Pain
If your mouth or jaw hurts, the cause may be a toothache. A toothache usually means a cavity, but it can also be a sign of gum disease, and sometimes of an abscess or an impacted tooth.
See a dentist about a toothache straight away. Finding the cause early can stop the tooth from dying.
Bleeding or sore gums
Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, which can still be reversed. They can also come from brushing too hard or from starting to floss.
If your gums bleed often, or enough to worry you, see your dentist or your doctor. It could be a sign that something else is wrong.
Hiding your smile
If you’re self-conscious about a missing tooth, or you’d like a brighter smile, talk to us. Teeth whitening, veneers, braces, implants and crowns can all help.
Dry mouth
If your mouth always feels parched, you may not be making enough saliva. Dry mouth isn’t a disease in itself. It is a symptom of a medical condition, or a side effect of medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers and diuretics, among many others.
It often comes with a constant sore throat, a burning feeling, trouble speaking or swallowing, hoarseness, or a dry nose.
Jaw or facial pain
Many adults live with long-term jaw and facial pain. Common symptoms are pain in or around the ear, a tender jaw, pain when you bite, and headaches.
Facial pain has many possible causes, which makes it hard to diagnose and treat. Your dentist will examine you, possibly with X-rays, to find the cause.
Spots and sores
If something in your mouth doesn’t look or feel right, have it checked. A dentist should look at any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. Mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis.
They vary in how serious they are and in what causes them. A sore can be a symptom of a disease or disorder, an infection from bacteria, a virus or a fungus, or irritation from braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling.
Nervous about the visit itself? Read how laughing gas helps.
Source: ADA MouthHealthy, “Top reasons to visit the dentist”