We understand that sometimes it may be easier to ignore an oral health issue and hope it goes away. However, if you’re asking yourself any of the following questions, it is probably better to schedule a dentist appointment sooner rather than later!
1. “Why are my teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures?”
If you’re suffering from dental sensitivity, there’s a strong chance that you’re experiencing tooth decay. When your enamel begins to wear down as a result of the corrosive acids released by the bacteria in plaque, the dentin layer of your tooth becomes exposed. This layer is comprised of tiny, microscopic tubules that allow access to the nerve inside your tooth. So when this layer is exposed to the outside world, it allows the heat and cold to have direct access to the nerve in your tooth, causing hypersensitivity. If you’re experiencing this hypersensitivity, be sure to schedule an appointment with Aurora Dental Group right away, as you don’t want this tooth decay to progress too far!
2. “Why do my gums bleed every time I floss?”
It is very important to know that your gums should not bleed when you floss. Therefore, if this occurs every time you floss, it is important that you schedule a check-up with the dentist. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gingivitis. This is an infection in the gums that, if left untreated, could eventually lead to gum disease. Luckily, gingivitis is the easiest stage of periodontal disease to treat, so your dentist will be able to help you with this right away.
3. “How will my oral health impact my pregnancy?”
Pregnancy can actually have a surprising impact on your teeth and gums. You might find that you suffer from dry mouth during your pregnancy, making it more difficult to speak or swallow. Morning sickness can also erode the dental enamel, so you’ll want to be very adamant about your dental hygiene routine at this time. Finally, you’ll want to make sure you take excellent care of your gums during your pregnancy. Periodontal disease can lead to complications during pregnancy, including premature birth, so getting your gums checked is in your best interest. Ultimately, your overall health is of the upmost importance during your pregnancy, so we want to make sure your oral health is in great shape too!
4. “Why does my jaw make a popping noise?”
This type of jaw pain is symptomatic of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues, affecting the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. There could be a number of root causes to these kind of issues. For example, you may have misaligned teeth, or you could be grinding your teeth in your sleep. You may also have this as a result of an injury. Thankfully, you do not have to suffer through TMJ problems, as your dentist will be able to help treat the cause!
5. “Why do I occasionally have trouble speaking or swallowing?”
If you’re suffering from dry mouth, or xerostomia, you’re not alone! In fact, about 10% of people deal with this same issue. Dry mouth is caused when your salivary glands are not producing enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. This can be caused by certain medications that you’re taking. Unfortunately, this can lead to other oral health issues such as tooth decay, infection, and bad breath. That said, there are a number of possible treatments for this illness, depending on the root cause of your dry mouth.
Convinced that it may be time to visit the dentist? Call Aurora Dental Group today to schedule your appointment!