The Meaning and Causes of Common Oral Health Problems

We all know that major dental health issues like a chipped or cracked tooth are things that need to be fixed. But there are other signs of oral health problems that aren’t quite as obvious. The family dentists at Dakota Dental are happy to provide a professional look at some of these common warning signs of dental troubles:

Tooth Pain. There are several types of tooth pain and sensitivity that patients can experience. A sharp pain in one or more teeth when biting down could indicate tooth decay. If the sharp pain goes away or isn’t in one specific spot, it may be nothing to worry about. But if that sharp pain is consistently in the same place for over a week, it may be a good idea to talk to your dentist.

A dull, achy or throbbing pain in your teeth might not be much to worry about. Again, if the discomfort is temporary, you’re most likely all right. Experiencing a dull, achy pain for longer than a week might be a sign of grinding or clenching your teeth. If that pain is coupled with swollen gums or glands, it could be a sign of an abscessed tooth.

Bleeding and/or Sensitive Gums. If you have pain or sensitivity on your gums or the sides of your teeth (specifically when you eat hot or cold foods), it could be the sign of a cavity. Or if you clench your teeth or brush too vigorously with your toothbrush, the sensitivity could be caused by your gums receding.

If your gums bleed when you floss, it could just be a side effect of too much bacterial buildup. If the issue doesn’t resolve after a few days of brushing and flossing, then it might be a signal of periodontal disease.

To receive an expert opinion on fixing these issues, contact the family dentists at Dakota Dental. Though some occasional aches and pains can be minor issues, if you have any concerns or questions, make sure to bring them up with the Dakota Dental family dentists in Apple Valley. Some preventative dental care can go a long way to keeping your teeth healthy!