Do I Need to Call My Dentist?

To maintain our oral health, we visit our dentists for regular cleanings and exams every six months. However, sometimes we notice issues in our smiles in between these routine appointments.

It may be difficult to know if these problems are worth scheduling an emergency dental appointment. But you should not hesitate to contact your dentist with any questions about your smile. Dr. Thomas Prendergast, a dentist practicing in Fox Lake, IL, describes three dental concerns that may warrant a call to your dental professional.

Tooth Sensitivity Pain

If you take a bite out of a sugary or cold food item and feel a jolt of pain, you might suffer from tooth sensitivity. This excruciating sensation can impact your eating habits. Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and should be evaluated promptly by a dentist.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when enamel, the surface of a tooth, wears down and exposes underlying nerves that send pain signals to the brain when stimulated. Your dentist can alleviate this symptom by diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of the sensitivity, which may vary.

Bleeding Gums

When brushing your teeth, you may notice that your gums can bleed. This may occur due to harsh brushing techniques or other acute reasons. However, you should let your dentist know about bleeding, sore, or swollen gums if the symptoms persist.

These periodontal issues could signify gum disease, an infection in the gum tissue that requires treatment from a dentist to eliminate. If left untreated, the disease will progress and cause severe and irreversible damage to your smile, including tooth loss.

Bad Breath

All of us have dealt with bad-smelling breath at some point in our lives, especially after eating a garlicky meal. The condition often occurs when lingering food particles interact with saliva and begin to break down, creating a foul odor that can be smelled on our breath.

The issue is usually resolved by completing your oral hygiene routine to get rid of residue on your teeth. If the problem continues or becomes chronic, it might point to a larger dental concern that should be evaluated by your dentist.

Call Your Dentist in Fox Lake, IL with Any Questions

Infinity Dental provides periodontal therapy and other restorative dental treatments, including tooth replacement solutions. Dr. Prendergast is a highly qualified dentist in Fox Lake, IL who also specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule a consultation with our practice, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 847.447.6637.