Why a Regular Dental Check Up is Important

15 Subtle Signs You Must Visit the Dentist

There are a lot of reasons why people are afraid of seeing the dentist. Whether it’s a fear of needles, dental anxiety, or a lack of funding, countless scenarios can make someone reluctant to book an appointment. But doing so is hazardous to your health, especially if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below. To find out if it’s time for you to call up your local dentist, pay attention to these subtle signs:

Your gums are bleeding or inflamed. Even when you take the time to carefully floss and brush your teeth, you may feel discouraged when you see blood in the sink. It’s a sign of gingivitis, which occurs when bacteria makes your gums inflamed. When this is left untreated, it can progress into gum disease. That’s why you should call up your dentist ASAP when your gums are giving you trouble.

You experience regular toothaches. There are all sorts of causes behind pain in your teeth, and you won’t be able to diagnose yourself – that’s the job of a dentist. Painkillers might help you, short-term, but they will merely treat the symptoms instead of solving the problem. For that, you’ll need to schedule a visit with your dentist, who can help solve your tooth woes.

You experience social anxiety when smiling. Do you tend to cover your mouth when you laugh? A visit to the dentist can help you alleviate this worry.

A sore tooth has gone numb. Has your sore tooth suddenly resolved itself and gone numb? You may appreciate the absence of pain, but don’t mistake it for improvement – it’s likely a sign that the nerves have died. Contact your dentist so they can address the issue and find the best treatment plan for you.

Your gums are receding. Do you notice that more of your teeth are exposed? It can make a tooth look longer, and is a telltale sign of aging. Receding gums can point to bone loss, which is a symptom of periodontal disease. In addition to preserving your oral health, taking care of this issue will improve the aesthetics of your smile. You can keep your teeth looking younger by regularly getting them cleaned.

Your teeth are sensitive. This will require more than specialty toothpaste to remedy. It may mean that your enamel is wearing away. A dentist can help you find solutions for painfully sensitive teeth.

You have bad breath. From co-workers to significant others, nobody appreciates the smell of bad breath. If you notice that a foul odor is coming from your mouth, even after brushing your teeth, you may have an oral health issue.

You experience migraines. Do you wake up with a pounding headache? While this can be stress-induced, it may also be related to grinding your teeth at night (bruxism). It puts stress on your joints, which can cause head pain. By visiting a dentist, they can examine your teeth for signs of wear that result from grinding, and give you a mouth guard that will prevent this issue.

Your jaw cracks when you open your mouth. Do you notice a distinct popping noise as you’re chewing your food? That’s the sound of your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. On either side of your mouth, this joint connects your jawbone to your skull. The noise you hear is caused by misaligned teeth, bruxism, clenching, or stress. Problems with this joint can lead to TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, which causes shooting pain in your jaw. Visiting the dentist can help you figure out how to remedy this issue.

You experience pain when chewing. Biting down on a juicy piece of chicken or a freshly sliced apple, only to experience pain, can be disheartening. Food is meant to be enjoyed, but that can be impossible when eating it is painful. To address the cause behind this discomfort, visit your dentist.

Your teeth are discolored. Plaque that builds up on teeth hardens into tartar, a hardened deposit that stains them yellow. It requires a special tool that dentists use to scrape it off.

It’s been a long time since your last appointment. It’s recommended that you have a dental check-up at least twice a year. Don’t skip your dental check-up, or your minor tooth issue can spiral into a major one. It might be costly to have your teeth cleaned often, but it won’t compare to the bill of extensive work like a root canal or crown.

There are pimples on your gum line. A bump with pus on your gums can be a sign of an infection or other illness. Don’t pop it, and instead, have it examined by a dentist.

Your saliva has changed consistency. Saliva helps wash food from your teeth and gums, which is why a dry mouth can cause oral health problems. If your saliva has become especially thin or thick, visit your dentist to figure out the cause behind this issue.