The health of your teeth and gums has a direct impact on your overall health. Scheduling regular appointments with your dentist are essential for keeping your body healthy and happy as a whole. Continue reading to learn 10 signs that signify that you should see a dentist.
- Toothache or Pain
Consistent pain that does not subside over time is always a reason for concern. Your pain could be caused by a number of things, such as decay, damage, infection, or gum recession. In order to treat the issue at hand, your dentist will need to conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause. - Bleeding When Brushing or Flossing
Experiencing bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth can sometimes be a cause for concern. Although bleeding gums can simply be a direct cause of applying too much pressure when brushing or flossing, it can also be an indicator of more serious problems such as gingivitis or gum disease. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums over an extended period of time, it’s definitely worth scheduling a visit to the dentist. - Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
If taking a sip of ice-cold water nearly sends you through the roof with pain, it’s crucial that you make an appointment to see your dentist right away. Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is often a sign that there is some form of decay or break in the tooth that has left the central nerve of the tooth unprotected. Depending on the severity of the break or decay, your dentist may correct the issue either with a large filling or a root canal. - Changes in Gums
The appearance of your gums is a good way to gauge the health of your mouth. If you’ve noticed swelling, inflammation, bleeding, or recession in your gums, it can be a warning sign of something serious and it’s important that you see your dentist right away. The development of gum disease can move quickly if not intercepted; it’s crucial that you seek treatment as soon as possible to successfully manage your condition. - Dry Mouth
Saliva acts as a natural protective barrier against harmful bacteria. If you are experiencing chronic dry mouth, it can place your teeth and gums at risk. Dry mouth may be caused by a number of reasons, including prescription medications, diabetes, smoking, or infected salivary glands. It’s important to have your dentist take a look to determine the root cause so that you can seek treatment. - Issues With Existing Dental Work
If you’ve noticed that an existing dental crown has become loose, or if you think that an old filling might have chipped, it’s imperative that you inform your dentist right away. Once the ‘seal’ is broken with your existing restorative work, harmful bacteria can become trapped and begin to multiply, eventually leading to decay. Visiting the dentist as soon as you notice issues with your existing dental work will help increase the chances of being able to salvage the tooth. - Loose Teeth
If you’ve noticed that one or more of your teeth has become loose, make an appointment with your dentist right away. A tooth may become loose for a few different reasons, but one of the most common causes is bone recession, which is usually a result of gum disease. In order to increase your chances of saving the tooth before it is lost, be sure to schedule a consultation with your dentist so that they can design a proactive treatment plan. - Sores Inside the Mouth
If you have recurring sores (ulcers) inside your mouth that don’t heal on their own, schedule a dental appointment ASAP. While it is common to occasionally get mouth ulcers, lesions or sores that don’t seem to be healing on their own may be a sign of something more serious, such as mouth cancer. - Chronic Bad Breath
If you have persistent bad breath that just won’t go away, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. Chronic bad breath can be caused by gum disease or an abscessed tooth. Your dentist will conduct an examination to determine the cause. - Dark Spots on Teeth
Dark spots on the surface of the teeth are usually an indication of decay. Even if you don’t feel any pain or have any other symptoms, it is still possible for decay to be present inside the tooth. If you’ve noticed a dark spot on one of your teeth, be sure to see your dentist as soon as you can.
For more information about maintaining your oral health, or to book an appointment, give us a call on 02 8319 5557.
