As a modern dental office, we could never reiterate enough how important regular dental visits are to your oral health (seriously, regular visits to your dentist are imperative to healthy teeth!) But between visits, there are some signs you should look for that may indicate more immediate care is needed.
Learning to recognize these signs is important because of another dentistry universal truth: catching and treating a problem early is the best way to prevent more invasive, expensive, and time-consuming procedures down the road.
So, if you want your visits to your Raleigh dentist to stay short and sweet, be aware of these early signs of tooth decay—then contact Russo dentistry as soon as you experience them!
- Swollen or bleeding gums: Look out for gums that bleed during or after brushing or flossing. You probably already know this can be an indicator of gum disease, but bleeding may also signal a host of other, related dental problems. Similarly, if your gums are swollen, you could be in danger of early tooth decay—whether or not it’s accompanied by bleeding.
- Persistent odor: In the minutes following a Philly cheesesteak lunch with extra onions, you are – of course – very likely to suffer from bad breath. However, if you’re noticing persistent odor or an odd taste after brushing your teeth, or if it seems to linger much of the day, you may be in the early stages of cavity or tooth decay.
- Abnormal pressure on teeth: When eating or chewing, pay attention to the way your teeth usually feel. If there’s any change in your bite – not just pain, but pressure or a sharp sensation in any part of your bite – it could be a sign of cavities.
- New sensitivity: Sensitivity to very hot or cold food or drink can be normal, but new or worsening sensitivity might mean your enamel is eroding. Switch to a gentler formula toothpaste, then call your dentist if the feeling persists so they can treat and repair your tooth enamel.
- Discoloration: Among the more obvious indicators of tooth decay, discoloration of your smile is often the result of poor oral health. However, not all discoloration in created equal. White lines on your teeth, for instance, are usually harmless, while yellowing teeth are always less healthy than white teeth. In either case, you should confirm with a professional.
Regardless of your dental care concerns (or lack thereof!) Russo Dentistry in Raleigh can give you peace-of-mind with an exam and treatment plan if necessary. Just contact us here!
