Even if you’re taking great care of your teeth, dental problems can still happen. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to make a dental appointment. Your dentist can determine the cause of the issue and the best course of treatment.

  1. Toothache. When your jaw hurts, it usually means you have a cavity. But a toothache can also indicate gum disease, an abscess, or impacted tooth. Don’t just take pain relievers and hope it will get better; delaying treatment could result in a tooth extraction.
  2. Cracked or broken teeth. Whether from an injury or grinding your teeth, if you have a cracked or broken tooth, don’t let it go untreated. Even a tiny crack can lead to big problems and a world of hurt if you ignore it.
  3. Bleeding or sore gums. Healthy gums don’t bleed or hurt. Soreness or bleeding when you brush or floss is likely a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease. However, it could mean something else is wrong.
  4. Mouth sores. Sores in your mouth can be a sign of a disease or disorder. More commonly, they are caused by infection or irritation from braces, dentures, or a broken tooth. If the cause is a mystery to you, or if it doesn’t heal within a week, see your dentist.
  5. Sensitive teeth. Feel a zing of pain or dull ache in your teeth when drinking hot or cold beverages? Sensitive teeth are common and have several possible causes. The good news is you don’t have to live with the discomfort.
  6. Bad breath. It happens to everyone from time to time, but if you have persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene, it could be a warning sign of gum disease or an underlying medical condition.
  7. Dry mouth. Did you know saliva neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth? It also helps our bodies fight diseases. If your mouth feels dry even when you know you’re well hydrated, it could be a drug side effect or the sign of a medical disorder.

For more information about symptoms of dental problems and other dental care topics, visit https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en. Mouth Healthy is a consumer education site produced by the American Dental Association.

If you’re a PacificSource member with questions about your dental coverage, please call our Dental Customer Service team at (866) 373-7053 or email dental@pacificsource.com.

[thrive_leads id=’406′]