Sometimes bad breath and tooth sensitivity are not necessarily signs of an ailing oral health but can simply be a result of a flu bug that will go when the flue does. However, sometimes, the mouth does send S.O.S signals that are the body’s way of telling you something somewhere is seriously wrong. So, how can you tell whether something serious is cooking? Following are the dental health symptoms that you should never ignore and see a dentist immediately in case you experience any of them.
Swelling and Pain
If you are experiencing unexplained puffiness or pain in your mouth that lingers on for a few days, call your dentist immediately. It could be a sign of decay, infection, gum disease or a chipped tooth. If left untreated, these dental issues can worsen over time and even result in tooth loss.
Persistent Bad Taste or Smell in Your Mouth
Bad breath could be a result of a garlicy meal you had for lunch, but if it persists, it could be more than that. Lingering bad breath can be an indicator of sinusitis, periodontal disease, lung or throat infections, an abscess or tooth decay. A continuous foul taste in the mouth can also mean an oral infection.
Loose Tooth
A loose tooth can be a dental nightmare if you are an adult as it eventually results in tooth loss. The number one cause of loose teeth is periodontal disease, and rarely a loose tooth can be a sign of oral cancer. Whether your tooth has come loose either due to an impactful force or on its own, you need to see your dentist right away before it gets worse.
Addressing these dental symptoms with professional help at its earliest stage can help you avoid a great deal of pain, stress and financial burden.