If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it’s definitely time to call your dentist.
And that can be dangerous.
What a lot of patients dont understand is your dental health is pertinent to your overall health, saidDr.
As dentists, we dont just treat teeth and we dont just look at teeth.
Your oral cavity is the opening to your entire body and everything is connected, Bell said.
Meaning that skipped dentist appointment or ignored tooth pain can lead to bigger issues down the road.
The most prominent issue you should always address is any bleeding when brushing or flossing, according toDr.
This can be an early indication of periodontal disease.
Popcorn hulls are a common culprit of this kind of irritation.
Any bang out of pain in the mouth.
Pain of any punch in is important to bring up with your dentist, Bell said.
It can also signify gum disease or tooth irritation from brushing too hard.
Anytime you have that pain, you definitely want to be seen, she said.
Sensitivity to temperature.
If your teeth are sensitive to temperature, particularly cold temps, you should take note, Noblett said.
Swelling, an abscess or new bumps.
A swelling or abscess needs immediate attention, Bell said.
New areas of tissue growth or bumps should be taken seriously, too.
Additionally, sores that wont heal are another red flag, she said.
Its better safe than sorry.
This shouldnt make you panic; most bumps or tissue growth arent oral cancer, she noted.
It could also be a blocked salivary duct or just irritation.
Either way, youll want to get it treated.
Teeth grinding or clenching at night.
Bottom line: If anything feels off with your oral health, dont ignore it.
I tell my patients not to ignore any problem, Bell said.
What may feel like sensitivity to cold for one person may feel like pain for another.
