6 Signs That it’s Time to Visit Your Dentist

Ever wonder when it’s time to visit a dentist?  Sometimes it’s a hard thing to know.  After all, you don’t want to go to your dental office unnecessarily.  You don’t want any extra expense and you don’t want to waste your time.  That’s perfectly understandable.  But, there are certain times you need to see a dentist, and you can’t always put it off for your next routine appointment.  Here are 6 signs that it’s time to visit your dentist.

You Have Dental Pain

Dental pain is nothing to play around with.  If you have an individual tooth that’s painful, it might be a sign you have a deep cavity.  It could also be a sign of infection.  Even if the pain goes away after a day or two, you still need to see your dentist to find out why the tooth hurt in the first place.  The problem might still be there.  Also, if your teeth are painful and sensitive to hot, cold, sweets, acidic foods and beverages or metal, you might need tooth desensitization treatment.

Your Gums Bleed

Bleeding gums are a warning sign of gingivitis or more serious gum disease. The longer you put off seeing your dentist, the worse the condition can become.  Your dentist can do an examination of your gums and recommend deep cleaning with scaling and root planing or periodontal therapy.  You need to start treatment as soon as possible, not only to have healthier gums but also to avoid tooth loss.

You Have Bad Breath

Bad breath can be a sign of a much more serious problem.  You could have decayed teeth or be in the beginning stages of gingivitis.  Sometimes bad breath can be related to general health issues as well.  Your dentist can rule out or treat bad breath if it’s related to your oral health.  Or, he or she can refer you to your primary care doctor if needed.

You Have Morning Headaches

If you have morning headaches, you might have a problem your dentist can help you overcome.  Morning headaches can be a sign you’re grinding your teeth at night.  Your dentist can custom-fit a night guard to protect your teeth.  Morning headaches can also indicate you have sleep apnea.  If it turns out that you do, your dentist can fit you with a dental appliance to allow you to breathe better at night.

You Notice Color Changes In Your Mouth

Watch for color changes in your mouth.  White spots on your teeth usually mean you have tooth decay.  Red gums may be a sign of gingivitis. White spots on your cheeks might be due to canker sores.  A bluish stain on your cheeks near an amalgam filling, called an amalgam tattoo, may be harmless.  However, if it doesn’t go away, it could be something more serious.

It’s Been 6 Months or Longer since Your Last Visit

It’s crucial that you keep going in for your regular dental checkups and cleanings.  By keeping routine dental appointments, you can often prevent cavities and gum disease. And, if you do have oral health issues, your dentist can begin treatment before the problem becomes serious.