An inventor once wisely stated, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” This quote applies to almost every field and area of interest, including dentistry. People avoid a dental checkup for a variety of reasons and increase the risk of causing more damage to their teeth. Here are seven signs that it might be time to schedule a dental checkup.
The American Dental Association, ADA, explains that toothaches can involve pain in the mouth or jaw that will “usually indicate a cavity," but, "can also signal gum disease.” A toothache is a symptom of various dental diseases and means that one should get his or her teeth looked at by a professional dentist. An individual experiencing a toothache for more than a day will want to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Since a toothache has a variety of causes, it can be difficult to treat without a professional consultation first.
As with many of the signs and symptoms on this list, if the symptoms only last for a day or less, then it may not be serious. Sensitive teeth occur when an individual has trouble consuming hot or cold beverages. The ADA explains that sensitive teeth can result in “tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession.” Sensitive teeth can make it difficult to continue a regular schedule as even the simple action of drinking cold water can cause pain.
If the gums bleed on a regular basis, seek a professional dental checkup as soon as possible. The ADA explains that this can be a sign of gingivitis. However, in other cases, a patient can also cause bleeding gums by brushing too hard. A dentist can help to determine the cause of the bleeding gums and offer the best treatment.
The ADA states that oral sores can include “canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis.” A dentist can help figure out the cause of the sore and offer the best treatment method. If a sore lasts more than a week, schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
Has it been over six months since the last dental checkup? If this is the case, then a dentist appointment is even more critical. A dentist can clean between the teeth and discover the signs of infection before it can spread.
Bad breath once in a while is normal since there are numerous causes of bad breath from certain foods to poor dental hygiene. However, with the cases in which a patient has bad breath for several days despite proper hygiene, the patient will need professional dental care.
A patient, who had any form of a dental implant or cosmetic dental work done in the past, will want to keep an eye on that area if he or she feels pain where the implant is. People believe that once they get the crown or the implant, they will not have to worry about their teeth ever again. While a dental implant will allow the patient to eat what he or she likes, there is still a chance it can come loose or break if the patient is not careful. When this happens, a patient should schedule a dental appointment immediately to take care of the problem. If you believe that you have a dental issue or are interested in scheduling an appointment, view these pages for more information.
Explore additional oral health topics covered on our website:Dental cavities and gum diseases are the most widespread diseases among humans. Thankfully, they can be prevented easily. Dental cavities begin when the tooth enamel degrades, causing holes in the tooth.If neglected, the cavities worsen, and the tooth's structure becomes unstable. The infection can extend to the gums, tooth root, and jawbone. In worse cases,…
Children aren't the only ones with a sweet tooth! Schedule a dental checkup to keep your teeth healthyIf it is time for a dental checkup or you have not had one in the last six months, give us a call. We won't judge you and truly only care about keeping your teeth healthy. Schedule your…
While not having your teeth cared for can lead to a variety of future problems, many people still do not grasp the importance of regular trips to your Austin dentist. A dentist can help you lead a long, healthy life, free of many ailments.Early detection of cavities is one of the main reasons it is…
Whether you are scared of the dentist or need to undergo multiple dental procedures at once, sedation dentistry can play a major role in giving you a pleasant experience during the appointment. Sedation is available in different forms, from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia. However, if you have never experienced dental sedation at the dental…
Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete teeth loss. No one wants to lose a tooth, but you may experience it due to situations beyond control. In addition to transforming your smile, the procedure can boost your self-esteem and have your teeth functioning fully in no time.An…