A Fort Myers dentist explains which dental problems you shouldn't ignore

Most of the dental problems we see at our Fort Myers office didn't start big. They started as something easy to explain away, like a tooth that only hurts when you bite a certain way or gums that bleed a little when you floss. People wait because it doesn't hurt all the time, and that makes sense. But these are the dental problems you shouldn't ignore, because waiting can turn a simple fix into a much bigger one.

Why Dental Problems You Shouldn't Ignore Often Don't Hurt

Here is the most important thing we want patients to know. Pain is not a good measure of how serious a dental problem is. A cavity can grow for months without hurting, and an infection can develop with surprisingly little discomfort at first. By the time something hurts enough to make you call, the problem has often had time to get worse.

That is why we tell patients to come in when something first feels a little off. A filling that feels different, a tooth that twinges now and then, or a spot that catches your tongue are all worth a look. Getting it checked early can sometimes mean a much simpler treatment. Regular dental cleanings and exams also help us catch these things before you notice them at all.

Cracked Teeth and Pain When You Bite

A small crack is one of the most common things people wait on. It usually shows up as a sharp pain when you bite down, then nothing for days. Because it comes and goes, it is easy to decide it must be fine. Unfortunately, cracks tend to grow over time.

When a patient finally comes in, the crack may have reached the nerve. What might have been a simpler restoration can then require a root canal and crown, or an extraction if the tooth can't be saved. The American Dental Association lists painful tooth fractures, severe tooth pain and abscesses among the conditions that need urgent dental care. A toothache that comes and goes belongs in the same category, so please don't wait for it to become constant.

Facial or Dental Swelling

New swelling in your gums or face is one of the dental problems you shouldn't ignore for even a day. Call our office the same day, especially if you also have tooth pain, tenderness, drainage or a bad taste in your mouth. Swelling like this is often a sign of infection. We offer same-day emergency dental appointments when possible.

Some swelling can't wait for a dental office at all. Seek emergency medical care right away if you notice any of these:

• Swelling that is growing quickly or spreading toward your eye or neck
• Fever along with facial swelling that is getting worse
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Any other signs that an infection is spreading

If something happens after hours or over the weekend, you can leave a message and we will respond when the office reopens. If it looks like a medical emergency, do not wait for us to reopen. Go to the emergency room.

A Loose or Fallen Out Crown

A crown that comes loose or falls out isn't usually painful, so people sometimes put off calling. The tooth underneath is more exposed without it, though, and the longer the crown is out, the harder it can be to fit back properly. Keep the crown and bring it with you. Then call us so we can get you in as soon as possible.

Until your visit, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. Be careful with very hot, cold, hard or sticky foods. Please do not use super glue or any household glue to put the crown back on. It can damage the tooth and the crown, and it makes our job harder.

Bleeding Gums and Lingering Sensitivity

We hear it all the time, "I thought I was brushing too hard." Bleeding gums are usually caused by plaque and tartar buildup that makes the gums swollen and tender. Left alone, gingivitis can progress into more serious gum disease. The ADA explains how plaque between teeth leads to gum problems and why daily cleaning matters.

Sensitivity to hot or cold is a little different. If it is mild, occasional and comes with no pain or swelling, trying a sensitivity toothpaste for a couple of weeks is reasonable. But if it is new, getting worse, lingers after hot or cold, hurts when you bite or stays in one tooth, we would rather see you. Those are signs something else may be going on.

If you notice any of the dental problems you shouldn't ignore on this list, give us a call at (239) 286-9988 or request an appointment online. Our office sits off South Pointe Blvd, and we see families from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero and nearby. Not sure how often your family should be coming in? Our guide on how often to visit the dentist is a good place to start.