Urgent dental conditions can send you to your dentist's office in between your routine dental checkups. Your Bristow, VA, dentist, Dr. Steve Pleickhardt of American Dental, will handle your concerns when you get these signs.

Dry Mouth

When your salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to moisten your mouth, you experience a dry mouth.

You could experience a dry mouth from breathing dry air through your mouth for some time. Chronic dry mouth could be due to specific health conditions like diabetes or oral infections.

Some medications might cause you to have a dry mouth as a side effect.

A dry mouth could have serious implications for your oral health. Your saliva neutralizes acids that wear your teeth away. It also washes away debris and food particles that contribute to tooth decay.

If you're having a chronic dry mouth, you should see your dentist, Dr. Pleickhardt, immediately because you're at risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

Bleeding Gums

If you're brushing your teeth too vigorously, your gums could bleed but you can usually rectify the issue by brushing gently or changing your toothbrush.

However, gums that bleed frequently are something you'll need to see your dentist for. If you're seeing other signs such as inflammation, redness, or soreness, you could have gum disease and need immediate dental care.

Gum disease could progress to advanced stages that could result in damage to your jaw bone and tooth loss if left unattended.

Toothache

If you're having toothaches, especially if accompanied by swelling in the surrounding tissues, you might want your dentist, Dr. Pleickhardt of American Dental, in Bristow, VA, to take a look.

Toothaches might indicate infection at the root of your teeth. Your dentist would prescribe antibiotics to curb the infection and, if possible, save your tooth.

Oral Injuries

Your dentist at American Dental, in Bristow, VA, can handle your dental emergencies. Sporting accidents or a simple fall can knock out a tooth or two and you can have your dentist restore your smile.

Other dental emergencies that warrant a dentist appointment include:

• Cheek or tongue laceration
• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Broken braces
• Damaged dental restorations such as implants and dentures

Canker Sores

Canker sores that refuse to heal after several weeks require professional attention. If you also have canker sores frequently, you might want your dentist to take a look.

Bristow, VA, residents can resolve their dental concerns with their qualified dentist, Dr. Pleickhardt at American Dental. Call (703) 753-6695 to set up your appointment today.