Signs That You Need to See a Dentist

Whether you’re overdue for a checkup or are experiencing a severe toothache, you can trust the team at Twin Aspen Dental Center. Our expert staff cares about your dental health and wellbeing. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we’re here for you. Contact us today for an appointment if you’re suffering from any of the following dental issues:

Severe Pain & Swelling

One reason patients visit us is to help deal with pain and swelling. Understandably, dental pain is more than just a nuisance – it can be debilitating. There can be many different causes of toothache, gum pain, swelling, and more. While some symptoms can go away on their own, lingering pain is reason enough to schedule an appointment. Even if the pain does diminish, the cause of the problem can persist. It’s better to have our team evaluate and help. Common causes of pain and swelling include:

• Tooth Decay
• Abscessed Tooth
• Gum Disease
• Injury
• Wisdom Teeth Issues
• Grinding Teeth/Bruxism
• Abnormal Bite

You should seek medical care if your toothache is not relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers or you notice the pain persists for an extended time. If the pain has spread to your jaw, gums, cheeks, or other areas of the face, schedule an appointment as quickly as possible.

Gum Issues

Your gums require just as much care and attention as your teeth. They can be sensitive, and you need to treat them with care to avoid problems. However, accidents and other issues can happen. Schedule your appointment with us if you notice any of the following issues with your gums:

• Puffy or inflamed gums
• Swollen, spongey texture
• Changing colors to dark red
• Secreting pus
• Give off a foul odor
• Gums are receding

Usually, tartar and plaque are to blame for gum issues. Scheduling routine checkups and cleanings can help with these issues as we are able to clean and remove plaque buildup.

White Spots on Your Teeth

Have you noticed strange white spots on your teeth? This can be an indicator of the early stages of tooth decay. If we catch it quickly enough, we can halt the process and preserve your teeth before cavities form.

Issue with Previous Dental Work

Crowns, fillings, dentures, and implants help to address dental issues, but they are not always permanent solutions. If you notice an issue with your previous dental work, such as a lost crown, problem chewing, crooked teeth, or just something feeling “off,” let us know. We can help make sure you’re comfortable.

Increased Sensitivity to Hot/Cold

Can you no longer enjoy your favorite ice cream? Is your morning coffee hurting your teeth or gums? If you have a new sensitivity to hot or cold foods, you may be experiencing tooth decay. Decay can move through the enamel to the center of your tooth, where the nerve is. This can be uncomfortable to downright painful. Other causes for temperature sensitivity can include a filling that needs redone, recession, or grinding your teeth in your sleep.

Chronic Bad Breath

If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and use mouth wash but still find yourself with bad breath, it may be a medical issue. Persistent bad breath can be caused by many different issues that you may not be able to alleviate yourself. We’ll help you find the cause and treat it. There are many issues that can cause persistent bad breath. They include:

• Medications
• Infections
• Acid Reflux
• Respiratory Tract Problems
• Chronic Lung Issues
• Diabetes
• Seasonal Allergies
• Postnasal Drip

Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing

This issue is not normal and should not be ignored. While waiting for your appointment, make sure to only eat soft foods or liquids to avoid making a problem worse.

Jaw Pain

If you are suffering from a sore jaw, an uneven bite, or popping when you chew, you may have an issue with your jaw. Our jaw opening and closing help us speak, eat, and chew. Any issues with our jaw can be more than just painful. We can help you or refer you to our trusted orthodontists to assist helping you overcome jaw complications and pain.

Long-Term Mouth Sores

Mouth sores can happen from accidentally biting your cheek or eating something you may be slightly allergic to. However, if you notice significant mouth sores lasting longer than a week, you should schedule an appointment with us. Sores can include:

• Canker Sores
• Cold Sores
• Leukoplakia
• Candidiasis

These sores can be a sign of bigger problems, especially if your body is having trouble fighting them off and they persist for longer than usual. These issues do not go away on their own and require medical attention.

Constantly Dry Mouth

Usually, prescription medications are the cause of consistent dry mouth. However, dry mouth can lead to more serious dental problems down the line. Your saliva helps wash away bacteria from your mouth. When that doesn’t happen, the bacteria sit in your teeth and gums, creating decay, cavities, plaque, and more. We can help you keep an eye on your dry mouth situation and provide ways to alleviate the symptoms.

Receding Gums

If your gums are red, swollen, and receding, this can be a sign of gum disease. With proper care and periodontal cleanings, you can stop the receding and reverse the progress before it leads to more severe issues, such as tooth loss.

It’s Been Longer Than Six Months

We recommend a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. While you’re at our office, we’ll recommend scheduling your next appointment, so you don’t forget. If you are a new patient and you haven’t had a cleaning or checkup in a while, we start with an assessment to understand any issues or concerns you may have. Twice-yearly proactive appointments are the best way to enjoy a healthy natural smile for as long as possible

Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today

No matter the reason, your dental health is as important to us as it is to you. Contact Twin Aspen Dental Center today to schedule your appointment at our Parker, CO dental office.