It is common knowledge that you should see your dentist at least twice a year, but how can you tell whether you need to see them sooner than that? It only takes one dental emergency to throw your life into chaos, and it’s far simpler to fix most dental disorders if identified early. How do you determine whether an issue requires the attention of Riverdale Dental Arts or if you can handle it on your own? Here are some signs you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist soon.
Harmful swelling and pain
If you have been experiencing persistent discomfort or swelling in your teeth or gums, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to rule out infection or gum disease. Chronic pain isn’t the norm, and you shouldn’t have to endure it. There is a chance that the underlying issue will persist even if the discomfort subsides.
Problems with the gums
If you notice any bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth, it may be time to contact a dentist. The health of your gums is essential to that of your teeth. When the first indication of gum disease is bleeding gums, prompt treatment is necessary to avoid additional damage. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is treatable, and many patients see dramatic improvement after a professional cleaning. Gum disease may be a warning sign for several other diseases, including diabetes and cancer. Indeed, increased glucose levels in the saliva of patients with diabetes contribute to the progression of gum disease. Therefore, if your gums are bleeding, swollen, or painful, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Dry mouth
Saliva helps clean the mouth by washing away debris and neutralizing plaque’s acidic byproducts. A dry mouth might be an indicator of a health problem. Visit your dentist for advice on combating dry mouth and keeping your teeth healthy.
Increased temperature sensitivity
A tooth sensitive to temperature changes might be more than just an annoyance. If your teeth react differently to warmth and cold, you may have an advanced dental condition. Finding out what brought on the pain so suddenly may help immensely in fixing the problem. The sooner a cavity is treated, the less likely the tooth may become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures or foods. The sensitivity you are experiencing may be the result of anything other than a cavity.
Foul odor
People who suffer from gingivitis, periodontitis, dry mouth (also known as xerostomia), and mouth breathing are more likely to have a problem with their breath, which is medically referred to as halitosis. Scaling may assist with gum infections, although artificial saliva and tablets are often given for dry mouths. People with trouble breathing through their noses are usually provided a detachable oral shield that may be placed over the mouth.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is crucial to your general well-being. Like you wouldn’t ignore a chronic health issue anywhere else in your body, you should treat your mouth with the respect it deserves and see a dentist if you have concerns.
