1. Cosmetic Dentistry: Before and After Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Dental Health Quiz

Author:

Terry K. Carstensen, DO

Coauthor:

William R. Fraser, DO

Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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A dentist provides major care for diseases of the teeth and gums.

A person should visit his or her dentist for the following concerns:

• Gums start to bleed.
• Gums are swollen and sore.
• Bad smelling breath or a bad taste develops in the mouth.
• Gums become very red or very pale.
• Teeth are painful.
• Teeth are loose in their sockets.

If any of the above symptoms are present, plus fever, sweats, chills, or face swelling, go to a hospital's emergency department.

Other reasons to go to an emergency department include the following:

• The tongue feels swollen or pushes up from the floor of the mouth.
• Swelling develops below the chin, especially if it is red, tender, and warm.

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See the Entire Periodontal (Gum) Disease Topic Guide »