The unseen bacteria in your mouth can cause viruses, tooth decay, gum disease, and a slew of other common issues in both adults and children. Once you discover the common causes of mouth pain, many of these conditions and infections are preventable. But, it’s still important to consult your Bellevue family dentist to make sure there isn’t a bigger health concern at hand.
Common Causes of Mouth Pain and What They Mean
Our Bellevue dentists have many years of experience working in our community; we can recognize symptoms and can treat everything from dental caries to canker sores.
Cavities
Dental caries, AKA cavities are one of the most common causes of mouth pain and discomfort. They affect everyone from your two-year-old child to your 80-year-old grandma. The best way to deal with them is by seeing your dentist. Depending on the level of decay present, you may feel spontaneous pain, toothaches, or tooth sensitivity; if you think you have a cavity, it’s best not to ignore it and talk to your dentist right away.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis, the medical term for early stages of gum disease, occurs when bacteria settles into the crevices of your gums where they begin to produce toxins. Your body reacts to these toxins with inflammation, swelling, and sensitivity. A shocking 47% of American adults have gingivitis, which leads to periodontal disease when left untreated.
Further, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), certain bacteria can even cause pneumonia when a person breathes it into their lungs. One of the best ways to catch gingivitis early is by seeing your family dentist every six months; regular cleanings will also help to prevent gingivitis as well.
Periodontal disease
When you leave your gingivitis untreated, it can spread below your gum line to affect the bone and supporting tissues in your mouth. Pain, inflammation, and even pussing and oozing gums are all symptoms of advanced periodontal disease. In more advanced stages of the disease, pockets form around your teeth, leading to inflammation and bone loss. With between 8-10% of adults living with periodontal disease, it is the most common cause of tooth loss in the US.
Canker sores
Another one of the most common causes of mouth pain are canker sores. Called aphthous ulcers by dentists, canker sores are lesions that form on your gums and surrounding mouth tissues. While the causes of canker sores can vary from patient to patient, they are most common in children and adolescents and usually take 10-14 days to heal.
Get Your Family Dentistry Questions Answered
When it comes to making sure the entire family’s smile is healthy, we know that finding a Bellevue family dentist you can trust is essential. Give us a call today to learn more about our dedication quality family dental care and book your next appointment!
