Too often, serious dental conditions go unnoticed. Not only does this force patients to experience serious dental pain for longer than necessary, it also requires much more invasive care in order to restore our patients’ smiles to optimal health. If you’re experiencing any of the following conditions, be sure to schedule a visit with our Spokane dentist today.
Bleeding, Red or Tender Gums
While easy to dismiss, bleeding gums or bright red gums are the earliest indicator that your gums are under attack from gingivitis. Left untreated, this inflammation can quickly evolve into gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, this condition quickly causes the gums to recede, leaving tooth roots exposed and vulnerable to infection. In its most severe state, gum disease can even cause tooth loss.
Protect your smile from gum disease by scheduling a visit with Dr. López as soon as you notice that your gums are bleeding, are tender, or have become a brighter red than their natural pink color.
Tooth Sensitivity
Do you have a tooth that only hurts when exposed to extremely hot or extremely cold foods/drinks? Do you chew on one side of your mouth because a tooth on the other side hurts too much? If so, chances are you’ve had a deep cavity that has exposed the inner chamber of your tooth to infection. While it may be easy to ignore this sensitivity and “bite through the pain”, getting the tooth properly treated is in your best interest. If left untreated, severe tooth decay can require full extraction and eventual replacement. Visiting our dentist in Spokane as soon as you start experiencing tooth sensitivity ensures that your smile gets the care it deserves.
Jaw Pain or Grinding
Do you wake up in the morning with your teeth clenched? Are the tops of your teeth worn down? Do you experience jaw pain when you bite, chew, or speak? If you answered yes to any of these, chances are that you are experiencing temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD. Rather than describing one specific issue, this condition refers to any side effects caused by damage or deterioration in the jawbone. Common health issues that result from this condition include bruxism, bite misalignment, and muscle pain, all of which have a domino-like impact on the rest of the smile. Visiting your Spokane dentist for treatment can help prevent these conditions from compromising your oral health.
Loose Teeth
Unless you’re losing baby teeth, there is absolutely no reason that healthy teeth should be loose in your smile. However, it is not an uncommon occurrence. Dental accidents, gum disease, and bone loss caused by missing teeth are all factors that can lead to an otherwise healthy tooth become loose.
Treatment for this oral health issue varies from patient to patient and in some, may require extraction and replacement with a dental implant.
Always Being Parched
Staying hydrated throughout the day isn’t just good for your overall wellbeing – it’s important for your oral health. High saliva production is another important part of achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. Both help wash away bacteria after meals and limit how much plaque sticks to teeth.
If you find yourself frequently parched, you may be showing signs of dry mouth, a condition caused by insufficient saliva flow. If dry mouth is left untreated, patients face complications like constant sore throat, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
At Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our mission is simple – keep patients with healthy, beautiful smiles for as long as possible. If you’re experiencing any of the above conditions or have gone more than six months since your last dental cleaning or exam, it’s time to schedule a visit with Dr. López today!