You should be taking time every six months to visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. But that doesn’t mean that you should only see your dentist twice a year. If between appointments you start noticing some red flags, it’s important to get into the office sooner rather than later. And if you’re like most people who’ve gotten busy and skipped a checkup or two, those warning signs are even more important to watch for and get taken care of quickly. Here are signs that you need to see your dentist ASAP.
Sign #1. Pain
Tooth pain is one of the most obvious signs that you need to call your dentist’s office. If you have pain you need to see your dentist and get it taken care of, even if the pain subsides. Odds are good that the original cause of pain won’t be taken care of on it’s own, and you’ll want your dentist to take a look before it gets worse.
Sign #2. Swelling or inflammation
If you notice any swelling or inflammation of your gums it’s a sign that you need to see your dentist ASAP. Hardened plaque under your gumline can cause your gums to become irritated and swell. Inflamed gums can be a sign of both gingivitis and periodontitis, both of which are two dental health issues you don’t want to deal with. Address the cause of swelling before it turns into a more serious issue.
Sign #3. Sensitivity
You should pay close attention to any changes in your mouth, especially sensitivity. Tooth decay can cause sensitivity to hot and cold. Once the surface or your tooth has eroded, tooth decay makes it’s way to the center of your tooth where blood vessels and nerve are located. The sooner you treat tooth sensitivity the sooner you’ll be able to eliminate that sensitivity and avoid future pain.
Sign #4. Bad Breath
If your gum, mouthwash, and a pack of mints just don’t seem to take care of your bad breath, it’s time you made a trip to the dentist to address this faux pas. It could be that you need to brush up on your oral health habits and start brushing and flossing more diligently. A buildup of bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath. But bad breath can also be a sign of many other, bigger problems like gum disease, tooth decay, abscesses, or gingivitis.
Sign #5. Loose Teeth
A loose tooth is one of the most exciting things in the world when you’re a kid, but as an adult it means you need to go see your dentist. Without proper care, it is very easy to lose adult teeth. One of the main causes of tooth loss is gum disease. Less commonly, loose teeth can be a sign of cancer. Either way, it’s important to see your dentist if you notice your teeth are loose.
If you’ve notice any of these signs recently it’s time to visit your dentist. If you are looking for a trust dentist with a warm, comforting environment look no further than the Crawford Leishman Dental.
