9 Indications That You Should See A Dentist

9 Indications That You Should See A Dentist

By admin May 29th
Most people know that the general rule of thumb for good oral health is to see the dentist twice a year. These biannual visits aren’t only for teeth cleanings, but let your dentist inspect your teeth, gums, and jaw for any possible issues that may need to be addressed. But sometimes a dental health issue may pop up in between those twice-a-year cleanings.

Here are some signs that indicate when you should schedule an appointment with the dentist:
1. Bleeding After Brushing or Flossing
  
  – Having Bloody gums from brushing or flossing isn’t normal. Bleeding gums can be the first sign of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth, and eventually, tooth loss. Following proper dental hygiene is essential for preventing gum disease.
2. Swollen, Sore, Inflamed, or Receding Gums
  
  – Swollen, sore, inflamed, or receding gums can also be indicators of gum disease. These will also increase the risk of decay, infection, pain, and possible tooth loss. Luckily, the process can be stopped or even reversed with proper periodontal treatment.
3. White Spots on Teeth or Gums
  
  – White spots or stains on your teeth are one of the first signs of tooth decay, and white spots on gums are a sign of some kind of infection. These often appear as small “pimples” on your gums. IT’S IMPORTANT NOT TO POP OR PICK AT THESE SPOTS! See your dentist right away for treatment.
4. Tooth Pain or Swelling
  
  – Toothaches can make you feel miserable, and trying to wait one out is no fun. Toothaches can have several causes, and will only get worse if left untreated. Swelling around the area that hurts, or in your cheeks, is often a sign of infection in the root. To treat this, you may be prescribed antibiotics or undergo endodontic treatment.
5. Mouth Injuries
  
  – Any serious mouth injuries should be treated immediately, especially if you have braces or other orthodontic appliances. If necessary, seek medical attention first, and then see your dentist. Damage to the teeth can extend to the root, so it’s important for your dentist to do a thorough inspection.
6. Jaw Pain and/or Headaches (Grinding Teeth)
  
  – Studies have suggested that around 10% of adults suffer from nocturnal tooth grinding (aka sleep bruxism), and more than 1/3 of parents report symptoms of grinding teeth in their children. Many people don’t even know they are grinding their teeth at night until their partner tells them! If you frequently wake up with headaches, a sore jaw, or earaches, you should speak with your dentist about what they can do for you.
7. Hot and Cold Sensitivity
  
  – While some patients naturally have more sensitive teeth than others, extreme sensitivity or a sudden change could indicate an issue. If your teeth feel unusually or extremely sensitive to hot or cold food and drink, schedule a dentist visit. Typically, tooth sensitivity is treated with a sensitivity toothpaste, but in certain cases the dentist may prescribe other treatments.
8. Dry Mouth
  
  – A healthy mouth is well-hydrated with saliva, preventing tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, and washing away food particles while you eat. Dry mouth can be caused by illness, a side effect from medication, aging, or tobacco and alcohol use. If left untreated, dry mouth can lead to other problems, such as a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. If you are feeling unusual or chronic dry mouth, talk to your dentist about treatment options.
9. Loose or Shifting Teeth
  
  – Once your adult teeth have grown in, they are generally set for life. If you notice slight movement in your teeth, a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, or perhaps a gap that is starting to get wider, these could be signs of infection or bone loss. Meet with your dentist quickly so that these problems can be checked and addressed.
If you feel that you need to see a dentist for any of the above reasons, or are looking for a dental practice to set up for your twice-a-year appointments, then consider what Elko Dental Specialists can do for you. With specialists in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, and endodontics, we pride ourselves on being your one-clinic solution for all of your family’s oral health needs. Elko Dental Specialists serves patients from all over Elko, Ely, Eureka, and Northern Nevada, and we would love to serve you and your family.

Give us a call at (775) 753-6118 today or schedule an appointment online.
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