O’Fallon Dentist Helps You Spot Oral Health Issues As They Develop
One problem that many dental patients run into is that oral health problems often develop, in their earliest stages, asymptomatically. This means that people do not realize that they need dental treatment until their oral health issues have already become quite pronounced.
Our O’Fallon dentists want to empower our patients to recognize, and seek treatment for, dental problems in a timely manner. That is why we’re here with some more information about the kinds of symptoms that you may notice as oral health issues begin to develop. If you notice these issues in your own life, it’s time to reach out to your dental team for support.
Bad breath: it’s normal for patients to suffer from bad breath after eating stinky foods, like garlic or onions. However, many people find that they’re battling bad breath regularly, and that no matter what they do it’s impossible to maintain fresh breath. This type of chronic bad breath is often linked to ongoing dental infections—like cavities and gum disease. In many cases, in order to obtain and maintain fresh breath, you really need to address the underlying infections that are causing these issues.
Discoloration: certain types of discoloration and staining are simply byproducts of living your daily life. Many of the food and drinks that we love, for example, lead to environmental dental stains. If you notice dark spots on your enamel, these could be innocuous or they could be indicative of a developing cavity. As bacteria colonize and bore through healthy dental enamel, they create dark spots. So, if you notice that your teeth are developing gray or brown spots, have your dental team screen your smile dental caries.
Change in how your smile feels: clean and healthy enamel generally feels smooth and slick. As dental enamel becomes compromised, and plaque accumulates, you’ll likely find that your dental enamel starts to feel rougher, uneven, and even sticky. This is a clear sign that you should undergo a professional cleaning, and have your mouth assessed for dental problems.
You are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your smile. So, if you notice any of these oral health symptoms, take the initiative to reach out your dental team. You can always contact our O’Fallon dentists by calling our office, or using the Contact Us page on our website.