Emergency Dentistry on a Budget

« Back to Home

3 Signs You Need to Visit Your Family Dentist

Posted on

Most people don't enjoy visiting the dentist. So looking for additional signs that it is time to book another appointment is probably the last thing that you want to do. However, your mouth can sometimes send you signals that all is not well. Not knowing what these signs are or what they mean can place your oral health in danger. Below are 3 signs and symptoms you should look out for. If you notice any of them, you should book an appointment to visit you dentist as soon as possible.

Strange Taste

If you experience a strange taste in your mouth, you might presume it is just something you ate. However, if you repeatedly suffer from this, it could be a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a condition in which the acids from the stomach flow back up the oesophagus and into the throat. Other symptoms associated with GERD include chest pain, a sore throat and hoarseness. If GERD is left untreated, it can lead to dental erosion, ulcers and oesophageal inflammation. The sooner you begin the receive treatment for GERD the better the outcome will be.

Mouth Sores

Occasionally experiencing some sores in your mouth is normal and is usually caused by the bruising of the cheek tissue when you eat. However, if you develop a persistent sore that will not heal or go away, this could be a sign of oral cancer. If let untreated, symptoms may develop until you find it difficult to chew and swallow food due to the discomfort caused. As with any potential cancer, the prognosis is much better the sooner that treatment can begin, which is why if you experience persistent mouth sores, you should visit your dentist immediately to have them checked and treated.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, which is also know as xerostomia, is a common condition, which can be caused because you feel nervous or are dehydrated. However, if you persistently experience a dry mouth, you should not ignore it. There are many potential causes for a persistently dry mouth, such as side effects from different medications which inhibit the production of saliva and non-oral medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and lupus. Because saliva helps to protect your teeth, a persistently dry mouth can lead to an increase in tooth decay. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of your persistent dry mouth and recommend the best course of treatment.

You should book regular check ups with your family dentist, who will be able to assess your oral health and offer treatment.


Share