Did you know that around 25% of adults have untreated cavities? Not taking care of your teeth can result in tooth decay, tooth loss, bone loss, and gum disease.
If you want to take better care of your teeth, it is essential to brush them every day, floss, and visit the dentist. You should visit the dentist every 6 months, anytime you have an emergency, or when you have certain symptoms.
What are some common signs that you need to visit your family dentist? Keep reading to learn when you should schedule an appointment.
Tooth Pain
One of the biggest signs that you need to schedule a dentist appointment is if you are experiencing pain. Pain in your mouth can happen for several reasons, such as tooth decay, infection, ulcers, and gum disease.
If you have pain in your mouth, you should visit the dentist so that the pain doesn’t get worse. If tooth decay, an infection, or gum disease is the cause of your pain, they could do unrepairable damage.
The best dentists, such as Boise family dental, will be able to identify the cause of the pain and the best dental treatments.
Bad Breath
Another common sign that you need to visit the dentist is bad breath. While having bad breath first thing in the morning is normal, you should not have to deal with bad breath all day.
Bad breath can leave you feeling insecure and leave a bad taste in your mouth. Some of the most common causes of bad breath include gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque.
Leaving these conditions untreated can have a serious impact on your health, so be sure to tell your dentist you are experiencing bad breath. The solution could be as simple as having your teeth cleaned.
Swollen Gums
Do you have swollen gums? If so, it is time to make an appointment to see the dentist. Swollen gums are a sign that you have an infection, gum disease, or that you need to do a better job cleaning your teeth.
Because swollen gums indicate gum disease, you should have a dentist look at your teeth right away to prevent bone or tooth loss. You also should watch out for receding gums.
Bleeding After Brushing or Flossing
If you notice bleeding after brushing or flossing your teeth, that is a sign that you need to visit the dentist. There are several reasons why your gums could bleed when brushing your teeth, but gum disease is one of the main causes.
In addition to having bleeding gums, you may also notice that they are swollen or painful. If they get too painful, be sure to set up an emergency appointment with your dentist.
If you only notice mild bleeding or swelling, you can wait until your next teeth cleaning to mention the issue.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is an issue that occurs when your saliva glands do not produce enough saliva. When you don’t have enough spit in your mouth, your mouth will feel dry, you could get a sore throat, or you could have bad breath.
Not only is dry mouth uncomfortable, but it also can be bad for your oral health. Not having enough saliva could lead to more plaque on your teeth. Plaque can cause tooth decay or gum disease.
Dry mouth can also be a sign of another serious disease, so it is important to get the issue checked out as soon as possible.
Loose Teeth
The thought of losing teeth is scary for most people, so if you notice that your teeth are loose or moving, it is time to call the dentist. Having loose teeth can be a sign of gum disease.
As your gums deteriorate, your teeth will have more room to move. Another common cause of teeth moving is erupting wisdom teeth. When your wisdom teeth come in, they may push your other teeth out of the way.
Most people need to have their wisdom teeth taken out, so be sure to ask your dentist if yours needs removing. If you don’t have your wisdom teeth taken out, they can cause pain, crooked teeth, and tooth decay.
Jaw Pain
Your teeth connect to your jaw, so if you have jaw pain it is time to head to the dentist. Jaw pain can be caused by your teeth, sinuses, or other serious conditions.
If you experience jaw pain on more than one occasion, think about if you are having any other symptoms.
If you have tooth sensitivity or painful gums, talk to your dentist. You could have an abscessed tooth or problems with your wisdom teeth. If you are having headaches, sinus pressure, or chest pain, head to the doctor.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
If you chip or break your tooth, you will need to set up an emergency appointment with the best dentist. If you fall down the stairs, trip, or get hit in the face, it is possible to end up with a broken tooth.
A broken tooth can be sharp, which means you can cut the inside of your mouth if you don’t get it fixed. Having a broken tooth can also mess up your bite or leave your tooth susceptible to further damage.
If you break your tooth, don’t delay when it comes to calling your dentist. Most dentists offer emergency services, so they can perform dental procedures to fix your tooth.
Is It Time for You to See a Dentist?
To maintain good oral health, you need to brush your teeth, floss, and visit the dentist. While you should visit the dentist every 6 months, you also should make an appointment anytime you notice these signs.
Did you enjoy reading this article on the most common signs that you need to visit your local dentist? If so, check out the health category for more similar advice.
