“It’s just a small sore, it will go away.”
“I’m too busy right now, I’ll go to a dentist later.”
“A little sensitivity is no big deal.”
Maybe your teeth become sensitive to cold drinks? Or a tooth develops a dull ache? A sore on the gums doesn’t heal up or an injured tooth darkens? It happens to most Arlington residents at least once in their life. They ignore their best judgment and allow an oral issue to escalate.
This is not a situation where the “ignore it and it will go away” mentality is wise. If the pain is the result of a dangerous infection, there could be grave consequences to your oral health in Mansfield TX if you postpone treatment. Oral bacterial infections can destroy teeth, gums, jawbones, and even lead to life-threatening sepsis. In fact, prior to the 19th century, tooth decay-related infection was a leading cause of death.
Catching an Infection Early and Treating It
An oral infection doesn’t always cause pain. Bad breath, fever, swelling in the gums, glands or jaw, or a strange taste in the mouth can indicate the presence of an infection. If an infection is caught and treated early, there may be no additional problems. Usually, the infection is the result of a dental trouble that needs to be treated. If the infection is caused by tooth decay, the decay will have to be removed and the tooth filled. If the decay has penetrated to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary. The best course of action for your oral health in Mansfield TX is to visit your dentist as soon as you recognize any signs of an infection.
The infection may be the result of a pocket of undrained pus called an abscess. Pus is a by-product of the immune system’s efforts to fight infection and consists of dead white blood cells. Mouth sores have various causes including an infection or virus. White patches in the mouth can indicate an oral yeast infection. All these conditions can be treated – but you need to see your dentist immediately.
Improving Oral Health in Mansfield TX
If you have any signs of oral infection or haven’t had a dental exam in the past year, we encourage you to speak with us about your oral health in Mansfield TX. To schedule an appointment, call my office today at 817-274-7875.
Contact Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
817-274-7875
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013
