SmilesHQ
toothbrush and floss in warners bay

Minor Dental Symptoms That Can Lead to Larger Dental Issues

July 19, 2023
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Posted By: SmilesHQ - Dr Nathalia and Dr Amy
Family Smiling | Warners Bay Dentist

You know it’s essential to take good care of your teeth by practising effective oral hygiene, but sometimes life gets busy, and you may not be as diligent as you should be. Maybe you are experiencing minor dental symptoms, but you aren’t experiencing tooth pain, so you don’t think you need to visit the dentist.

The truth is that many of us are probably guilty of ignoring dental symptoms at one time or another, but these minor dental issues can lead to major dental work if you’re not careful.

At SmilesHQ, we are here to help you with both the small and the large dental issues you may be experiencing, and we strive to give you compassionate care without judgment. Our mission is to help you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile, and we can do that by offering a wide variety of dental services.

Preventative Dental Treatment from SmilesHQ

First and foremost, we believe that preventative dental care is the key to your oral health. By visiting our dental clinic for regular oral exams and dental cleanings, we can help you prevent certain dental issues and maintain a healthy smile.

You can help by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and eating a healthy diet.

What Dental Symptoms Might Indicate a Bigger Dental Issue?

If preventative care proves insufficient, you may find that you are experiencing dental symptoms that require your dentist's attention. Contact your dentist in Warners Bay, NSW, if you have any of the following symptoms:

Tooth pain – If you have pain in one or more of your teeth, you might need a root canal. It could be that the pain comes and goes, or it might be persistent. Either way, tooth pain is nothing to be ignored; besides a root canal, it could indicate gum disease, tooth decay, a damaged restoration or an impacted tooth.

Sensitivity to hot and cold – When you eat or drink something that is either hot or cold, it isn’t normal for you to feel sensitivity or pain. Many people ignore tooth sensitivity, but it’s important to realise that it could indicate nerve damage or infection. You could need a root canal or some other dental treatment.

Tooth discolouration – If you have a tooth that is changing colour, it may not be causing you discomfort, so you might ignore it. However, a discoloured tooth can indicate an infection or lack of blood supply in the tooth’s pulp or damage to the tooth’s root. Either way, you should contact your dentist as soon as you can.

Swollen gums – When your gums are swollen, it could indicate that you are suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis. However, it could also indicate an infection requiring a root canal or other dental treatment. Remember, even if you aren’t in pain and your gums aren’t bleeding, call your dentist if your gums are swollen.

Pain when you eat – If you are experiencing pain when you eat or when you touch one of your teeth, you could be suffering from tooth decay or nerve damage. Either way, you should see your dentist immediately.

Cracked or chipped tooth – Anytime you have broken or chipped a tooth, bacteria can quickly enter that area and cause an infection or nerve damage. So, if you have sustained an injury or cracked a tooth in some other way, please get in touch with our dental clinic for emergency treatment as soon as possible.

Loose tooth – If you have a tooth that feels loose, it could be a sign that the tooth’s root is dying, and you might need a root canal. Anytime you have a loose tooth, you should contact your dental professional.

What Happens if You Ignore the Symptoms?

When dental symptoms are ignored for too long, you may need to undergo dental work to save or replace your affected tooth. Fortunately, at SmilesHQ, we offer the following services to help you maintain your smile:

  • Root canals – We can remove the infected pulp from your tooth to prevent extraction.
  • Dental crowns – We can cover a weakened or damaged tooth with a dental crown that will strengthen and protect it.
  • Dental implants – If you are missing teeth or require a dental extraction, we can place dental implants where you are missing teeth, and you can get your smile back.
  • Emergency dentistry – If you are experiencing a dental emergency, we can ease your pain and help you relax with nitrous oxide.

Do You Need Emergency Dentistry in Warners Bay, NSW?

We welcome your call if you are experiencing tooth pain or any other dental symptoms. Please call us on (02) 4062 0705 with questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment. You don’t have to feel ashamed or embarrassed if you need help with your oral health. At SmilesHQ, we are here for you.