In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to dismiss warning signs that may signal a serious problem. Tooth sensitivity? “I’ll just chew on the other side of my mouth…” Chronic dry mouth? “No big deal, I’ll keep a bottle of water and some gum on hand…” And on it goes – quick fixes to treat the symptoms that make you uncomfortable without addressing the root cause of the problem. If left untreated, many oral health problems can negatively impact your overall wellbeing – sometimes very seriously. Here are five signs it’s time to call your dentist:

1. Tooth Pain or Sensitivity

This should go without saying, but tooth pain and/or increased sensitivity warrant a call to your dentist. Sudden or gradually increasing pain could point to tooth decay, an abscess tooth, gum disease, or a host of other issues. Pain indicates that a problem has progressed to the point that a nerve is affected, which means the issue has already persisted too long – it’s time to make the call. 

2. Jaw Pain, Popping, or Clicking

Temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMJ) can cause more than just jaw discomfort from popping or clicking; earaches and jaw soreness could be signs that you’re suffering from TMJ. In some cases, jaw pain can actually be an early warning sign of an oncoming heart attack. Call your dentist right away for an evaluation and treatment plan to avoid increased levels of pain and long-term damage to the joint.

3. Dry Mouth

A host of medications and treatments can lead to chronic dry mouth. Dry mouth may not be just an unpleasant side effect of medications – it can actually cause significant oral health issues. Saliva contains fluoride and electrolytes that strengthen and protect the teeth, and a proper amount of saliva in the mouth helps wash away food and debris that might otherwise get stuck to teeth. Chronic dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and other serious dental issues – consult your dentist as soon as possible for treatment of this uncomfortable and potentially dangerous condition. 

4. Chronic Bad Breath

If you brush and floss properly but still suffer from chronic bad breath, it may be a sign of an underlying health concern. As far as oral health goes, it could point to tooth decay or gum disease. Beyond that, bad breath may be an indicator of diabetes, liver problems, or other infections throughout the body. 

5. Open Wounds That Do Not Heal

Alert your dentist right away if you have open, painful sores in the mouth that don’t heal after a week or two. Persistent open wounds could be signs of a viral infection, certain types of cancer, or other serious health concerns. After a full examination, your dentist will be able to properly advise you on treatment plans, including whether or not you should be evaluated by a different type of medical professional. 

Although it can be tempting to ignore oral health concerns that may start as a mere inconvenience, it’s important to know when it’s time to call your dentist. If symptoms are left unchecked, you could face long-term damage to your oral and general health. Catching these early warning signs of serious problems may allow you to begin treatment for a previously undiagnosed condition, saving you from unnecessary pain – and potentially saving your life if serious disease is the root of the problem. If you live in St. Augustine, FL, call Dental Remedies today to connect with a highly qualified dentist who will keep your teeth in tip-top shape while also caring for your oral and general health.