Don’t Ignore These Symptoms!
When you think about dental issues, the first things that likely come to mind are cavities, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity. However, your body often provides subtle warning signs that something is wrong with your oral health, and these are signs that many people overlook. Ignoring these indicators can lead to severe complications, including infections, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems.
But, don’t fret! Our Manhattan dentist, Dr. Juliana Hall, shares their insights into some of these uncommon signs of dental problems. If you need a dental appointment, contact our dental office in Manhattan at (785) 776-0097.
Persistent Headaches or Jaw Pain
Frequent headaches, especially in the morning, can be linked to your teeth and jaw. If you often wake up with a sore jaw, you may be grinding your teeth at night. This habit can wear down the enamel, cause fractures, and even lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which affects how your jaw moves.
Why It Matters:
- Bruxism can go undiagnosed for years, leading to severe tooth damage.
- TMJ disorders may cause long-term discomfort and difficulty eating.
If you experience frequent headaches or jaw pain, visit our dentist for an evaluation. A custom mouthguard may help prevent damage caused by grinding.
Ear Pain Without an Infection
If you’ve been experiencing earaches but doctors can’t find an infection, the issue may actually stem from your teeth or jaw. The temporomandibular joint is located close to your ears, and problems like TMJ disorders or an abscessed tooth can cause referred pain in the ear.
Why It Matters:
- If left untreated, TMJ disorders can worsen and affect your ability to chew and speak.
- An untreated dental infection can spread to other parts of the body.
If your ear pain is persistent and unrelated to an infection, consult both a dentist and a doctor to rule out TMJ dysfunction or dental abscesses.
Chronic Bad Breath (Even After Brushing and Flossing)
Bad breath (halitosis) is often dismissed as a minor nuisance, but if it persists despite good oral hygiene, it could indicate a deeper issue.
Possible Causes:
- Gum Disease: Bacteria in plaque cause inflammation and persistent bad breath.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash away bacteria; a lack of it leads to odor.
- Tonsil Stones: Small calcified deposits in the tonsils can harbor bacteria.
If brushing, flossing, and mouthwash doesn’t help, see our Manhattan dentist to check for gum disease, cavities, or other underlying problems.
A Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
A metallic taste in your mouth might seem like a minor annoyance, but it can be a sign of serious dental issues.
Possible Causes:
- Gingivitis or Periodontitis: Bleeding gums due to gingivitis or periodontitis can cause a metallic taste.
- Leaking Fillings: An old dental filling may be breaking down, releasing a metallic taste.
- Oral Infections: Certain oral infections can alter your sense of taste.
If the metallic taste persists, schedule a dental checkup at our office to rule out gum disease or failing dental work.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold That Won’t Go Away
While occasional tooth sensitivity is normal, extreme or prolonged sensitivity can be a sign of something more serious.
Possible Causes:
- Exposed Dentin: Enamel erosion or gum recession exposes dentin, leading to sensitivity.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities weaken tooth structure, causing pain when exposed to temperature changes.
- Cracked Tooth: A small fracture can cause sharp pain when eating or drinking.
Dr. Juliana Hall can determine the cause of sensitivity and recommend treatments like fluoride applications or dental restorations.
Contact Downtown Dental Group Today!
Ignoring these unusual symptoms can lead to bigger problems down the road. If you experience persistent headaches, ear pain, bad breath, a metallic taste, or extreme sensitivity, don’t assume it’s harmless. Schedule a visit with our dentist at (785) 776-0097 to get checked out—your oral health might be telling you something important.
