Do you cringe when it’s time to visit the dentist? Well, let’s face it, visiting your dentist’s office isn’t a place you would usually want to go unless you either needed a checkup or had a dental emergency. The truth is, your dentist wants to make sure you have healthy teeth so you don’t suffer unnecessary problems.
Sadly, many people assume that any new or sudden dental problems like pain or wobbling teeth are temporary issues that “go away by themselves.” Of course, that’s seldom the case, and such problems will only get worse over time.
You’re likely reading this blog post today because you have some dental concerns and aren’t sure whether you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. With that in mind, here are some signs that you need to get your teeth checked sooner rather than later:
1. Your Gums Bleed Whenever You Eat or Brush
Have you noticed that you have blood in your mouth whenever you brush your teeth? Or, have you spotted how the things you eat always seem to have blood on them after you take a bite?
There can be many reasons why your gums are bleeding. For example, you might be brushing your teeth too hard or using the wrong type of toothbrush. Or, you may be exhibiting the signs of periodontal (gum) disease.
2. Your Dental Crowns Are Causing Problems
Do you have dental crowns in your mouth? If so, are they causing you problems like discomfort, sensitivity, or even a visible dark line on your crowned teeth by your gum line? In those cases, you’ll need to get the problem addressed as a priority.
In the meantime, take a look at this web page over at Sleep Dentistry Defined to learn more about how you should be caring for your dental crowns. That’s because some people with dental crowns find the issues they experience are due to poor dental crown care.
3. You Always Have Bad Breath, Warning that It’s Time to Visit the Dentist
One of the telltale signs that you have a consistent bad breath problem is when you need to consume chewing gum to mask the odors from your mouth. The truth is, your bad breath problem might be down to gum disease.
But, it could be due to medical conditions like tonsillitis or acid reflux or lifestyle factors such as spicy foods or smoking. In any case, it makes sense to have your dentist diagnose the source of the problem and help you resolve it.
4. You Experience Pain When You Chew
Astonishingly, some people assume that experiencing pain when you chew is part of the aging process! Of course, that’s not the case at all, and you should always have a dentist check your mouth if that happens to you.
That’s because you might be exhibiting the signs of bruxism (teeth grinding while you sleep) or another problem, such as a temporomandibular joint issue.
5. You Have a Mouth Sore That Won’t Go Away
Lastly, many people have sores in their mouths, and they tend to resolve themselves after a few days. However, if your mouth sore is still there after a few weeks, for example, it’s time to get it checked by your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.