Warning Signs for Dental Issues

Common Ailments You May Not Attribute to Your Teeth

Going to the dentist isn’t on anyone's list of favorite things to do.  At Shiloh Dental Services, we try to make it easy and friendly.  Still, most folks aren’t excited to visit the dentist.  

And so, when ailments pop up that cause pain or discomfort, it’s quite common to conveniently bypass the idea that those issues might be dental-related.  You might try to self-medicate with pain relievers, Google search for the symptoms, or even visit your family doctor.  That is fine, but if it’s a dental issue, those methods won’t fix the problem.

And the problem won’t go away on its own.  

When people think of dental problems, they often imagine the sharp pain of a cavity or the discomfort of a chipped tooth. But there is more that can be going on there. Your mouth is a gateway to your overall health, and ignoring these hidden signs can lead to more serious conditions. 

Let’s dive into some common symptoms that people may not realize are related to dental concerns.

Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches, particularly in the morning, can be a sign of teeth grinding.  This unconscious habit, often happening during sleep, puts significant stress on the jaw and can result in tension headaches.

Neck, Shoulder, and Jaw Pain

Pain radiating through your neck, shoulders, or jaw might stem from poor posture or stress, but it can also be linked to dental issues. If your jaw is misaligned or stressed due to grinding (see above), the joint that connects your jaw to your skull can cause pain to radiate through those areas, including the neck and shoulders.  If this is the case, it may likely get worse without treatment.

Bad Breath

Bad breath or even tasting issues are often associated with dental issues, but they are also often ignored.  If this issue is persistent, It could be a sign of gum disease (periodontal disease) or an infection.  

Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth clean, neutralizing acids, and washing away food particles. Without adequate saliva, you are more prone to cavities, gum disease, and infections.

Mouth Sores That Don’t Heal

Occasional mouth sores or ulcers are common.  However, if a sore persists, it could be a sign of something more serious.  Don’t ignore persistent lesions or spots in your mouth—schedule a dental checkup to rule out serious conditions.  Contact us here if you would like to set up an appointment.  

Bleeding Gums

It’s easy to brush off bleeding gums as a result of brushing too hard, but frequent bleeding during brushing or flossing is often a sign of gum disease.

When in Doubt, Check It Out

While it’s easy to overlook some of these symptoms or attribute them to other causes, dental issues often manifest in ways that can affect your overall health and well-being.

Regular dental checkups are essential for catching problems early and preventing minor issues from becoming major concerns.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Schedule a visit with your dentist and get ahead of any potential dental concerns before they affect your quality of life.