Gateway Family Dental Blog
3 Signs You Might Need To Get That Tooth Pulled
None of us likes to think about getting a tooth pulled. It’s painful, messy, and can ruin our smiles. But sometimes it’s necessary–especially if you’ve been neglecting your dental health and are experiencing significant pain in your day-to-day life.
Here are a few key signs that you might need a dental extraction.
You Can See New Signs of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay (also known as dental caries) manifests in several different ways. You may notice unusual tooth sensitivity or discoloration (specifically brown or black stains) on the tooth’s surface. There may also be a pit or a hole somewhere on your tooth when decay sets in.
It’s important to schedule regular dental visits and exams to stay on top of any dental caries. Decay left untreated can lead to a necessary dental extraction.
Contrary to popular belief, tooth decay doesn’t always take years to materialize.
Just because the tooth decay you see
looks small and insignificant doesn't mean it is. Many cavities can be 20%-30% larger on x-rays than in a visual exam.
Your Tooth Has Become Impacted
For most of us, our wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through. In fact, the average age for wisdom tooth eruption is 18-25 years of age.
Wisdom teeth can become impacted because of limited space in the mouth or sideways orientation. As a result, the wisdom teeth are blocked during eruption. This can cause severe gum inflammation and infection. Impacted teeth can also cause an infection called pericoronitis, which can lead to hospitalization.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you could have an impacted tooth:
- Pain in the jaw
- Red, inflamed, tender gums
- Unpleasant breath odor
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Pain radiating from one tooth
It’s important to visit your dentist if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
You’ve Got Long-Term Tooth Pain–and Other Symptoms
Tooth pain is never a good sign. However, sometimes a pain in the tooth can be caused by an ear infection or inflamed sinuses–and these problems usually subside after a few days.
Tooth pain that persists (or gets worse) over a period of time, however, necessitates a trip to the dentist. This is especially true if your tooth pain is accompanied by drainage around the painful tooth, facial swelling or a fever. These could be symptoms of a tooth abscess, a nasty infection that can spread to the tissues surrounding the tooth.
Regular visits to your dentist can help you stay on top of any dental-related concerns, including problem teeth, tooth decay and oral injury. By tackling dental issues early, you can decrease your chances of needing a dental extraction or other painful procedure in the future.
Have more questions about getting a tooth pulled, tooth decay or other dental procedures?
Contact us today
or check our blog
for regular updates.
Read More From Gateway Family Dentistry
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we know that halitosis can impact your confidence and how you feel day to day. Occasional bad breath happens to everyone, but if it sticks around, it could point to a more serious oral health problem. Studying what causes bad breath and how to treat it can help you keep your breath fresh and your smile healthy. Common Causes of Bad Breath Bad breath can have many causes, from everyday habits to dental problems. Figuring out what’s behind it is the first step to finding the right solution. Poor Oral Hygiene Not brushing and flossing well enough is a major cause of bad breath. When food stays in your mouth, bacteria can grow and create bad smells. Plaque that builds up on your teeth and gums can also make bad breath stick around. Dry Mouth Saliva helps clean your mouth by washing away food and bacteria. If you don’t have enough saliva, bacteria can grow faster and cause bad breath. Dry mouth can occur while you sleep, from certain medicines, or due to certain health conditions. Gum Disease Persistent halitosis may point to gum disease. Bacteria under the gums produce toxins and odors that cause halitosis. Treating gum problems early can help keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. Certain Foods and Beverages Foods such as garlic, onions, and strong spices can cause temporary bad breath. Coffee and alcohol can also contribute to drying out your mouth. These smells usually go away, but good oral care can help reduce them. Ongoing mouth odor can increase the risk of gum disease, which may contribute to chronic bad breath. Quitting tobacco use benefits not only your breath but also your overall health. How to Treat Bad Breath The good news is that most bad breath can get better with good oral care and healthy habits. Brush and Floss Daily Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily removes plaque that causes bad smells. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, since bacteria often build up there. Maintaining water intake throughout the day helps maintain saliva secretion and washes away bacteria. Maintaining hydration is especially important for individuals who experience dry mouth. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups Routine dental checkups and cleanings help prevent bad breath. Dentists can get rid of bacterial buildup that brushing can’t reach and spot signs of gum disease or other problems that may be causing halitosis. Antibacterial mouthwashes can briefly reduce bacteria and freshen breath. However, antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath temporarily. But remember, they should be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing, not instead of them. If your oral hygiene is poor, it may be time to visit your dentist. Chronic halitosis can sometimes be linked to gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, or other medical concerns that require specialist assessment. At Gateway Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and confident with preventive care and helpful advice. Seeing us regularly lets us catch problems early and give you tips that fit your long-term oral health needs. If you’re dealing with persistent bad breath or need a dental checkup, give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you get fresher breath and a healthier smile.
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we know maintaining a healthy smile involves more than brushing and flossing. The foods and drinks you consume daily play a major role in your oral health.
At Gateway Family Dentistry, we recognize the strong link between oral health and overall wellness. Gum disease is a common, often overlooked...