Elmhurst Dentists Help You Know The Signs of Severely Damaged Teeth

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on Aug 2, 2015

One of the main reasons that it is so important for patients to maintain a schedule of semi-annual professional dental cleanings is so that his or her dentist can spot dental problems before they become severe. However, sometimes patients lapse in professional care, and they start to notice changes to their smiles.

Our Elmhurst dentists are here to help you recognize the signs of serious dental problems, so that you can be sure to seek prompt and effective treatment.

Here are some things to look out for when you are assessing your smile:

Cracks and chips: weakened enamel is prone to fracture. So if you notice that you are developing cracks, or if even a small portion of your tooth chips off, seek treatment.

Changes to the color of your dental enamel: if your enamel starts to look dark, dull, grey, brown, or black, this can be a sign of dental trauma. A tooth may darken because it sustains an injury and the nerve of the tooth is damaged. Dental enamel may also become discolored because a dental infection—a cavity—moves through the dental enamel into the inner surfaces of the tooth.

Persistent bad breath: damaged and infected teeth can cause persistent bad breath, and cause an unpleasant and malodorous taste in your mouth. If you notice that your mouth smells/tastes different than it used to, a persistent dental infection may be the culprit.

If you notice any of these issues with your smile, talk toy our dentist about treatment options. And remember, the best way to avoid these problems is to see your dental team as recommended by your dentist. Give your dental team the opportunity to spot oral health issues in a timely manner!

Schedule a consultation with our Elmhurst dentists in order to get started. We have all of the information that you need about preventive dental care!