Most people are familiar with the idea of visiting the dentist every six months or so, which is a good standard to go by, but should not be the only times to go to your dentist. Life gets busy and issues may arise within any six-month period that, if left untreated or unnoticed, can lead to infection or damage to your teeth.
It is important to pay close attention to your teeth and mouth and make sure you do not miss any telling signs. In this article, we will go over five different signs that you need to go to a dentist outside your regular visits.
Regular dental checkups has many benefits beginning with addressing the following issues before its too late.
1. Constant toothaches
If you are experiencing constant or consistent toothaches, it is always a good idea to visit your dentist. Toothaches can be a sign of many different issues such as a cavity or infection. It is always better to be safe and have your toothaches checked out to figure out the cause of it. Dentists may also be able to provide you will relief for your toothache or ways to avoid this pain in the future.
2. Bad breath
Constant bad breath is a sign of halitosis. Halitosis is a form of bad breath that popping in a mint or piece of gum cannot fix. This constant bad breath can be caused by poor dental hygiene such as not brushing or flossing regularly. Bad breath can also be the first sign of an infection, so it is important to visit your dentist to assess if that is the case. It is much easier to correct or avoid a possible tooth or gum infection if caught in the first stages, so be sure you are paying close attention to signs such as bad breath.
3. Discoloration of teeth
If you notice your teeth being discolored, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. This could be a sign that something is wrong with your tooth or a possible infection in your mouth. In some cases, tooth discoloration can lead to a root canal or extraction of the tooth or teeth. Because of this, you will want to get this taken care of as soon as you notice an issue to avoid an infection spreading to the rest of your teeth.
4. White spots on teeth
While this sign may seem like the discoloration of teeth, if you notice white spots on your teeth, it may mean something much different for you. White spots are the first sign of tooth decay. If this is the case, the white spots will show up right below the surface of your tooth’s enamel. This can lead to enamel and dentin decay and can begin to cause serious pain to the decaying tooth or teeth. Because of this, it is important to catch tooth decay in the early stages. If not, a root canal or complete extraction of the tooth will be needed to fix the issue and alleviate the pain.
5. Swollen or tender gums
Swollen or tender gums can be an early sign of gingivitis. This disease known as gingivitis is a common form of gum disease, but if not properly treated can lead to a more serious gum disease called periodontitis.
Gingivitis is caused by plaque being left in the gums and can be brought on by poor dental hygiene or people who smoke. While gingivitis starts with swollen or tender gums, it can lead to bleeding gums, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and overall tenderness when eating. To try and avoid these subsequent symptoms, it is always a good idea to set up an appoint with your dentist as soon as you notice your gums becoming tender or swollen.
If you find yourself experience any of these issues, there is a good chance it is a sign of underlying issues. To help avoid things such as infections, tooth extraction, and root canals, be aware of any changes within your mouth and don’t wait until your next dentist visit to address these issues, call and see your dentist as soon as possible.
Talk to and Visit Your Dentist
Being proactive about your overall health means taking care of your mouth. And it goes without saying that proper daily oral health habits and regular dental checkups are recommended to keep all sorts of problems at bay.
At Walled Lake Dentistry, we are committed to the long-term dental health of each of our patients and are equipped to help you achieve it. As a full-service dental clinic including dental treatments, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and children’s dentistry, we meet the dental needs of the entire family. Call us for a Free Dental Consultation and see why we are Walled Lake’s and beyond #1 choice for dental care!