding gums can happen for several reasons and it can be a sign of gingivitis. This is a condition where the gum has become inflamed. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease and easy to treat. If the plaque is not removed, it can lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis or gum disease, which may require your dentist to remove the infected tooth. Riversdale Dental is an emergency dentist so we’re able to treat bleeding gums.
Tooth or gum pain
It’s important you don’t ignore tooth or gum pain. It might not seem like a massive deal at first, especially if the pain isn’t constant, but it can be a sign of infection or decay. Often the pain comes from an untreated cavity that causes bacteria to spread throughout your tooth and gums. Tooth decay won’t get better on its own, so it’s vital you get a dental check-up in Camberwell if you feel any pain or discomfort in your mouth.
A metallic taste
A metallic, bloody taste in the mouth can be a result of numerous factors. It can be caused by certain medications and women experience a metallic taste during the preliminary stages of pregnancy. But it can be a sign that you have gum disease, particularly if you experience the taste on a regular basis.
Bad breath
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth properly or regularly enough, bacteria can build up on your teeth, tongue and gums. This produces an unpleasant smell. Riversdale Dental in Camberwell offers hygiene services and treatment. If you have a persistent bad breath, make an appointment with a dentist for advice on how to improve your oral hygiene.
Soreness or swelling
The roof of your mouth is very delicate, so it can wear and tear easily. Sore areas of swelling can be a result of biting your tongue or eating foods that are too hot for the roof of your mouth. Most mouth sores are normally nothing serious but it rare cases, they can be a symptom of mouth cancer. You must make an appointment if the soreness and swelling in your mouth last for than several days.
You are pregnant
The changes in your hormones during pregnancy can affect the health of your mouth and can make pre-existing dental conditions worse. It’s advisable to see your dentist in Camberwell while you are pregnant.
Pain when you chew
Tooth pain when you chew might mean you have a cracked tooth. The crack may be very small and difficult to see, but it will show up on an X-ray. Most dentists will treat a cracked tooth with a crown and save the tooth. It’s important you make an appointment with your dentist in Camberwell, so the crack doesn’t worsen.
White spots on your teeth
There are many plausible causes for white spots on teeth. One reason they form is due to a build-up of plaque on the enamel. It can be an early sign of tooth decay, so it’s very important you make a visit to the dentist who will confirm this and stop the decay from getting worse. However, white spots can also be caused by too much floricide in developing teeth. This can happen when children swallow toothpaste, causing discoloration in the teeth.
Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when you chew
This can be sign that you have Bruxism or a temporomandibular joint problem. Your Riversdale Dental dentist in Camberwell can offer you a night-time splint to wear while you sleep. Teeth grinding is not usually serious, but it can damage your teeth if left untreated for any extended period.
Sensitive teeth
If cold and hot food makes your teeth feel painful or comfortable, then you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can occur when the tooth enamel gets thinner and it can be a result of gum recession. Having a conversation with your dentist is the first step to relieving your sensitive teeth. Your dentist will likely try to find the cavity and replace it with a filling.
White spots inside your mouth
If you have white spots on the inside of your mouth, you might have oral thrush, which is a fungal infection that can be easily treated with prescription medicines. It may spread to other areas of the body, so it’s important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any spots. Thrush can be caused by dry mouth or if you’re taking antibiotics over a lengthy period. Your dentist may refer you to a GP for treatment.
If you’re concerned about your teeth, please book an appointment with Riversdale Dental in Camberwell today. We are located at 602 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124.