A twice-yearly visit to the dentist is considered the norm to ensure proper professional tooth care and to get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist. At those visits, a professional like Tarzana dentist, Afsoon Gerayli, DDS, will examine your teeth, take X-rays if necessary, provide any treatment and educate you about caring for your teeth. Outside of those regular visits, however, there are some signs and symptoms that indicate you should go in for a visit even if it's not your usual time.

Pain in the Teeth

Healthy teeth don't hurt. When you have pain, it's usually an indication of a problem. You might have an infection, which should be treated as soon as possible to prevent tooth or gum damage. The nerve might be exposed. Gum disease can cause pain in the teeth and gums. Sometimes tooth pain occurs because you have something like a piece of toothpick lodged between your teeth. Occasionally, a broken or chipped tooth will be painful.

Inflamed or Swollen Gums

As with healthy teeth, healthy gums don't cause pain. Pain in the gums is most likely to occur when plaque has hardened below the gum line. The pain may also be gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Plaque under the gums may allow an infection to get into the roots of the teeth – definitely not a good thing. The plaque is a natural breeding ground for bacteria, which can eventually cause periodontitis, an infection that may require surgery.

Odd Tastes in the Mouth

An odd taste in the mouth may occur for a variety of reasons. Some medications can cause dry mouth and bad breath or cause an odd taste. Multivitamins and minerals may also leave an aftertaste. Infections, cancer treatment and pregnancy may results in odd tastes in the mouth. Oddly enough, dementia – which affects the brain – may result in an odd taste due to damage of the nerves that affect taste. Chemical exposures, especially to lead or mercury, may leave an odd taste. The most common cause, however, is poor oral hygiene and some sort of problem like an infection.

Dry Mouth

Anyone might have a dry mouth occasionally. However, if it becomes chronic or severe, it can be a sign of problems. Medications can cause dry mouth. Older people are more likely to have a dry mouth and some kinds of bacterial infections can make the mouth dry. People who must breathe with the mouth open because of allergies and/or nasal obstruction, or who sleep with the mouth open, are also likely to have trouble with a dry mouth. It's important to deal with symptoms of a dry mouth because your saliva helps fight off bacteria that cause cavities. A dry mouth is also more likely to result in bad breath.

White Spots

White spots on the teeth or on the gums and tongue can be signs of a problem. Although your teeth are normally white, a spot on the tooth that is much lighter or whiter than the surrounding enamel is an indication of early tooth decay. White spots on the gums, tongue or other areas of the mouth can be an early sign of cancer.

If you have any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to call us at Victory Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Afsoon Gerayli is the leading and most trusted dentist in the Tarzana/Resada area. If you need a Resada dentist, we should be your first choice.