Everyone wants a perfect smile, which only comes with healthy teeth and gums. With good oral hygiene and food habits coupled with frequent dental exams, you can avoid many concerns that affect both teeth and gums. Besides regular checkups, it is also necessary to know the signs of dental diseases so that you can schedule an immediate appointment with your Mississauga general dentist. In this guide, we will discuss some of these concerns along with treatment options. 

Toothaches

While a toothache isn’t a disease in itself, it is certainly an indicator of underlying problems. Toothaches are often triggered by gum disease, deep decay, and cavities. Your dentist will usually do a detailed oral exam and take X-rays to understand the possible causes. Toothaches are not just painful, but the effects can radiate to the rest of the mouth and jaw. See your dentist soon because the pain will continue to get worse. 

Cavities

As you eat and drink different foods and beverages, plaque starts building on your teeth. At the end of the day, if you run your tongue around the mouth, you will feel a sticky film – That’s plaque. Plaque can eventually impact the enamel and cause holes in your teeth, which are called cavities. Regular brushing and flossing can help get rid of plaque, but cavities need treatment. If there is no impact on the pulp, your dentist can clean the affected tooth and seal it with a filling material. 

Gum disease

There are several early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding from the gums while brushing, pain, and inflammation. In advanced stages, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. If you are experiencing changes in gum color or have pain or discomfort, check with your dentist. They may recommend treatment options, which include root planing and scaling. These procedures can help heal the gums. If you smoke, consider quitting. 

Sensitivity

Much like toothaches, sensitivity is usually a sign of another problem. It usually happens when the enamel of your teeth is effective. It is also known as dentin hypersensitivity and could be related to tooth decay, gum disease, worn crowns, worn fillings, and receding gums. The severity of your condition determines the treatment plan, which may include using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, fluoride treatment, and root canal therapy. 

Receding gums

Receding gums is a serious concern, and typically, you will notice visible changes in how your gums look, often pulling away from the teeth. With time, the condition can expose the root of the tooth. There are many reasons, including poor oral hygiene habits, high blood pressure, hormonal issues, and smoking. Dental care and treatment may include a professional cleaning session, while in advanced cases, a gum graft or other surgeries may be necessary. 

Bad breath

People often consider bad breath, also called halitosis, as an embarrassment rather than a dental problem. However, persistent bad breath usually signals another condition. Possible causes include halitosis, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, and cancer. Bad breath often persists because someone isn’t keeping up with their brushing and flossing routines. Your dentist may recommend treatment based on the diagnosis, while in other cases, any good mouthwash is enough to tackle immediate symptoms. 

The bottom line is you have to seek help from a dentist and go for an appointment to get treated for any of the above concerns. Teeth and gum issues rarely disappear, and eventually, you will end up spending a lot more on treatments. Check online to find the best-rated dentists in Mississauga, and choose a clinic that offers comprehensive treatments and procedures covering general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.