When you have an aching tooth, this could mean you have issues that need attention. Likewise for sore or bleeding gums! In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist talks about what aching teeth could mean, and why seeing our team for treatment could help prevent complications like worsening pain or even tooth loss.
Toothaches
When you have pain in one or more of your teeth, and this lasts for more than a day, then you could have a cavity. Once your tooth is hurting, this means the cavity has reached a more advanced stage. Treatment is crucial for avoiding the onset of an infected or abscessed tooth, which could in turn lead to tooth loss. When you have an aching tooth, let us know. We will examine the smile for signs of tooth decay. If we find a cavity, treatment is possible in one visit with a lifelike dental filling. We could also address severe cases of decay with a custom-made dental crown.
Sore Gums
Your gums support your teeth and frame your smile. Which means these tissues develop problems, this could impact the stability of your smile. Inflammation, known as gingivitis, could cause them to feel sore or appear redder than usual. They could also bleed easily. At this stage, we can reverse the inflammation with a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, which removes buildup from the teeth and roots. Once gum disease develops there is no cure, but a deep cleaning followed by traditional cleanings every three to four months could manage it, so you avoid issues like periodontitis, which can cause adult tooth loss.
Scheduling a Checkup
You should see our team about once every six months. These routine visits allow us to closely monitor your smile, and identify areas of concern in the earliest stages, often before you develop painful symptoms. We also clean the teeth, removing all harmful plaque and tartar buildup completely. At home, you should brush twice daily and floss every evening to help control plaque buildup and protect the smile until we can see you for your checkup and cleaning. Lowering your consumption of sugary foods and drinks can be helpful too!
If you have any questions about how we address issues that cause toothaches and bleeding gums, or if you need to schedule a checkup and cleaning for you or a member of your family, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ready to See Our Team?
Our team wants to help protect your oral health and prevent complications. If you have any questions about addressing discomfort in your smile, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact your Richfield, MN, dentist, Dr. Keller, by calling (612) 861-7188.
