Signs That It’s Time to See the Dentist
If you ask anyone what their least favorite activity is, seeing the dentist will probably come up often. However, a regular visit to the dentist is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, most people put off getting professional dental care until it is too late and they are experiencing serious oral problems. To avoid the stress, pain, and expense of requiring emergency dental care, here are a few signs that indicate you need to make an appointment with your dentist for some preventative care.
Bleeding gums – It is normal for gums to bleed occasionally, especially if you are breaking in a new toothbrush, recently experienced a mouth injury, or going through hormonal changes. However, persistent bleeding can indicate a more serious problem. The most common reason is the onset of gingivitis which is a gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums. Bleeding gums may also indicate the onset of a medical condition such as Leukemia or cancer. At the very least, bleeding gums mean you are not caring for your teeth as well as you think you are. It is best to see your dentist to determine the underlying cause of the problem.
Chronic tooth pain – You would think that chronic tooth pain would be enough to send anyone to the dentist, but that is not always the case. Most people simply take a pain medication and continue avoiding the dentist. Unfortunately, the toothache that insists on bothering you is probably an indicator of an impending oral disaster. It may be something as simple as a cavity, or it may be bruxism (tooth grinding). Ignoring the problem can result in the loss of teeth, root canals, and more expensive prosthetic dentistry down the road. Considering the long-term consequences of poor tooth care, getting preventative dental care is the least expensive option.
Loose teeth – Many people are surprised that adult teeth can become loose outside of injuries to the mouth. The truth is there are several reasons why your teeth may have loosened. The most common cause is bruxism. You may be unknowingly grinding your teeth while you sleep at night, which can cause a host of other medical problems besides loose teeth. Another cause is tartar build-up which is often the result of poor brushing and flossing habits. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and provide effective solutions for treating it before it becomes a major issue for you.