Seven Signs You Should See a Dentist

Regular dental care is essential to your oral and overall health, and it’s important to visit the dentist for a check-up every six months. But dental problems don’t wait until it’s time for your check-up to make themselves known. Addressing dental issues early is the best way to minimize pain, treatment time, and costs. If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment:

Pain or swelling in your mouth. When your mouth hurts, eating, talking, and even sleeping can be difficult. Mouth sores, injury, tooth decay, or gum disease can cause mouth pain. A dentist can help determine the root of the pain and suggest treatments to ease the pain quickly and effectively.
Sensitive teeth. Teeth can be sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods and drinks. This is often due to worn tooth enamel or gum recession. Your dentist can guide you to the right kinds of toothpaste and remedies to help the sensitivity in the short and long term.
Bleeding of inflamed gums. If your gums bleed or hurt after brushing or flossing, it’s likely a sign of gingivitis. This gum disease can be reversed in its earliest stages with good oral care and regular dental visits. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which damages the soft tissue around your teeth and can cause tooth loss.
Bothersome dry mouth. A consistently dry mouth may seem just a nuisance, but it can harm your oral health. Saliva is crucial as it washes away food to prevent cavities and gum disease. A lack of saliva allows bacteria to grow in your mouth and affect the teeth and gums. A dentist can investigate the cause of your dry mouth and recommend treatments.
Do you have bad breath that won’t go away? Does it make you feel self-conscious? Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dentist. In addition to thoroughly cleaning your teeth, dentists can pinpoint the underlying cause of the bad breath and offer solutions or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Jaw clicks or pops. An occasional click or pop of the jaw isn’t a big deal, but if it happens frequently or causes pain, it’s best to see a dentist. By checking your bite, taking images, and performing an exam, a dentist can diagnose what is causing your pain and suggest treatments.
Difficult chewing. Many oral issues can make chewing difficult, including tooth sensitivities, jaw problems, infection, or exposed nerves. A dentist will evaluate your mouth and recommend a dental procedure to make chewing easier.

You don’t have to wait for your regular appointment to address oral issues interfering with your everyday life. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, contact Vacendak Dentistry to schedule an appointment.