7 Warning Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

Boulder woman visits dentist at Adler Advanced Dentistry Good dental hygiene habits and regular dental exams and cleanings will help you keep a beautiful smile. It’s common knowledge that your oral health is closely linked to your overall wellbeing, and any sudden changes in your teeth and gums are a reason to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Boulder. Bleeding gums, dry mouth, and others changes in your oral health can be warning signs of specific tooth concerns and may be due to a medical condition such as diabetes.

These are some of the warning signs that you need to see your dentist soon:

1.     Bleeding Gums After Brushing and/or Flossing

If you notice red spots on your floss or blood in the sink after you brush and floss, this can indicate gum disease, which is particularly concerning for adults over the age of 65, many of whom have gum disease and gum recession. Gum disease comes in three stages, the first of which is easily reversed with proper care, but periodontitis and advanced periodontitis may require gum disease treatment or tooth extraction to restore a healthy mouth.

2.     Jaw Pain

Locking or popping jaw can be a sign of a TMJ disorder as well as a host of other symptoms which can be as vague as neck and shoulder pain or as severe as a sharp pain when you eat, speak, or chew. Our dentist offers neuromuscular evaluations to determine if a TMJ disorder is the source of your jaw pain.

3.    Dry Mouth

Your mouth relies on saliva to wash away the food particles and reduce plaque buildup. Certain medications and medical conditions such as diabetes can lead to dry mouth. People with diabetes are already prone to oral health issues, which is why seeking treatment to eliminate dry mouth is an important step.

4.    Teeth that are Loose or Shifting

Your adult teeth should last a lifetime. Loose teeth or shifting teeth can lead to tooth loss, be the result of untreated gum disease, and may even make you develop a TMJ disorder due to a misaligned bite. Bone loss is another cause of loose teeth. Schedule an appointment as soon as you notice these changes.

5.    Bumps, Sores, and Lesions in the Mouth

Canker sores are a common issue, but bumps, sores, and lesions in the mouth can indicate an infection and be a sign of oral cancer. These problems may indicate “thrush,” which is a fungal infection that presents with white sores in the roof of your mouth, on your tongue, as well as your inner cheek, and tonsils. Thrush thrives on the sugar found in saliva, which makes people with diabetes more prone to thrush as well as dry mouth.

6.    Toothache

A toothache, tooth pain, or sensitivity can be a warning sign of a variety of oral concerns such as cavities, tooth abscesses, broken teeth, damaged dental work, teeth grinding, and gum recession. Toothaches should never be ignored as the pain and root of the issue will only worsen if left untreated, which will lead to higher dental costs too.

7.     Cosmetic Concerns Keep You from Smiling

While this is not an immediate issue, feeling pride in your smile gives you a boost in confidence and has been shown to impact social life and career opportunities. Whether it’s tooth discoloration or chipped or cracked teeth, cosmetic dentistry options such as teeth whitening, and porcelain veneers can restore a beautiful smile.

Schedule Your Exam with Our Boulder Dentist

If you’ve experienced any of the warning signs discussed above, it’s time to schedule a dental exam to determine the best way to improve your oral health. Contact Adler Advanced Dentistry in Boulder today at (303) 449-1119. Our experienced dental team serves patients in nearby Colorado areas including Boulder, Denver, and Ft. Collins.

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Thursday & Friday: 8 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 5 PM

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