That little twinge in your tooth or a bit of pink in the sink can be easy to ignore. But your mouth is great at sending signals, and some should never be brushed off. Catching problems early saves you pain, money, and hassle.
Dental care is key to stopping small issues from becoming big ones. Here are the red flags that mean you should visit a dentist Chaparral right away.
A toothache that won’t quit
A constant toothache is your mouth’s alarm bell. If the pain is sharp, throbbing, or lingers for over a day, it needs attention. It could be a cavity, an abscess, or a crack. Pain that gets worse when you bite down is another major sign. Don’t just reach for pain pills; get it checked.
Swollen or bleeding gums
Gums should never bleed during brushing or flossing. If they do, it’s a classic sign of gum disease. Swollen, red, or tender gums are also telling you something is wrong. Left alone, this can lead to serious infection and even tooth loss.
A sore or bump that doesn’t heal
Keep an eye on any unusual spots in your mouth. A canker sore usually heals in a week or two. Any sore, lump, or rough patch that lasts longer needs a professional look. The same goes for white or red patches. It’s always best to be safe.
A loose adult tooth
Adult teeth are meant to stay put. If you notice a tooth feeling loose or wobbly, it’s urgent. This can point to injury, severe gum disease, or an infection below the surface. Quick action might save the tooth.
Pus or a bad taste
Seeing pus around a tooth or gums means there is an infection. You might also have a constant bad taste in your mouth or bad breath that won’t go away. Infections can spread, so this needs immediate care.
Swelling in your face or jaw
Swelling in your cheek, jaw, or under your tongue is a serious signal. It often means an infection is spreading. If you have swelling with fever or trouble breathing or swallowing, seek emergency help at once.
Sudden sensitivity
New, sharp pain with hot coffee or ice cream can mean a cavity, a cracked tooth, or worn enamel. If one tooth suddenly becomes very sensitive, have a dentist find the cause.
Your smile is worth protecting, so call your dentist when you spot these warnings.