If you are meticulous about regular dental checkups, you may have fewer teeth and gum concerns to deal with. Timely appointments with a proper oral hygiene routine can together keep your mouth healthy. Despite all that care, you may need a quick checkup between scheduled appointments for certain symptoms and conditions. In this post, we have enlisted a few reasons why you should see your general dentist in Denton, TX, without postponing.
- You are experiencing severe and frequent toothaches: Pain in one or more of your teeth could be an indicator of an underlying problem, such as deep cavities, infections, gum disease, or even a wisdom tooth. Sudden toothaches aren’t normal, and the sooner you check with a dentist, the faster you can get treated.
- You have swollen/bleeding gums: Inflammation, swelling, and bleeding are the first signs of early gum disease. Gingivitis is usually treatable, and your dentist may recommend getting procedures like scaling and root planing to get rid of plaque and tartar. Do not ignore gum issues because advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis, can lead to tooth loss.
- You are pregnant: Many women don’t realize that dental checkups are a part of their prenatal care. Because there are hormonal fluctuations, pregnant women are at an increased risk of gum disease and other concerns like cavities. As we mentioned, gingivitis can eventually cause periodontitis, which is related to many pregnancy-related issues, including low birth weight.
- You have pain in the jaw: Pain, locking, and stiffness of the jaw are often signs of temporomandibular disorders. Often known as TMJ disorder in common terms, these conditions affect the temporomandibular joint. TMJ pain can be particularly hard to deal with, as the discomfort may radiate to the rest of the face and neck. You may also experience symptoms like painful popping.
- You have halitosis: For the unversed, halitosis is the name for consistent bad breath. While it is common to experience bad breath once or twice, you have reasons to worry if your mouth smells odd despite brushing and flossing. Persistent bad breath could be an outcome of dry mouth, respiratory infections, bacterial growth, gum disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.
- You are unhappy about your smile: While this may not be an emergency, you don’t have to feel embarrassed about not having perfectly aligned teeth. Today, orthodontic care has advanced for adults, and you can find more discreet choices, like clear aligners, also called Invisalign. Talk to your dentist, and they will explain treatment options based on pros and cons. Before they recommend something, they will order X-rays and take dental impressions.
- Your dental crown/bridge came off: Restorative dental products, such as crowns and bridges, can come off at some point. None of these are permanent, and if one or more of your teeth were encased in crowns, you must talk to your dentist for replacement. Crowns and bridges often last a decade or more, and because these restorative devices help you chew and speak better, there is no reason to wait.
- You have extreme sensitivity: If you are having a hard time eating hot and cold foods and beverages, it could be a sign of cavities, gum disease, or tooth decay. Your dentist will identify the possible concern and suggest the right treatment plan. In many cases, sensitivity can be a result of worn-down enamel.
- You have suffered an injury: Any injury to one or more of your teeth, jaw, or gums should be checked by a dentist immediately. Besides the immediate pain and discomfort, you may have to endure long-term complications without treatment. You may need surgery or additional medications for quick healing, depending on the damage.
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