When was the last time you visited the dentist? One year ago? Two years ago? Or, you actually can’t recall meeting up with a dentist the last time? Well, this should worry you because regular cleanings and checkups are crucial to maintaining oral health. Without oral exams and thorough dental evaluation, how could you know that everything is going fine?
You should know that not visiting the dentist regularly comes with serious health risks like heart disease, strokes, gum disease, and even dementia. Since dental health is linked to your overall well-being, you just can’t ignore such visits.
More importantly, there are some signs and symptoms you must seek dental consultation immediately.
10 Signs You Need To See The Dentist
Here are ten fairly warning signs that shows you need to see your dentist:
1. A toothache
Some people ignore tooth pain hoping that it will go away after a while. Even if that happens, you should not take it lightly, as such pains indicate some underlying health concerns.
Any type of toothache, whether mild, severe, frequent, or recurring, should get checked immediately so that the dentist can know the real cause behind it. Who knows, it may be cavities in its early stages!
2. Tooth sensitivity to hold and cold
When your teeth experience strong sensitivity to hold and cold foods or drinks, it’s most likely a sign of a cavity. Or this could also indicate tooth decay.
And if you do not visit the dentist immediately, it might grow into something bigger to compound your problems. Plus, delaying the visit can force you to spend more when the disease reaches an advanced level due to your negligence.
3. Bleeding gums
Many people experience bleeding gum when they brush or floss. This may be a sign of periodontal disease caused due to poor oral hygiene. Swollen gums are also a problem that arises when plaque buildup hardens around the gum line.
If not treated timely, these problems can let harmful bacteria enter your bloodstream and reach different body organs or parts, creating havoc.
4. White spots on teeth
White spots on the teeth often characterize dental decay. These very spots become the first signals of the looming decay you ignore. Moreso, such spots are formed when the enamel starts dissolving due to the acid-producing bacteria.
The decay is not visible to the naked eye, so upon seeing the white spots; you should visit the dentist and start the treatment for dental decay.
5. Persistent bad breath
Having stinking breath may suggest you have gingivitis. Smoking is one of the major reasons behind that. Even medical issues are also responsible for. Our food choices can also cause bad breath.
If brushing and flossing can’t help remove this problem, you then need to visit the dentist immediately. Delaying it might cause gum disease leading to tooth decay.
6. Consistent dry mouth
A dry mouth is bad for your oral health. Its presence means your mouth will produce less saliva. So, food particles stuck between your teeth can’t be washed away, leading to the risk of plaque buildup.
It may also cause bad breath. Tooth or gum decay is generally the reason behind the dry mouth. So, you should visit the dentist if the problem persists.
7. Jaw pain
Jaw pain is also not meant to be ignored. It may indicate some problems in your oral cavity. In some cases, those who grind teeth experience jaw pain.
If this problem does not go after a while, it might lead to worn-out teeth and headaches. There may also be some issues with jawbone muscles affecting the functionality of your teeth.
8. Changes in the mouth
You should take a look in your mouth to find out if everything is okay there. Check for any discoloration, lumps, or other issues in your cheeks.
See the top and underneath of your tongue and gums, and look for some spots. If you find anything unusual, you should consult the dentist without any delay. This is a way to maintain optimum dental health.
9. Mouth sores
An ulcer or canker sore in the mouth normally occurs and then disappears within a few days’ time. If they don’t heal and rather persist, you should then see the dentist and get them treated.
Such sores are common among all ages and, in most cases, deserve no worry. Even if there is pain that makes eating foods difficult, beyond that, they are not harmful and go away quickly.
10. Bad taste in the mouth
Experiencing a bad taste in the mouth once in a while is normal. Even metallic taste is common. But if they persist longer than standard, it’s time to seek dental consultation. You can visit one of the top dentists in your area and get the right treatment started for your dental problems.
Conclusion
Maintaining good oral health is essential for your overall well-being. Neglecting your dental health can lead to serious health problems, so it’s crucial to pay attention to the signs and symptoms that indicate it’s time to visit the dentist. By being aware of the top 10 signs that you need to see a dentist, you can prevent dental problems from getting worse and ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.
