You know it’s important to keep your teeth healthy. But it’s all too easy to ignore an unusual symptom in your mouth, assuming maybe you ate something that was too hot or too cold, or have a toothache that will go away on its own. In fact, a recent global study revealed that over 2.4 billion people live with untreated tooth decay.
But tooth problems aren’t something to ignore. Early treatment can make the difference between something like a minor filling and a root canal. At our three locations in Houston, our team at Fresh Dental Care wants to do everything we can to help you protect your oral health.
With that goal in mind, here are three of the most common oral infections, their symptoms, and your treatment options for each.
You develop dental caries when the enamel of your tooth (its outer surface) gets eaten away by bacteria. Left unchecked, dental caries develop into cavities.
The symptoms of dental caries include:
If your tooth ever feels sore, gives you headaches, or seems extra sensitive to heat, cold, or sugar, make an appointment at our office. Our team can examine your teeth to determine if you have any tooth decay.
If dental caries have developed into a cavity, we’ll fill it. This stops any tooth pain you’re experiencing and prevents further tooth decay.
There are two types of gum disease. Gingivitis is the milder form. Left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis. Because your gums play an important role in your oral health, gum disease is a serious problem. It develops when bacteria grows in your mouth.
The symptoms of gum disease are:
If periodontitis goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, with proper care from our team at Fresh Dental Care and diligent at-home care (including brushing and flossing daily), gum disease is reversible.
Canker sores are small ulcers that develop in the soft tissue of your mouth. They can be caused by a mouth injury, food sensitivity, stress, or other factors.
You might feel a burning or tingling in the area before the sore develops. Canker sores are characterized by their round or oval shape. They’re usually light-colored (white or red) with a red border around them. Most notably, they’re painful.
Most canker sores go away on their own within a week or two. But if your canker sore persists, make an appointment with our team. Mouth rinses and medications are available to help your sore heal.
Oral infections are fairly common. Fortunately, our team has experience treating them. If you notice anything unusual in your mouth, don’t hesitate to call our team at Fresh Dental Care or schedule an appointment online.
