Signs You Need to Visit Your Dentist

While you should see a dentist at least twice a year for preventative care, you may also need treatment in between. Several situations and signs will help you to determine when you need to make an appointment. Keep notice of the signs you need to visit your dentist. Let us at Matthews Family Dentistry help sort through the confusion of whether you need to see us for dental symptoms.

You Have Dental Pain

Pain is the primary reason that people go to the dentist outside of regular appointments. Pain can include toothaches, jaw pain, or gum pain. Plus, the type of discomfort may range from achiness to throbbing or stabbing pain. Some people only experience heightened sensitivity to temperatures or sweets. All of these types of pain or discomfort indicate a need for an evaluation by a dentist.

Dental pain can indicate decay or disease. For instance, gum disease can cause discomfort in the gums. Toothaches can come from dental decay. However, some people have pain without gum or tooth problems. For example, nightly teeth grinding, called bruxism, may cause their jaw and teeth to hurt in the morning. A dentist can help with this problem, too, by fitting the patient with a customized nightguard.

You don’t have to live with dental pain, and it will not typically go away on its own. Ignoring pain often leads to the problem getting worse and requiring more invasive procedures to fix. Make an appointment as soon as you notice dental pain to get the cause corrected.

You Have a Constantly Dry Mouth

Constant dry mouth can be a side effect of taking some medications or a genetic issue. However, dry mouth can lead to dental problems. Saliva helps to wash away bacteria from the mouth. People with dry mouths tend to have more cavities and other dental problems. Therefore, if you have this condition, you may need more frequent dental appointments to keep an eye on the health of your teeth and gums and prevent problems caused by dry mouth.

Your Teeth Are Loose or Shifting

Adult teeth are permanent and should not move in the mouth. However, some people experience loosening or shifting of their permanent teeth. This problem typically happens from advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis. If you have loose or shifting teeth, you could lose your teeth without care to help restore your gums. A dental appointment to evaluate the state of your gums and schedule periodontal cleaning can help stop the progression of the condition and allow your gums to heal.

You Are Pregnant

Pregnant people experience hormonal changes that can impact their dental health. During pregnancy, gingivitis, cavities, and benign tumours are more likely. Regular dental care is important to prevent these issues and treat them if they arise. According to the American Dental Association, x-rays and local anesthesia used for dental procedures are safe during pregnancy.

Your Gums Are Pulling Back

Gums that recede from the teeth or appear red and swollen could be in the early stages of gum disease. However, some people experience gum recession as a normal part of ageing. The only way to know which type you have is with a dental appointment. If you have gum disease, regular cleanings or deeper periodontal cleanings can help stop and reverse the progress before it leads to tooth loss.

You Bleed When Brushing or Flossing

The gums should be durable enough to withstand brushing and flossing without bleeding. However, if you notice blood on your floss or toothbrush, you may have early gum disease and a sign that you need to visit the dentist.

You Have a Bump on Your Gums That Doesn’t Go Away

Generally, minor injuries to the mouth may lead to sores that last for up to two weeks. However, if you have a bump or other sore in your mouth that does not go away, you should get a dentist to look at it. In some cases, a bump on the gums could mean that you have an infection in a tooth root. However, you may have other issues that need oral care. Only a dentist can determine the type of issue that a mouth sore could be and the treatment that you need.

It’s Been More Than Six Months Since Your Last Visit

If you have not been to the dentist in at least six months, schedule your visit. Regular cleanings remove stains, plaque, and tartar that you cannot brush away. By cleaning these off your teeth, the hygienist helps to prevent gum disease and decay. Plus, your teeth look better.

Semiannual dental visits also let the dentist look over the health of your teeth and gums to see if you need any type of restorative care, such as a cavity filling.

You Have Problems with Snoring

Snoring can have more to do with the structure of the mouth than you think. Qualified sleep dentists specialize in providing treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. Therefore, if you think you have one of these problems, you should schedule a visit with a dentist who can help, such as one of our team at Matthews Family Dentistry.

Correcting snoring does more than help partners to sleep at night. It can also improve the person’s sleep and reduce the chances of heart disease that sleep apnea can contribute to.

You Have Any Other Dental Concerns That You Want to Address

If you have other dental concerns, such as wanting to get cosmetic procedures, go ahead and make an appointment. Getting a better smile through in-office whitening, clear aligner teeth straightening, or other dental improvements can only happen when you take the first step and schedule a visit.

Follow Up on Any Signs You Need to Visit the Dentist with an Appointment at Matthews Family Dentistry

Don’t delay if you notice any signs you need to visit the dentist. Contact us at Matthews Family Dentistry to schedule your visit to get preventative care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic solutions, or snoring treatment. We’re here to help you smile.