A lot of patients are genuinely surprised when told that their dental health is in serious trouble. You might suspect something’s wrong if your tooth hurts, but perhaps didn’t expect to learn that the tooth is so infected, it may be lost if not treated promptly. Such surprises are unfortunate for a number of reasons, the first being that most dental issues are preventable with a good hygiene routine. Another reason is because dental troubles typically offer a variety of warnings as they develop and progress, only becoming dire when neglected long enough to mature. Instead of waiting to visit your Livonia dentist until your mouth is in obvious trouble, you can look for the less-conspicuous warnings that might tell you something is wrong.
Dental Trouble?
Slightly Sensitive Teeth
A severe toothache can be debilitating, and offers little choice but to seek treatment. However, a slightly sensitive tooth is often overlooked, or mistaken for a passing sensation. The enamel that surrounds healthy teeth, made of super-resilient mineral crystals, acts as a solid barrier over your tooth’s more vulnerable layers. If a tooth becomes sensitive, then this barrier is likely weak or compromised. If ignored, a cavity will follow before long as bacteria bum rush the damaged enamel and infect your tooth.
Popping/Clicking Jaw
Depending on its severity, a popping jaw can be slightly amusing, slightly annoying, or seriously uncomfortable. Regardless of its severity, a popping jaw is bad news, and can indicate trouble with your jaw’s joints (TMJs), which could result from excessive pressure due to an injury, an imbalanced bite, or a habit of grinding your teeth together (bruxism). As TMJ disorder grows worse, trouble with jaw movement can be joined by chronic headaches and earaches, a worsening bruxism habit, further damage to your jaw’s joints, and a host of other aches and pains.
A Little Bleeding When You Brush
Even if they don’t hurt, bleeding gums are never a good sign. In fact, periodontal disease, the condition that makes your gums bleed, doesn’t usually hurt until your gums are afflicted enough to pull away, or recede, from your teeth’s sensitive roots. Bleeding, swelling, and redness indicate a bacterial infection that attacks your gums, paving the way for periodontal disease and the destruction of the gums and jawbone that support your teeth.
About Dr. James Stewart:
Our philosophy is that excellent dental begins with developing a relationship with the patient. James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.