Dentist appointments should not be skipped. These 12 reasons are further examples of why it may be time to see a dentist soon.
Reasons to visit a dentist right away
- Pain or swelling
- Gums are puffy or bleeding
- You\’re hiding your smile
- You\’ve recently had work done
- Ongoing medical issues
- You are pregnant
- Trouble eating
- Dry mouth
- Tobacco use
- Jaw pain
- Spots or sores
- Annual check-up time
Pain or swelling
If you are suffering from pain or swelling, there is no reason to put off that visit that may be scheduled for a month or longer away. Make that visit right away. Toothaches, swelling, and pain are all symptoms of issues that you should have treated right away. The sooner the better. You can end that pain and also improve your long-term health.
Related: Causes of toothaches
Gums are puffy or bleeding
If your gums are puffy or bleeding when you brush, it\’s time to visit the dentist. These are signs of gum disease and the sooner you can have it treated the sooner you can stop the damage. It can\’t always be reversed but you can keep it from causing more serious damage.
Related: What are the types of gum disease
You\’re hiding your smile
If you are hiding your smile, that\’s a sure sign that it\’s time to get some work done to address the issue. Don\’t hide your smile, get it fixed and start feeling great again.
You\’ve recently had work done
If you have recently had fillings, crowns, dental implants or dentures, you need to follow up with your dentist as recommended for a follow up so they can make sure everything has worked out the way it should.
Ongoing medical issues
Your dental health can tie in with your overall health and each may influence each other. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or an eating disorder, or undergoing medical treatments, you should make sure your dentist is a partner in your treatment and health. Symptoms of other health issues can show in your mouth or your gums could point to other potential health issues.
You are pregnant
If you weren\’t sure, it IS safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. It is recommended you do so because pregnancy can make some dental issues worse. Make sure you schedule an appointment so that you will have one less thing to worry about.
Trouble eating
If you are having trouble eating or drinking, do yourself a favor and schedule an appointment with your dentist. Stop living with discomfort and don\’t take a chance that you\’ll make your issues worse by waiting.
Dry mouth
Sometimes dry mouth can be a symptom of another medical issue. It can also be a side effect of medications you are taking. Check with your dentist and get to the cause of this so you can find a solution.
Related: What causes dry mouth?
Tobacco use
Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can affect your dental and physical health. If you are a regular tobacco user, you should have an oral cancer screening in Plano to check for any early signs or oral cancer so it can be addressed as soon as possible.
Jaw pain
It is time to visit the dentist if you are having jaw pain or popping when you are opening and closing your mouth, waking up in the morning or chewing. These could be symptoms of TMJ and your dentist can help you find a TMJ treatment in Plano that can work for you and ease your TMJ pain. Another reason to schedule an appointment could be an uneven bite.
Related: TMJ headache treatment
Spots or sores
If you notice a spot or a sore in your mouth that isn\’t normally there and it lasts for a week or longer, you should see your dentist about it. Different types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis. These can all vary in their seriousness and have different causes. Mouth sores can be the symptom of a disease or disorder. They can also be an infection from bacteria, a virus or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling.
Annual check-up time
Have you had your annual dental check-up in Plano, TX? We sure hope so! It\’s simple to schedule and will help keep your mouth healthy and contributes to your overall physical health.