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Most patients navigate through their day-to-day to life experiencing little or no immediate symptoms which warrant an unscheduled dental visit. The two regularly scheduled checkups per year are usually enough to address patients’ dental treatment needs. Occasionally, patients will lapse on their regularly scheduled six-month appointments and run into unfamiliar symptoms. The dentists at Dental Associates of Moreno Valley discuss the symptoms which should make you call the dentist.

Tooth Pain: A Definite Symptom

First and foremost is dental pain. If you’re experiencing any tooth pain, it could be a sign of serious oral health issues. Typically, a simple cavity does not cause pain unless it progresses to the point of hitting a nerve. Tooth pain could be attributed to an abscess. Generally, abscesses cause tremendous discomfort for patients. An abscess is an infected tooth. The bacterium infecting the tooth causes the surrounding tissue to swell. The swelling results in throbbing mouth pain around the abscessed tooth.

Patients usually report sharp pain at the slightest touch on an abscessed tooth. Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics will be prescribed to aid in fighting the bacterial infection. In some cases, an extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from recurring.

Jaw Pain and Gum Swelling are Symptoms

Persistent jaw pain or aching is another reason to contact a dentist immediately. The presence of jaw pain could indicate potential temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders. Discussing your daily habits and the frequency of jaw pain with your local dentist will allow them to further determine the cause of jaw pain.

Often, the first sign of trouble appears in the gums. If your gums are swollen and tender, a call to the dentist is recommended. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Over 75% of adults in America will experience some form of gum disease during their life. Addressing any tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity in your gums is always recommended as it could be a sign of additional oral health issues.

Schedule an Appointment

Addressing dental symptoms quickly is the key to preventing extensive treatment processes. At Dental Associates of Moreno Valley, we offer comprehensive dental care and multi-specialty dentistry. Contact our 92533 dental office by calling (951) 697-6800 to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from Moreno Valley and all neighboring communities in Southern California.