The health of your teeth and gums is an important part of your overall well-being. However, many people tend to ignore alarming symptoms, consider them insignificant, or hope that their symptoms will go away on their own. This approach can lead to serious problems that require expensive and long-term treatment. In this article, we look at six main signs that indicate the need for an immediate visit to the dentist.
1. Pain in teeth or gums
Pain is the first signal the body sends when something is wrong. Even if it seems acceptable or only occurs when chewing, it is not a reason to postpone a visit to the doctor. The causes of toothache can be different:
- Decay. At first, it may go unnoticed, but as it progresses, it destroys tooth tissue and causes pain.
- Pulpitis. Inflammation of the dental nerve is accompanied by sharp, shooting pains.
- Periodontitis. Inflammation of the tissues around the root of the tooth can lead to serious complications.
If these problems are ignored, there may be a risk of the need for tooth extraction or the development of systemic infections.
2. Bleeding gums
Healthy gums should not bleed, even when you are actively brushing your teeth. If you notice blood on your toothbrush, it could be a sign of:
- Gingivitis (early gum disease)
- Periodontal disease (a more serious disease that causes tooth loss)
- Mechanical damage
Bleeding is often accompanied by red, swollen, or painful gums. If treatment is not started promptly, inflammation can spread to deeper tissues and lead to receding gums and exposure of tooth roots.
3. Bad breath (halitosis)
Persistent bad breath that does not go away after brushing your teeth can be a symptom of:
- A build-up of plaque or tartar
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay or pulpitis
- Problems with internal organs, especially the stomach and liver
The dental specialist will help you determine the cause of the problem and prescribe treatment. Professional tooth cleaning and removal of inflammation are often enough.
4. Tooth mobility
If your teeth start to loosen or shift for no apparent reason, it could be an indication of:
- Progressive periodontal disease, which destroys the ligaments and bones that support the teeth
- Tooth or jaw injury
- General diseases such as osteoporosis or diabetes
Sometimes tooth mobility is accompanied by discharge or swelling of the gums, which indicates an infection. In such cases, it is important not only to stabilize the tooth but also to eliminate the infectious process.
5. Swelling or bumps in the mouth
Any unusual lump, swelling, or sore on the oral cavity that doesn’t heal within more than two weeks should be investigated immediately. These symptoms can be caused by:
- Trauma or irritation (eg from ill-fitting dentures or braces)
- Infection
- Tumors, including malignant
The early detection of tumors significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, you should not underestimate even seemingly minor changes.
6. Tooth sensitivity
If you feel discomfort or pain when you eat hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods, it may indicate:
- Destruction of tooth enamel, making teeth vulnerable
- Cracks in the teeth
- Tooth root exposed due to receding gums
- Early stages of tooth decay
Tooth sensitivity can get worse if left untreated. The dentist will make a diagnosis and recommend toothpaste or strengthening treatments to eliminate the cause.
Why can't you postpone a visit to the dentist?
Any of the above symptoms can be signs of a serious illness that will not go away on its own. Ignoring tooth and gum problems can lead to tooth loss, the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and organs, and the development of systemic diseases such as endocarditis or sepsis. Regular examinations and timely treatment help avoid these risks.