A friend depending on you, young kids, and a very demanding day job, among many other things, make preventive dental healthcare take a backseat until nagging symptoms show.

Don’t ignore minor dental problems, especially if you are trying to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes. If you notice either of the following signs, visit your dentist Meridian immediately:

1. Bad Breath

Expect bad breath after a cup of coffee or a garlicky meal. However, if the problem persists after you floss and brush, visit your dentist – it means something is wrong.

Bad breath can indicate dental cavities, gum disease, or other health conditions. Visiting an experienced dentist and ruling out serious issues is the best way to do away with bad breath.

2. Facial Swelling Because of Dental Abscess

Untreated decayed tooth often forms pus in the jawbone and tip of the tooth root. This infection is what dentists call periapical or dental abscess and may spread to your face, leading to facial cellulitis.

Pus pockets also accompany abscessed teeth next to your tooth root or on the gums. Ignoring these pus pockets may cause life-threatening health issues.

3. Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums hardly bleed, but when they do, you must give them the equal attention they deserve. Dentists often check for gum disease or possible pus pockets that plaque forms. If you also experience the following, visit your dentist immediately:

• Receding gums
• Gums producing odor
• Gums changing to bluish-red instead of pink
• Swollen gums
• Inflamed or puffy gums

4. Tooth Ache

Tooth pain ranges from mild to severe. Mild toothache is reason enough to visit your dentist – it could mean the filling is loose or the cavity has started developing. Conversely, severe toothache could indicate more serious dental conditions, such as gum disease and infected nerves.

Here is the thing – your teeth hurting means there is an issue, and visiting your dentist when you can still tolerate the pain is better than seeking alternatives.

5. Sensitivity to Cold and Hot

Something is wrong if you don’t enjoy cold and hot food and drinks like you used to. Sensitivity to cold and hot food or beverages is a common issue that weak enamel causes.

Not brushing and flossing your teeth properly causes enamel weakness, but other reasons exist. If you notice this problem, visit a dentist immediately to rectify it and prevent more serious dental issues.

6. Discolored Teeth

Don’t be lied to – teeth discoloration isn’t normal. However, you can stain your teeth after consuming specific food and drinks.

Discolored teeth can negatively impact your self-esteem. You will have second thoughts about smiling, eating, or laughing when strangers, co-workers, and friends are around you.

Once you notice tooth discoloration, schedule a checkup with your dentist. A comprehensive checkup with your dentist will include teeth whitening options and procedures available to you.

The Take a way

Oral and dental problems are progressive – they worsen over time. The more you postpone your appointment with your dentist, the more severe they get. This, in turn, will cost you more money during treatment.