Important Signs That You Need To Visit The Dentist
Visiting the dentist is at the bottom of all of our to-do lists. Not only can the dentist be frightening and uncomfortable, but they can also be very costly depending on what work is required. The slight sign that there is a problem with our oral health is usually ignored til things are at their worst. The health of our teeth is so important not only for aesthetic purposes and how others perceive us, but our oral health is also directly linked to our overall health. The best way to avoid dental problems is to adopt preventative habits that can maintain the health of your gums, but chances are if you are reading this you have already started seeing problems as a result of neglecting your teeth.
Before you continue to make the same mistakes and ignore the problems even more, take a look at the following warning signs that might indicate you need a visit to the dentist:
Blood After Brushing
Blood being present after brushing your teeth is not normal, and it is usually a sign of a bigger problem. This is usually a sign that you are having problems with your gums which could be as serious as gum disease. Infections in your mouth should be dealt with as soon as possible, and visiting the dentist is essential in these scenarios. Even if you are only seeing small deposits of blood after brushing, you may be experiencing other problems such as swollen gums, or even discharge between your gums, you need to see the dentist immediately.
You Have Not Been In 6 Months
Did you know that it is recommended to visit the dentist at least every 6 months just for checkups? Of course, if you have been experiencing issues this period may be reduced. If you can’t remember the last time you have been to the dentist that in itself should be your warning to visit the dentist as soon as possible. You might not be experiencing problems right now, but visiting the dentist is a great safety measure just in case they spot any early signs of problems developing. Prevention is the best method to avoid serious problems, and it is as easy as going for a quick check-up. If you have kids, taking them regularly will also help them to be happy and healthy children who grow up with an interest in oral health.
Consistent Bad Breath
Bad breath is not nice for anyone, especially when you have tried all the possible methods to reduce the experience of bad breath. If you have had bad breath for two weeks or more you should consider booking a dentist appointment. This is usually a sign that there is a more serious issue. Your dentist will be able to identify what is causing the problem and offer you a tailored solution before things get any worse.
New Sensitivity
Some people are more prone to sensitivity than others, but if you have suddenly started experiencing sensitivity out of nowhere you should take it as a warning that something is wrong with your dental health. Sensitivity can be uncomfortable and can affect how we eat food. It could be a sign that you have an untreated cavity, or even you have early signs of tooth decay. Whatever it could be, it is best to get clarity from your dentist.
Jaw Pain
Sudden jaw pain will mostly be linked to your oral health, and could even be a sign of serious problems beginning to develop. Jaw pain can affect our alignment causing difficulty chewing food, hence why you should seek to get the problem resolved as soon as possible.
Loose Teeth
Our adult teeth are extremely precious, and if you are experiencing signs of loose teeth you should take it as a warning that there is a serious problem starting to develop. This might be a sign that your tooth is decaying, or perhaps you have a new infection. Loose teeth can be quickly resolved as long as you see the dentist when you experience these symptoms.
Uncomfortable Dental Work
Many of us will have to get dental work in our lives, whether it’s full dental implants or a partial denture, if we haven’t had work done already we might eventually need it. If you have existing work that has started to feel uncomfortable then you should alert your dentist as soon as possible. For example, you might have a permanent denture that is moving or clicking when you attempt to eat. Pay a visit to the dentist who fitted your dental work and ask for their option as to what has gone wrong.
Smoking Regularly
If you are a frequent smoker, you should most definitely be visiting the dentist more than your average person. Smoking can have detrimental effects on your oral health as well as your overall health. This might include possible oral cancers, tooth decay, and also bad tooth staining. Poor dental hygiene is not something we should live with, so if you are a smoker who has not been to the dentist for a long time then make sure you pay a visit.
Long-Term Insecurity
We all have our insecurities, but luckily with new cosmetic developments, we now have the opportunity to resolve any of the insecurities that have been weighing us down. For example, if the appearance of your teeth is causing you stress you might consider visiting the dentist to configure what you can do about improving any imperfections. For example, if you have bad stains on your teeth you might enquire about whitening services. You do not have to worry about smiling or speaking to people once these problems have been resolved, therefore you should enquire about what might be done to improve such imperfections that are causing strain.
Hygiene Tips To Maintain Your Teeth
Once you have paid your visit, you should take the right measures to prevent oral issues in the future. These measures might include the following:
- Brushing your teeth more than twice a day: If you are susceptible to dental problems, your dentist will likely recommend not only brushing your teeth morning and night but also doing so after each meal. This will reduce food deposits building up in your teeth causing plaque buildup.
- Floss regularly: Flossing is always recommended after each meal if you do not yet include flossing in your oral hygiene routine.
- Visit the dentist every 6 months – You should have regular visits to your dentist every 6 months to check up on any possible problem that might be developing.