Toothache and swelling in your mouth can really be painful. However, many people may choose to ignore these symptoms, especially if they cause only minor discomfort. However, sometimes these symptoms may indicate that you need serious dental care such as oral surgery, tooth extraction, or even corrective jaw surgery. If you notice anything unusual about your oral health, don’t ignore the signs. Observe them and see a certified dental practitioner right away. Whether you need treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or in need of dental implants in Salt Lake City, make sure to visit a trusted dentist for optimum care. Here are five symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore. They may require thorough dental screening.
Toothache and Swelling Caused by Impacted Teeth
Pain and swelling in your jaw caused by impacted teeth happen when wisdom teeth start to emerge. Wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are actually known as the last set of teeth that grows from the gum line. In most cases, our jaws are not large enough to have room for extra teeth. This is why wisdom teeth are removed. When a wisdom tooth does not align properly with the other teeth, it fails to emerge, causing it to become “impacted” between your gums and jawbone. This results in swelling and pain, as well as infection of gum tissue. Moreover, it can ruin nearby teeth and may develop cysts or tumors that can damage sections of your jaw. To prevent these problems, dentists often recommend oral surgery or wisdom tooth extraction.
Jaw and Facial Pain Accompanied by Migraines
When you experience tenderness in your jaw, together with facial pain and aching around your ears, you may have a TMJ disorder. A TMJ disorder is also associated with migraines and sinus headaches, which make diagnosis a bit difficult. It usually deals with a cluster of symptoms that makes it hard to determine, so it’s best to see a dental professional for screening. Only a certified dental practitioner can confirm TMJ problems by running an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to examine your teeth, as well as how your bones are connected to your jaws. In most cases, TMJ issues are temporary and may go away without treatment. However, if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms, you will certainly benefit from therapy or surgical treatments.
A Mouth Sore That Isn’t Healing as Expected
One symptom of oral cancer involves mouth sores that don’t go away. It’s easy to dismiss a sore in your mouth, especially when you assume that it will eventually go away. However, take note of this symptom and how often it occurs. Is it swelling even after a few weeks? Does it make eating painful and uncomfortable? If you notice that your mouth sore is not healing normally, whether it’s in your tongue, gums, or cheeks, it’s best to have it checked soon. While it may not be a serious issue, it’s better to have early screening to rule out all possible conditions. Early cancer detection gives you a better chance of preventing it from getting worse.
Loose Teeth
Adults, unlike children, are not supposed to have loose teeth. If you have loose teeth, this may be a sign of a localized infection or even a tooth injury. It can also be accompanied by bleeding, which indicates advanced gum disease. Don’t assume that loose teeth will heal on their own. Have your dentist examine them soon to keep them from falling off. Left untreated, gum disease may even affect your heart health, progressing into a severe health problem.
A Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
A bitter or metallic taste in your mouth is a sign that you may have a broken filling. If you haven’t been to your dentist for a while, it may be time to get your old dental fillings checked for replacement. Over time, dental fillings crack, get loosened, or fall off. This leaves that unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth. What will happen if your leave broken fillings untreated? Your teeth will become exposed, making it susceptible to further decay and damage. If the dentist can’t fix it anymore, it can lead to a more serious problem. By then, you might require a new crown or a root canal.
Knowing the signs that indicate dental problems will help you prevent serious health issues. Early detection and screening are your best bet in fighting tooth loss and other oral diseases. Make sure to observe symptoms of toothache and swelling. It’s also important to check if you have mouth sores that aren’t healing and if you’re starting to have loose teeth. Make sure to consult an experienced dental professional to get the right treatment for your symptoms.
