Some people may go their whole life without ever experiencing a toothache. They brush their teeth twice a day and floss religiously and think that there is no need to see a dentist. Does that mean that they are exempt from having minor and even major oral health problems? Not necessarily. For example, a cavity will not cause pain until it has become so bad that it will require a root canal, which could have been avoided by simply making regular dental visits part of your dental-hygiene routine.
If you are among the masses who think that you should only see a dentist when you experience pain, you are wrong. Regular visits are extremely important and may even save your life. But if you are looking for more reason than “believe us, it’s true,” here are 7 signs that you need to visit our office:
1- Pain (obviously)
If you are among those who have never experienced a toothache, you simply don’t understand what pain within the mouth can do to wreck your day. You also cannot understand the bigger problems that can come along if you do not address that pain. Pain can equal many things, such as damaged fillings or an abscessed tooth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss or worse, spread to other parts of the body, such as you heart or your brain.
2- Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are never ok. They are a sign of inflammation and infection, which is the beginning of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Do not ignore bleeding gums, see a professional as soon as possible to avoid tooth loss or other health problems.
3- Canker Sores
These little buggers are no fun for anyone, but if you experience them frequently, you want to schedule an exam. Why? This is a sign of the development of Temporomandibular Jaw disorder (TMD) or even a warning of oral cancer. If oral cancer is not detected within the first stages, it is almost always fatal.
4- Tooth Sensitivity
Do you cringe at the thought of biting into a deliciously cold popsicle? Or find that a steaming-hot cup of joe makes your teeth hurt? This could be due to a broken tooth, filling, or the sign that your mouth is harboring cavities.
5- Dry Mouth
Saliva plays a very important part in your oral health. The production of saliva is necessary because it helps to wash away unwanted particles that may become stuck in between the teeth and gums. Without the helping hand of the body’s natural production of saliva, “dry mouth” becomes a concern. Bits of food find it easier to set up camp between the teeth, which leads to harmful bacteria that causes oral health issues. Those who suffer from diabetes may experience dry mouth as a side effect of their medication. If this is an issue, contact your health provider and learn about your options to help keep your oral (and overall) health in check.
6- Neck or Jaw Pain
Pain within the shoulders, neck, and jaw are often related to your oral health. If you experience discomfort while you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide, you could be suffering from TMD. Other symptoms include:
- Face swelling
- Feeling fatigue in the face
- Clicking or popping sounds while chewing or opening the jaw
- Discomfort with your bite or trouble chewing
- Unable to open your mouth wide
7- Bad Breath
Last, but certainly not least, bad breath… if you are aware that your breath is bad even after brushing your teeth, you may be suffering from halitosis. There is not enough minty gum in the world that can change this problem. It also is a sign of periodontal or gum disease. Regular dental visits can help you keep your breath and health in a very pleasing state.
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, contact our office and make an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t let the fact that you are not experiencing pain be the reason that your oral health takes a turn for the worse. Our highly trained staff is ready to help you keep your smile sparkling and make sure you are on the path to amazing-oral health.