Here at the office of Paul D. Nifong, Jr., DDS, we want to help you take the best possible care of your teeth. To do that, we are happy to provide regular dental checkups, but we are also here to provide treatment for any sudden dental problems you may have. In this article, we’ll go over a few signs that you should see a dentist–if you notice any of these things happening to you, we recommend that you schedule an appointment right away.
- Toothache- One clear sign that you should see a dentist is tooth pain. Sharp pain in the teeth or ongoing toothaches are typically symptoms of deeper problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible. In particular, if your tooth pain also comes with swollen cheeks or gums, then you most likely have an infection around the root of the tooth, which requires treatment from a professional dentist.
- Gum Inflammation- Another sign you should see a dentist is soreness, swelling, or inflammation in the gums, all of which are symptoms of gum disease. If you catch gum disease in its early stages, it is usually possible to reverse its effects with some expert dental treatment and a little extra care in your oral hygiene routine. If the disease is advanced, however, you will need more involved dental treatments in order to restore your gum health.
- Sudden Sensitivity- While some people’s teeth are naturally sensitive to hot and cold, for some people that sensitivity is unusual. If you find that your teeth have become more sensitive than you’re used to out of the blue, you should consult a dentist to find out what is causing the change.