12 obvious signs you need to see the dentist

Pure Smiles always welcomes new patients to our Fulham and Parson Green dental practices, so feel to make an appointment. If you’re experiencing any of these 12 signs, you need to see a dentist right away!

Puffy or bleeding gums

If you have puffy or bleeding gums, it’s obvious you need to see the dentist immediately. Puffy or bleeding gums can happen for several reasons and it can be a sign of gingivitis. This is a condition where the gum has become inflamed. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease and easy to treat. If the plaque is not removed, it can lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis, which may require your dentist to remove the infected tooth. Pure Smiles is an emergency dentist so we’re able to treat bleeding gums.

Tooth or gum pain

It’s important you don’t ignore tooth or gum pain. It might not seem like a massive deal at first, especially if the pain isn’t constant, but it can be a sign of infection or decay. Often the pain comes from an untreated cavity that causes bacteria to spread throughout your tooth and gums. Tooth decay won’t get better on its own, so it’s vital you get a check-up if you feel any pain or discomfort in your mouth.

A metallic taste

A metallic, bloody taste in the mouth can be a result of numerous factors. It can be caused by certain medications and women experience a metallic taste during the preliminary stages of pregnancy. But it can be a sign that you have gum disease, particularly if you experience the taste on a regular basis.

Bad breath

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth properly or regularly enough, bacteria can build up on your teeth, tongue and gums. This produces an unpleasant smell. Pure Smiles Fulham offers hygiene services and treatment. If you have a persistent bad breath, make an appointment with a dentist for advice on how to improve your oral hygiene.

Soreness or swelling

The roof of your mouth is very delicate, so it can wear and tear easily. Sore areas of swelling can be a result of biting your tongue or eating foods that are too hot for the roof of your mouth. Most mouth sores are normally nothing serious but it rare cases, they can be a symptom of mouth cancer. You must make an appointment if the soreness and swelling in your mouth last for than several days.

Lumps and bumps

Whether you find lumps and bumps on your tongue, cheek or gums, you need to go see a dentist. Much like swelling, these lumps can be caused by biting the inside area of your mouth. It might start getting in the way of your teeth when eating. These lumps normally heal on their own and they are usually harmless, but others may not be. It’s best to get it checked it out.

Pain when you chew

Tooth pain when you chew might mean you have a cracked tooth. The crack may be very small and difficult to see, but it will show up on an X-ray. Most dentists will treat a cracked tooth with a crown and save the tooth. It’s important you make an appointment, so the crack doesn’t worsen.

White spots on your teeth

There are many plausible causes for white spots on teeth. One reason they form is due to a build-up of plaque on the enamel. It can be an early sign of tooth decay, so it’s very important you make a visit to the dentist who will confirm this and stop the decay from getting worse. However, white spots can also be caused by too much floricide in developing teeth. This can happen when children swallow toothpaste, causing discoloration in the teeth.

Teeth grinding

Medically known as bruxism, teeth grinding can wear down and even break the teeth. It usually happens at night and you may not even realise you grind your teeth. If you wake up with sore jaw muscles, then you might have bruxism. Your dentist can offer you a night-time splint to wear while you sleep. Teeth grinding is not usually serious, but it can damage your teeth if left untreated for any extended period.

Sensitive teeth

If cold and hot food makes your teeth feel painful or comfortable, then you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can occur when the tooth enamel gets thinner and it can be a result of gum recession. Having a conversation with your dentist is the first step to relieving your sensitive teeth. Your dentist will likely try to find the cavity and replace it with a filling.

White spots inside your mouth

If you have white spots on the inside of your mouth, you might have oral thrush, which is a fungal infection that can be easily treated with prescription medicines. It may spread to other areas of the body, so it’s important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any spots. Thrush can be caused by dry mouth or if you’re taking antibiotics over a lengthy period. Your dentist may refer you to a GP for treatment.

Pure Smiles is a dentist for private, emergency and NHS care, offering hygiene services and dental treatments including Invisalign and implants. If you’re concerned about your teeth, please book an appointment with Pure Smiles today. You can find us at 750a Fulham Road and 257 New Kings Road SW6.