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 There are many reasons that many of us put off treating dental problems. It could be that you have a fear of the dentist, cannot afford dental bills right now or that you simply do not have time to book an appointment. However, ignoring dental problems could cause them to get worse. This could make problems more expensive and more difficult to treat. Some dental problems could even be life-threatening if you don’t get them checked out. This post details some of the dental problems that you shouldn’t ignore. 

Toothache

Dental pain is never a good sign. In most cases, a toothache is the result of an infection. Such infections can be treated with a simple dose of antibiotics if you catch them early enough. Ignore an infection however, and it will likely spread, leading to more major treatment such as root canal procedure or even removal or one or more teeth. It’s worth noting that toothache is always due to an infection and could be due to pressure from movement (particularly if wisdom teeth are coming through) or a crack in a tooth. In all cases, you should see a dentist. 

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums is a condition known as gingivitis which is often caused by plaque build-up around the gums. If not treated it can lead to gum disease (known as periodontitis) and tooth loss. Bleeding gums can occasionally have other causes such as poorly-fitted dentures or simply brushing teeth too hard. Seeing a dentist is recommended in all cases in order to determine the right form of treatment.

Tartar buildup

Bleeding gums and tartar buildup often go hand-in-hand. Tartar is a name for hardened plaque which can accumulate near the roots of teeth over time as a result of not thoroughly brushing these areas. Tartar often builds up at the back of teeth and you will likely be able to feel it with your tongue. Ignoring tartar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so you should try to get it removed as soon as you can. Because it is so hard, it is very difficult to remove oneself, and your best option is to book an appointment with a dental hygienist. 

White spots

Noticed white spots on your teeth? This could be an early sign of tooth decay. If ignored, these white spots could turn into even less attractive looking black rot. Good dental hygiene may be able to halt tooth decay and even reverse development of white spots. Procedures like teeth whitening can also mask white spots, however it’s important to still improve your dental habits if you don’t want tooth decay to set in. White spots on teeth can have other causes - it’s generally worth seeing a dentist to assess the cause. 

Overcrowding

If your teeth are overcrowded, you could find it difficult to brush them properly. Over time, this could lead to issues like a greater risk of tooth decay. Orthodontic treatment is the best solution for overcrowding. This usually involves removing a couple teeth and then investing in metal wire braces to help realign teeth. Invisible braces can be used for less severely misaligned teeth. An orthodontist will know which form of teeth realignment to recommend. Don’t be afraid of getting your teeth realigned as an adult - it is becoming a lot more common for adults to explore this treatment option, and while wearing braces or retainers can be uncomfortable, you will be grateful of the results afterwards. 

Lumps and bumps

Lumps and bumps around the mouth are something that should be checked out by a doctor or dentist as soon as you can. Most lumps and bumps are not serious - these include canker sores, lesions and cold sores. Other lumps and bumps may be a concern and could be a sign of oral cancer. As you can imagine, oral cancer is not something that you want to ignore, as it can quickly spread to other parts of the body. However, if caught early, oral cancer can be easily treated. 

Loose fillings

If you notice movement in one of your fillings, it could be worth seeing a dentist to get the filling resecured or replaced. Loose fillings can increase your risk of developing tooth decay, as they can let bacteria into damaged teeth. The same goes for loose crowns and implants - if loose these can also let bacteria into your teeth or gums. Most fillings need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years. Consider whether you’re overdue for a filing replacement.