EIGHT Oral Health Concerns You Should Discuss with Your Kansas City Dentist

We all know that we should visit our family dentist to get those pearly whites cleaned and polished regularly, but your dentist can help you with much more. If you want to maintain good oral health overall, it’s important to address all oral health concerns with your dentist. After all, some concerns may not seem like a big deal at first, but they can quickly become one. Here are a few issues that you should definitely discuss with your Kansas City dentist as soon as you can:

Bad Breath – Sure, bad breath can put a damper on a romantic evening, but it can also be a signal of underlying problems. Rather than just popping a breath mint, check with your Kansas City dentist to identify the root cause and start treatment.

Tooth Decay – For many of us, cavities are something that we don’t notice until we’re getting our annual dental cleaning, but sometimes you may spot tooth decay if you notice dark spots on your teeth or because you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity. Besides seeing your dentist regularly, the best way to fight tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

Tooth Sensitivity – Teeth usually become sensitive to hot or cold food or drinks as well as sweets and acidic items because the dentin that protects the tooth has been worn away or because the roots are exposed. Fortunately, if you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, your Kansas City dentist can recommend treatment.

Toothaches and Dental Emergencies – Toothaches are a sign that something is very wrong, and you should see your dentist right away. Of course, accidents do happen, which can lead to chipped or cracked teeth and other emergencies. Fortunately, we’ve written a handy article on what to do if you have a dental emergency in Kansas City.

Dry Mouth – This unpleasant condition can be caused by a surprising number of culprits, including caffeine or tobacco as well as medications and even some diseases. Dry mouth also becomes more common as you get older, but if you’re experiencing persistent dry mouth, you should definitely let your Kansas City dentist know so that he or she can assess and treat the cause.

TMJ – While you may not be able to diagnose temporomandibular joint syndrome at home, you’ll probably know if you’ve got it, even if you don’t know what it’s called. Pain in your jaw, face, ears, or neck can be a sign of TMJ, and so can headaches, dizziness, and trouble swallowing. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your dentist right away!

Red, Puffy, or Bleeding Gums – Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious problem in America, and these are its most common symptoms. It’s caused by plaque accumulation along the gum line, and it can be exacerbated by everything from smoking to stress.

An Unattractive Smile – Many people seek dental treatment simply because they are unhappy with their smile. Smiles are among the first things we notice about people, and having a smile that you’re self-conscious about can make you feel uncomfortable in so many parts of your life. Drs. Mitch and Kyle Blacker, your Kansas City dentists, are happy to talk with you about teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics, or other cosmetic dental work that will give you the smile you want!

If you’re experiencing any of these oral health concerns, call Blacker Family Dental at (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment with your friendly Kansas City dentist today!