Usually, a dental issue (like tooth decay or gum disease) will be detected by its symptoms during your routine dental examination and cleaning appointments. In some cases, like a tooth that cracks or breaks due to accidental trauma, you might be fully aware that there’s a problem as soon as it happens. Sometimes, however, you might be warned of an impending problem by symptoms that you notice yourself, before your next visit to the dentist.
Symptoms that Should Prompt a Dental Visit
Toothaches/Tooth Sensitivity
Toothaches and tooth sensitivity seem self-explanatory, but the nature, extent, frequency, and severity of tooth discomfort can range among a wide spectrum of discomfort. Still, regardless of exactly how your tooth hurts, the pain is likely an indication that your tooth and/or the tissues around it are damaged, infected, or otherwise compromised. If so, then immediate treatment at your dentist’s office may be the only way to find permanent relief and restore your tooth’s health and integrity.
Troubled Gum Tissues
Gum disease is usually obvious after a certain point. The redness and swelling, and the eventual gum recession if not treated quickly, can reach a degree that is impossible to ignore. By that point, however, the damage to your gums, and possibly your jawbone, can be so severe that you may end up losing one or more teeth to the disease. If you notice that your gums are a little red, a little swollen, or that they bleed just a little when you brush your teeth, then seek treatment soon to ward off gum disease.
Jaw and/or Headaches
TMJ disorder, which describes a dysfunction in your jaw’s temporomandibular joints (TMJs), affects mainly the jaws and muscles that control your jaw movement. Because of how intricately these structures are connected to the rest of your craniofacial structures and nerves, TMJ disorder can often lead to discomfort that might not even seem dental-related. Jaw pain is one symptom, as is popping and clicking noises when you open your mouth, but others that could warn of TMJ disorder can also include;
- Chronic headaches
- Earaches
- Sore facial muscles
- Stiff and sore jaw and neck muscles
- An unconscious penchant for grinding your teeth (bruxism)
ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS DENTIST:
With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.