Dental Screenings are Crucial for Early Detection

How many times have you ignored bodily pain or discomfort and convinced yourself it was nothing to be concerned about? These types of symptoms are warning signs from our bodies that something is amiss. Back pain, vision problems, tummy trouble, colds, and flu, are issues we commonly choose to live with. After all, they typically resolve themselves and pose no real danger. However, there are signs that should not be overlooked.

When it comes to oral health matters, folks seem to really turn a blind eye. "Oh, that little bump is nothing, my glands are just swollen." "My gums are inflamed because I brushed too hard."


In fact, new screening techniques allow today's dental health care professionals to identify red flags and detect a variety of conditions at the onset. This process is vital in discovering a number of health problems early and can mean life or death in some situations.

The American Academy of Family Physicians, reports that careful examinations of the mouth may reveal symptoms related to an underlying systemic disease. Their information notes that "swollen gums, ulcers, bad breath and dry mouth are just a few symptoms that could signal more serious conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis and more."

Other conditions that may be detected during a routine dental screening are Parkinson's Disease, Sleep Apnea, and Autoimmune Disorders.

Remember that your dentist has access to places that are virtually impossible for you to see! A thorough dental exam involves more than just the teeth, tongue, and gums.

Dr. Melcher and his staff are committed to providing the highest level of dental care. Please do not ignore dental issues. Instead, schedule an appointment for a complete screening. Contact our office to make an appointment by calling: (919) 782-0548

Common Dental Symptoms

Seeing a dentist regularly is so important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. In addition to good health, dental professionals also help their patients keep a smile they can be confident about! Scheduling routine dental visits is perhaps the most important strategy for monitoring your overall health, which can be directly impacted by the state of your teeth and gums. Even though dental health is linked directly to the body's other systems, many find that they typically ignore common dental symptoms. Doing so can lead to more serious problems, which is why these issues should always be addressed by your dental team.

Here is a quick look at some of the most frequent complaints among dental patients:

• Toothaches - Pain in the teeth and gums may be a sign of decay, night grinding, TMJ, or something else. The tooth could be impacted, abscessed, or signal the beginning phases of gum disease.
• Sensitivity - Pain experienced with hot or cold food or beverages or even air, are indications of sensitive teeth. Pinpointing the cause is necessary in order to rule out a variety of conditions. Sensitivity in the teeth is often caused by tooth decay, worn out fillings, cracks in the teeth, an exposed root, or gum disease.
• Sore or Bleeding Gums - The cause could be as simple as overly vigorous brushing or flossing or using a stiff bristled toothbrush. However, these symptoms may also be traced to something more severe, such as gingivitis, which may lead to gum disease.(See: My Gums Bleed When I Brush. What Does It Mean?)
• Mouth Sores - These come in all shapes and sizes-some are severe-and vary in the cause. Although sores are often caused by an abrasion from a jagged tooth, dentures, or braces, they can also be indications of infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or oral cancers. Never ignore this symptom for over 1 week. (See: How to Treat Canker Sores.)
• Bad Breath - Those plagued with frequent bad breath should first evaluate their dental hygiene routine. Proper brushing, flossing, tongue scraping and rinsing-at least twice daily-are all necessary to achieve fresh breath. Other factors that may contribute to bad breath are post-nasal drip, smoking, tooth decay, gum disease, and some medications. (See: What Causes Bad Breath and What Can I Do About It?)
• Jaw Popping and Pain - This common complaint can be attributed to a variety of factors. Some explanations are sinus problems, teeth grinding, stress, gingivitis, and TMJ.(See: Why Does my Jaw Pop When I Open It?)
• Dry Mouth - Many do not realize that the body's production of saliva aids digestion and helps prevent tooth decay. Having an insufficient amount of saliva may be due to a medical disorder or a side effect of some medications.
• Problems with Oral Piercings - Because the mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, when piercings are made in unsanitary conditions or improperly looked after, numerous problems can arise. Discoloration, pain, swelling, foul odor, oozing at the site, plus chills or fever, are all signs that something is wrong.
• Cracked or Broken Teeth - When teeth become cracked or broken, it is very important to determine the cause. Very often, the damage may be naked to the human eye, which is why it is vital to see a dental professional regularly. Regardless of the cause, whether it's from grinding, injury, or tooth decay, bigger problems are in store if cracked or broken teeth are left untreated.(See: Crowns for Damaged, Decayed, or Broken Teeth.)
• Stained or Discolored Teeth - As we age, the ravages of tobacco use, coffee, tea, certain foods, some medications, and just genetics, can cause tooth enamel to become discolored. Regular cleanings help and there are also whitening options. Your dentist can rule out anything serious and offer the best solutions for whitening or stain removal.

Please do not ignore any of these symptoms. Make an appointment with Dr. Melcher and establish a plan of action immediately.

When ignored, dental problems can lead to irreversible conditions. Whenever a problem persists for more than 5 to 7 days, make an appointment with our office. Early detection is truly the key for eliminating dental concerns. Remember that bacteria and other infections located in the mouth can make their way into the body's circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Recent indicators show a real connection between several common dental issues and heart disease!

If you are in need of a full-service dental office in the greater Raleigh area, contact the office of Dr. Simon Melcher of Implant and General Dentistry. From bridges to wisdom teeth, our team of dental professionals is skilled and experienced in the latest strategies and treatments for improving the dental health and hygiene of our clients.

Learn more by giving us a call to schedule an appointment at 919-782-0548. Our office is located at 3340 Six Forks Road in Raleigh.  Read some of our many success stories here.

MouthHealthy.org Answers Your Dental Related Questions

The American Dental Association recently launched the website MouthHealthy.org.  It is designed as a resource for the public to find answers to dental related questions on products, conditions, nutrition, concerns, and more.  There is a whole section for kids and the resources on the site are divided by age group so you can easily access information most pertinent for you.

In addition to information on topics from A-Z, there is also a search function for users to find an ADA member dentist in your area and a slideshow featuring causes and solutions for the top ten dental symptoms.

We hope you take advantage of the information and resources available to you at MouthHealthy.org and call us at Implant and General Dentistry to go over any concerns you may have: 919-782-0548.