Each year, millions of people fail to make their annual dentist visit. The reasons to avoid the dentist range from lack of insurance to a busy schedule or an overall fear of the dentist. Home dental care does not compare to professional dental care, and it is best not to avoid this visit for an extended period. While your electric toothbrush might feel like it is getting the job done, several warning signs indicate you need to book an appointment today.
Your dental health is important for a lot of reasons. How your mouth looks can affect your mental health since you will likely have a hard time socializing with other people if you know that your breath stinks or if you have yellowish teeth because of cavities. Recurring toothache can also become the reason why you would opt to spend time alone and isolate yourself from your friends and family.
Since your mouth is responsible for chewing, its health can also influence your physical and overall health, as well. How can you eat right if you are always experiencing a toothache? How can you enjoy fruit smoothies if you have sensitive teeth? Thus, your dental health is vital to the quality of your life, which is why you should exert time and effort in taking care of it.
Leaving any dental problem untreated will not only cause pain and discomfort, but this can also result in expenses and stress. Dental problems usually worsen over time, and minor problems can turn into major ones, which might even require all on four implants as its treatment.
If you ticked any of the signs listed below, it’s high time that you visit your local dentist:
Toothache
A toothache can range from a mild nuisance to excruciating pain. While some toothaches easily go away by taking pain relievers, others can be more challenging to treat. The latter is especially true if the toothache is a mere symptom of more severe dental conditions, such as gum diseases and tooth decay. If the pain is constant, it is a sign you should see a dentist soon. Inflammation, cavities, infection, and many other reasons can cause toothaches.
Constant pain might not go away on its own, and you certainly do not want to reach the excruciating pain threshold before visiting the dentist. Dental appointments should be preventative, so you can catch issues before they get worse. A preventative visit can catch an issue and save you from needing surgery or other costly procedures.
Visiting your dentist regularly will give you peace of mind that your mouth is actually healthy. They will have the necessary equipment to inspect and diagnose any dental problems and ensure that these are treated as soon as possible. With their help, you can finally say goodbye to using pain relievers whenever your tooth hurts because they will treat the problem from the cause, and not merely manage the symptoms.
Irritated Gums
Many people see red when brushing their teeth and think nothing of it. This can be a sign of aggressive brushing or a deeper issue with gum tissue.
Many adults deal with periodontitis, or gum disease, which can escalate into a serious issue. Occasional bleeding is fine, but a dentist should address constant bleeding. Other signs of irritated gums include swelling, redness, and loose permanent teeth.
Dry Mouth
Do you constantly feel dehydrated and thirsty? If your mouth stops producing an adequate amount of saliva, you are at a higher risk of tooth decay and infection.
Saliva helps to neutralize acid and digest food. Failure to produce enough saliva reduces these benefits. A visit to the dentist can find the cause and help identify solutions.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is understandable in some situations, like after a meal with lots of garlic. However, if it persists after flossing and brushing, there might be something else at play.
Bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, cavity, or another condition. An early visit to the dentist can rule out and prevent subsequent serious issues.
Jaw Pain
Pain in your jaw is a big sign that it is time to see the dentist. Jaw pain can indicate numerous other dental issues, including cavities or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. It could also be a sign that you grind your teeth while sleeping.
If the jaw pain is triggered a cavity, you could find an abscessed tooth caused by bacteria traveling from the cavity to the root. If left untreated, it can become a serious issue.
Sensitive Teeth
This goes beyond a toothache because sensitive teeth are often triggered by cold, hot, or sugary foods. If you notice you have become more sensitive to these types of foods, you may have a cavity. It can also be a sign of gum recession or root exposure. Only a dentist can identify – and fix – the source of sensitive teeth so you can get back to enjoying that hot coffee or cold ice cream.
You Hide Your Smile
A smile is a big part of creating a first impression. If your teeth are discolored or crooked, you might find yourself hiding your smile. A trip to the dentist can identify ways to brighten and smooth that smile, so it can be something you are proud to flash!
The Takeaway
With the packed schedules of adult life, the dentist might not be at the top of your to-do list. But routine check-ups and cleanings will go a long way in saving you from financial and physical pain in the future. Take the time to book an appointment today with the dentist you can trust to help keep you and your smile in the best shape.
I’m glad you mentioned that untreated jaw pain can become serious because bacteria can travel to the root of our tooth. For the last month or so, I’ve been having frequent jaw pain on my left side. Reading your article was helpful because now I feel motivated to find a family dentist to visit and fix the problem as soon as possible!