12 Reasons to Visit the Dentist Right Away

In this post, we review a list of 12 reasons to visit your dentist right away instead of waiting for your next annual appointment.

We hope that you are keeping up the habit of visiting your dentist at least once a year for an annual check-up.

There are so many dental problems that can be prevented by finding them early, especially serious issues like gum disease and oral cancer that can be treated if discovered as soon as possible.

In case you find your self wondering if it is necessary to see a dentist now or wait till your annual exam, here is a list of signs that we think should cause you to visit the dentist right away.

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.

David Wilhite is a Plano, Texas Dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry with over 30 years experience in general and pediatric dentistry.

Let us help you create a beautiful smile!

Contact us online or call (972) 964-3774