Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels There are some serious dental conditions that you need to watch out for besides just tooth decay. Here are some things to keep in mind about how to maintain your oral health.
Address Infection at the First Signs
Infections in your teeth and gum can start off as mildly irritation, but they can quickly transform into throbbing and painful problems that keep you from doing pretty much anything. Even a simple gum infection can start to hurt your entire jaw. Some common signs of a gum infection include swollen and puffy gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, or a bad taste in one part of your mouth. Symptoms of a tooth infection include swelling in your face or cheek, pain when biting down, sensitivity to hot or cold, or persistent pain. Don't delay in seeking treatment and wait for the problem to resolve itself; it may continue to get worse until you treat it with antibiotics. Arbor Dental Westminster can see you promptly if you're concerned that you may be experiencing an infection. They can diagnose your problem and get you feeling better fast.
Take Action Against Chronic Grinding
If you grind or clench your teeth when you're stressed out, you're not alone. As many as seventy percent of people grind or clench from stress. The problem persists even when people are asleep, and some people do their worst grinding in their sleep or only grind in their sleep. Try to be conscientious about grinding during the day; you may find it helpful to get in the habit of holding your tongue in a position that gives your jaw a little leeway. During the nighttime, you may need to wear a nightguard to prevent damage to your teeth while you sleep.
Don't Live With Chronic Sensitivity
When your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods, it may keep you from eating and drinking the things that you enjoy must. There are numerous possible causes for chronic sensitivity. If it is limited primarily to one tooth, you may have an infection or require a root canal treatment. If all of your teeth are sensitive or one whole side of your mouth is sensitive, you may be losing enamel. A toothpaste that's formulated to alleviate sensitivity can help you achieve some improvement. For acute sensitivity, a topical numbing gel can provide relief. To help reduce further loss of enamel, you may benefit from using a special mouthwash with fluoride to preserve this valuable part of your teeth.
