Going to the dentist is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Oral health correlates with overall health, so the better your oral health is, the healthier you are. An essential aspect of keeping up with your oral health is visiting the dentist. Here, trained dental professionals evaluate your mouth in order to see if your teeth and gums are healthy.
As important it is to go to the dentist, some people may not recognize the signs that it’s time for a visit. What you may consider completely normal with your dental health may not be normal at all. There are clear signs that it’s time to book a dental appointment. Here’s what those signs are and why it’s so important to pay attention to these issues when they do arise.
It’s Been More than Six Months Since Your Last Appointment
If you haven’t been to the dentist in more than six months, it’s time to book an appointment. It’s incredibly important to visit the dentist at least twice a year. This is key for identifying problems with your oral health and investing in regular cleanings. The more you keep up with your appointments, the better the chances are of catching something that may be wrong with your oral health.
If it’s been more than six months since you visited a dentist, let your dentist know right away. It’s important they know when the last time you saw a dentist was and if your previous dentist treated you for any oral health conditions. The more they know about your dental history, the better they can treat you.
Also, don’t be afraid to shop around for dentists if you haven’t visited one for a while. You should find the best dentist for you and your needs. Don’t want too long to pick a dentist, though. You want to book an appointment soon, but you want to book it with the right dentist for you.
There Are Holes In Your Teeth
A big sign you need to visit the dentist is if you notice holes in your teeth. More often than not, these holes in your teeth are often a sign of cavities. Cavities are a form of tooth decay and occur when areas of your teeth are permanently damaged. Some common causes of cavities include bacteria buildup, consuming too much sugar, and not brushing your teeth. The development of cavities is a common oral health issue. By age 17, around 78% of Americans have had at least one cavity.
If you notice holes in your teeth, or if you have a lot of tooth pain, you may have cavities. In this case, you should seek dental services right away. Cavities are treatable, but you want to get them taken care of as quickly as possible so they don’t continue decaying and damage the tooth further. If you have children, check their teeth for cavities. They may brush their teach twice a day, but their brushing skills may not be adequate enough to clean their teeth effectively. If you want to help prevent your children from getting cavities, teach them to brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and floss each day.
Your Teeth Feel Sensitive
Have you noticed that your teeth sting when you consume something hot or cold? If so, you may have tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of the tooth becomes exposed. This can happen for a number of reasons, so if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, make an appointment right away.
Tooth sensitivity typically doesn’t resolve itself, so it’s important to see a dental specialist and get treatment. A dentist will evaluate your teeth and make suggestions on how to strengthen your enamel. Gum disease can also cause tooth sensitivity, and the longer gum disease goes untreated, the worse the sensitivity can get. You may get used to the sensitivity, but that doesn’t mean it’s been treated properly. That’s why it’s crucial to make an appointment if this is happening to you.
Your Gums Are Bleeding
One of the most crucial signs that you need to see the dentist is if your gums are bleeding. Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease. It can start out as gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease that causes gum inflammation. If you brush your teeth and notice minor bleeding, it may be gingivitis. When your gums bleed, book an appointment to get it taken care of.
If you don’t book an appointment, gingivitis could develop into a more serious gum disease called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease occurs when the gums are seriously infected. This could be due to poor oral hygiene or other environmental factors. If left untreated, periodontal disease could destroy your gums and even damage your jawbone. It can also cause tooth loss and increase your chances of developing heart disease.
Dentists recommend that you come in for a visit if your gums are bleeding. The sooner you can find the cause of the bleeding, the sooner you can get treated. You may feel nervous about going to the dentist with gum issues, but you shouldn’t. Dentists treat gum disease constantly, and they’ll recommend a treatment plan that works for you.
Your Teeth Hurt
Another important indicator that it’s time to go to the dentist is if your teeth start to hurt. If your teeth are aching or you experience shooting pain, there’s likely something wrong with your oral health. It could be something wrong with your gums, your tooth enamel, or the actual nerves in your teeth.
If you have a tooth that’s constantly aching, you may need a root canal. A root canal is a procedure that eliminates infection from the tooth at its root. Signs you may need a root canal include continuous pain in your tooth, swollen gums, and discharge coming from the tooth. The only surefire way to know if you need one is to make an appointment with the dentist. If you suspect you may need one, book an appointment right away.
There could be a number of reasons why your teeth hurt, and if worse comes to worst, you may need to get teeth pulled. If you need teeth pulled, you can ask about cosmetic dentistry to replace those teeth. To be safe, you should get your teeth and gums checked by a dental professional.
Contact Comfort Smiles Dentistry Today
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, don’t panic. People may be hesitant to make an appointment after not going for so long, but it’s never too late to stay up-to-date with your oral health. It’s also important to make an appointment if you suspect something is wrong with your oral health. If you have pains, aches, or bleeding gums, get them checked out. Your dentist will tell you if there’s something serious going on and what treatment options you have.
Remember, the key to good oral health is to keep up with your regular appointments and maintain good oral hygiene habits. Go to the dentist at least twice a year. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You can also use mouthwash once per day to better your oral hygiene. If you do all these tasks, your oral health will be in good shape.
