Paying a visit to the dentist can be a touchy subject for a lot of people. The fear of going to the dentist is a real struggle for so many, a fact that makes proper dental care something that can be easily overlooked. Whether you harbor a fear of going to the dentist or you just simply don’t see regular dental visits as a priority, if you haven’t had a cleaning or checkup in over a year, you could be putting your dental health at risk.
Here are three warning signs to look out for if it’s been too long since your last dental visit:
1. Tooth Pain
If you are experiencing any pain in your teeth, then it is definitely time to see the dentist. This might seem like an obvious statement, but all too often people experience slight toothache and decide that unless the pain is severe, then it’s nothing to be concerned about. The truth is, though, the sooner you are able to treat a problem, the better your chances become of not needing much intervention.
There are many reasons for toothache that range from the harmless to the serious, but pretty much any time you feel pain in a tooth, it is a good idea to have a dentist take a look. Some of the more common reasons for toothache include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum disease
- An impacted tooth
- A cracked tooth
- An abscess
If you are experiencing any symptoms of toothache, especially pertaining to your gums, then it’s time to see your dentist.
2. Chronic Bad Breath
Bad breath, which is also known as halitosis, can be much more than an irritating condition that forces you to constantly chew gum in an effort to mask it. The first thing to do if you notice that you have bad breath is reevaluate the way in which you care for your teeth. It might be time to start flossing more or brushing your tongue as well as your teeth.
If the odor persists then you should make an appointment with your Woden Dentist. A dentist will be able to tell if the odor is caused by a simple case of dry mouth or if it a symptom of something worse, like an infection. The earlier you are able to consult your dentist about your bad breath the sooner you will be able to treat the underlying cause.
3. Persistent Bleeding in Your Gums
While it is true that bleeding from your gums can be a result of being too tough on them when you brush your teeth, it can also be a warning sign of gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontitis, if left unchecked can result in tooth loosening or loss down the line.
Typically, bleeding will be accompanied by other indications like sensitivity or swelling if you have periodontitis, so be sure to call your dentist right away if you have any or all of these symptoms.
Are you good about going to the dentist twice a year? Let us know in the comments below!
