Look out for these 8 signs that can help you tell that it’s time to visit the dentist. If you’re experiencing dental pain, visit your nearest dental provider.
8 Signs It’s Time To See the Dentist
Visiting your dentist for a checkup or cleaning at least twice a year is a good way to keep up with your dental routine. However, there are instances when you might need to see your dental provider sooner rather than later. Here are 8 signs that can help you tell it’s time to see the dentist:
1. Tooth Pain or Swelling
A telltale sign that you need to see the dentist is if you’re experiencing a toothache or if your gums have swollen. It could be due to an infected tooth or something else entirely.
A dentist can take a closer look at your mouth and check spots you can’t see on your own. They can also use a dental x-ray to see if there’s something wrong with your teeth.
2. Sore or Inflamed Gums
Sometimes, gums can become inflamed or sore even if your teeth don’t ache. If that’s the case, you probably have gum disease. While mild gum diseases are treatable and reversible, extreme cases can be harder to deal with. Hence, the more damage they can do to the mouth. That’s why if you noticed that your gums are inflamed, visit the dentist right away.
3. White Spots on Your Teeth or Gums
An indicator that you have tooth decay is the appearance of white spots on your teeth. However, white spots can also sprout on your gums, which can be a sign of an infection. But regardless of where it appeared, you should book a visit to the dentist right away if you spot them so that the dentist can find out what it is and treat it or prescribe medication.
4. Loose or Shifting Teeth
When you were a child, you or a family member might have pulled out your loose tooth. As an adult, you shouldn’t also take out your loose teeth on your own. You should only trust dentists to extract a loose tooth.
On the other hand, loose or shifting teeth is a sign that you may be experiencing bone loss. By visiting a dentist, they can present the procedures that can stop your teeth from shifting.
5. Canker Sores Aren’t Healing or Going Away
Given a few days, a canker sore can heal on its own. Additionally, canker sores typically only appear once or twice per year. So, when you notice that your sores aren’t healing or going away, you shouldn’t have second thoughts about seeing a dentist. They can be caused by a lot of factors such as stress. They can also be a symptom of immune deficiency.
6. Receding Gums
Gum recession is normal as you age. However, its sudden onset can be a sign of serious gum disease. It’s also worth mentioning that when gums recede, they expose the roots of the teeth, leaving them open for bacteria to enter. To prevent that from happening, see a dentist the first time you notice that your gums are receding.
7. Dry Mouth
When your mouth feels dry, the simplest solution to it is to drink a glass of water. You might only feel thirsty after all. However, a dry mouth is a real condition wherein a person’s salivary glands don’t make enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.
Although it may not seem like a pressing dental concern, keep in mind that saliva helps break down food. It also keeps food from sticking to the teeth. So, when the mouth is frequently dry, it can cause some dental problems. Visit a dentist to get treated right away.
8. You Can’t Stop Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
When you’re stressed or too focused on something, you may unconsciously grind or clench your teeth. However, if it has become a habit or hard to control, it’s best to visit a dentist and talk to them about your condition.
The enamel of the teeth can wear down through constant teeth clenching or grinding. The enamel protects the teeth from decay. If it wears down, the teeth will naturally weaken. Dentists recommend their patients wear a mouth guard to help them control this habit.
Visit a Well-Trusted and Highly Reputable Dentist Near Your Area Today
Maintaining good oral health takes more than just brushing three times a day. And sometimes, no matter how diligent you are in taking care of your pearly whites, dental problems can still occur. Whatever the case is, always turn to an experienced dental provider to take a look at your mouth.
