5 Signs You Need to Visit Your Dentist

Did you know that dentistry is considered one of the 10 most trusted and ethical professions in the United States? Going to the dentist’s office probably isn’t how you want to spend your spare time.

For many people, the dentist’s office is an anxious space they can’t wait to escape. However, it is recommended that you visit your family dental group to have your teeth cleaned every six months. And even if you are diligent about visiting every six months, issues can arise that need to be addressed in-between visits. Check out these 5 warning signs that may indicate you need to receive dental care ASAP.

Tooth Ache

Experiencing tooth pain can be more than just inconvenient. Persistent pain that will not go away can be an indicator of many serious issues, such as the forming of a cavity, a cracked tooth, or that a filling has become damaged. You should make an appointment with your family dentist if the pain does not go away within three days, or if you are only experiencing the pain after certain triggers, like sweet food or cold drinks.

Bleeding Gums

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, it could just mean you have a piece of food stuck in your gums. However, bleeding gums should not be a daily occurrence in your brushing routine. Bleeding or swollen gums could indicate that you have a more serious condition like gingivitis or gum disease. Progressed forms of these conditions can also include bad breath, and a pimple-like formation appearing on your gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your family dental group immediately.

Hard Deposits On Your Teeth

If you have ever gone a day without brushing your teeth, you may have noticed a white, mushy substance had developed on your teeth. This is called plaque, and is a naturally occurring film that contains bacteria that will cause tooth decay if your teeth are left un-brushed for too long. If you go too long without brushing your teeth, the soft mushy plaque will turn into hardened tartar that will need to be scraped off by your dentist.

It is important to get your teeth evaluated if you notice a build of tartar forming, as it is likely you have also developed a cavity due to poor brushing habits. If you are curious about how you can improve your at-home dental care routine, check out this blog.

Unavoidable Bad Breath

Everybody has bad breath when they wake or when they drink a cup of coffee. Usually, brushing, flossing, and mouthwash will help freshen your breath. However, if these things do not help your bad breath go away, you will need to contact your family dental group immediately. As previously mentioned, bad breath that won’t go away is an indication that you may have an infection in your mouth, such as gum disease. Bad breath can also be an indication of an infection in your upper respiratory system, will which also require you to seek medical help.

Waking Up With Jaw Pain

If you are waking up every morning with jaw pain, you may be grinding your teeth at night. In addition to causing discomfort and migraines, grinding your teeth can also destroy your teeth. If left untreated, you may have to visit your family dental group for a cosmetic dentistry procedure, like getting veneers installed in your mouth. If you think you are grinding your teeth at night, ask your dentist about getting a mouth guard to sleep in. This can protect your teeth, relieve your jaw pain, and help keep your teeth healthy.

Final Thoughts

Although taking a trip to your dentist’s office may not be your ideal way to spend an afternoon, consulting with professionals about your oral health can help you keep your teeth healthy, and in your mouth longer.

The best way to prevent oral pitfalls like cavities or gingivitis is to practice good daily oral hygiene. If a problem does occur, however, contact us and we would be more than happy to help you. It can be embarrassing to talk about potential problems in your mouth, but we take pride in helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

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