While you hopefully know how important it is, going to the dentist isn\u2019t the most pleasant experience in the world. Because of that, a lot of people delay going to a dentist for as long as possible. While generally, you should go to the dentist twice a year, there are definitely some signs that your teeth could use professional help. Here are some reasons why you should visit the dentist:<\/p>\n
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- Your jaw hurts<\/li>\n
- Your gums are bleeding<\/li>\n
- You see white spots<\/li>\n
- Your teeth have become more sensitive<\/li>\n
- Your mouth is always dry<\/li>\n
- You\u2019re pregnant<\/li>\n
- Your teeth look like they\u2019re shrinking<\/li>\n
- You\u2019re self-conscious about the way your smile looks<\/li>\n
- You can\u2019t remember your last appointment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
1. Your Jaw Hurts<\/h2>\n
There\u2019s nothing worse than jaw pain. It can cause headaches and can make chewing difficult. You may even notice clicks and cracks.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re only experiencing the pain when you eat or you wake up and already feel the pain, you shouldn\u2019t have to live like that. There can be different causes of jaw pain and you\u2019ll have a variety of treatment options. But only an experienced dentist can help you get to the bottom of the problem.<\/p>\n
2. Your Gums are Bleeding<\/h2>\n
If your toothbrush turns red when you brush your teeth or your gums are bleeding when you floss, you definitely need to get your teeth checked out. This is not normal. It can be a sign of gum disease which, if left untreated, can actually cause you to lose teeth. Sometimes this happens after a prolonged period of poor oral hygiene. In some cases of gum disease, your gums may not be bleeding but they could be inflamed or sore.<\/p>\n
3. You See White Spots<\/h2>\n
When you notice that something has changed in the appearance of your mouth, it\u2019s often the time to get your teeth checked out by the pros. White spots are one example. You may notice them appearing on your teeth, warning you that you may have some tooth decay. The earlier you schedule an appointment with your dentist to address this problem, the better your chances of resolution are.<\/p>\n
4. Your Teeth Have Become More Sensitive<\/h2>\n
Drinking your morning hot coffee or taking a bite of ice cream should be pleasant experiences, not painful ones. But sometimes they can trigger sensitivity\u2014so can certain sugary foods. While there are different kinds of toothpaste on the market to help treat sensitivity, they don\u2019t solve all kinds of sensitivity. You may have an infected dental pulp or a damaged tooth. This is why you should visit the dentist if your teeth have suddenly become more sensitive.<\/p>\n
5. Your Mouth is Always Dry<\/h2>\n
Dry mouth is a common side-effect of a variety of antibiotics and medications. Sometimes dry mouth is temporary and will resolve on its own, but other times, it\u2019s persistent. Why is it important to visit the dentist if this is just a minor inconvenience? The truth is, if left unchecked, it can also cause some pretty serious damage including gum disease.<\/p>\n
Your saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralizes the acid caused by plaque. Thus, if you have chronic dry mouth, you\u2019re at greater risk of developing gum disease. A dentist can assess the problem and, if necessary, prescribe something like a mouthwash that will help resolve it.<\/p>\n
6. You\u2019re Pregnant<\/h2>\n
One effect of pregnancy you may not have heard of before is the way it impacts your teeth. Hormonal changes can make your gums more irritated, sore, and tender. Pregnant women commonly suffer from gingivitis, which is a milder form of gum disease. It is highly recommended to see the dentist for extra cleanings in your second and third trimesters to combat these issues.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no need to worry about the impact of going to the dentist while pregnant. While you should wait until after you\u2019ve given birth to get your teeth whitened or to undergo a cosmetic dental procedure, you should still take care of any fillings or crowns while you\u2019re pregnant. If you put these treatments off until after you\u2019ve given birth, your risk of infection goes up significantly. You can even get dental x-rays without any issues.<\/p>\n
7. Your Teeth Look Like They\u2019re Shrinking<\/h2>\n
Maybe you haven\u2019t noticed that you\u2019re grinding your teeth\u2014but they don\u2019t quite look like they once did in the mirror. This could be because you\u2019ve been grinding your teeth so hard that you\u2019ve broken down the enamel and shortened your teeth. This puts you at a greater risk for cavities and exposed nerves, which is why you should visit the dentist to get your teeth grinding checked out ASAP.<\/p>\n
8. You\u2019re Self-Conscious About the Way Your Smile Looks<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re unhappy with the way your smile looks, you should also head to the dentist. No one should have to go through life feeling self-conscious. We should all be free to smile! This is why you should schedule an appointment and have an honest conversation with your dentist. Whether you\u2019re worried about stains, gaps, or crooked teeth, there\u2019s almost always something that can be done. You never know what your options might be until you open up about your concerns!<\/p>\n
9. You Can\u2019t Remember Your Last Appointment<\/h2>\n
If you can\u2019t tell by all of these reasons already, seeing your dentist regularly is absolutely crucial to your wellbeing. By going every six months, you\u2019re maximizing your chances of identifying any problems early rather than waiting until a serious issue arises to get help. If you can\u2019t remember the last time you went to a dentist, it\u2019s definitely time to get on the phone and book an appointment\u2014for the sake of your teeth, your mouth, and your overall quality of life!<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nTrust the Signs\u2014Schedule an Appointment with Swedish Dental<\/h2>\n
Have we convinced you why it\u2019s important to visit the dentist? If you\u2019re experiencing any of these tooth problems, it\u2019s time to book a dental appointment! Swedish Dental would love to take you on as a new patient or pick up where we left off if it\u2019s just been a while since you\u2019ve dropped by. We totally understand going to the dentist can be intimidating\u2014but we\u2019ll do our best to make it easy!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n