When do you Need to See your Dentist?

A demanding job, a busy university schedule, children – many things can make oral health a second priority sometimes. Until a painful symptom reminds you that you need to get a checkup. It’s easy and convenient to put off minor dental issues until you get a free schedule. But the warning signs should not be taken lightly. This is especially true if you have other health conditions like diabetes [1]. Find out more about the relationship between oral health and overall health. By detecting issues early on, you’ll save yourself valuable time and money.

| Signs indicating a need for dental checkup | Top 5 ways to keep your mouth healthy | Conclusion | References |

Signs indicating a need for dental checkup

How do you know when it’s time to see your dentist? Let’s take a look at the following signs:

Bad breath 

We all experience some degree of bad breath throughout our lives. To deal with bad breath on a regular basis, you can use chewing gums, lozenges, and sprays to freshen the breath. You can check the healthy mouth products here > . However, it is crucial to visit the dentist when it gets pronounced. Strong odour indicates an underlying issue which must be diagnosed in time. The most common causes of bad breath are:

• dry mouth
• poor diet
• smoking
• poor oral hygiene
• infection of gum or teeth

If you want a quick solution, check out Bad Breath and what to do about it on our website.

Bleeding after brushing, flossing/interdental brushing

It is not normal to have blood on your toothbrush or sink. It could mean you are developing a gum disease. When left untreated, gum disease can cause bone loss around teeth and eventually tooth loss. Some signs of gum disease are:

• Red, swollen gums
• Discharge between teeth and gums

Dry mouth 

In a healthy mouth, saliva performs its main function of lubrication. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes the acids produced by bacteria. Dry mouth can be caused by illness, withdrawal from antibiotics, dry environments, air conditioning, or long flights. For short-term dry mouth issues, using Dry Mouth Lozenges can be helpful. However, if dry mouth is a long-term problem, it could be a symptom of an illness and it is advisable to consult a specialist to restore saliva production [2].

Toothache 

Toothache is the most obvious sign to visit your dentist. But it is the most ignored symptom as well. Extreme sharp pains could be a cavity or a broken tooth. Pain and sensitivity can be caused by damaged filling or grinding your teeth. You need to treat the underlying problem to help avoid future problems. Your dentist can determine this problem.

Tooth discoloration

It is common that our teeth may become yellow over time. This is due to the consumption of teeth-staining drinks and foods like coffee, tea, and wine. However, if you notice the teeth’ color changes from yellow to brown or grey, it needs attention. It could be an indication that the pulp inside the tooth has begun to decay. This is a sign of an infection. Ignoring this sign could be fatal. 

Pregnancy 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the gums more susceptible to plaque and inflammation [3]. Pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition. These problems can be avoided with a visit to your dentist.

Increased sensitivity to hot and cold

A change in the way your teeth react to hot and cold indicates a more advanced problem. It is more than a minor inconvenience. Sensitivity could be a sign of a different problem such as, teeth grinding or fractured teeth. If you identify the problem, you will have no issues in the long run.

Loose or shifting teeth

Adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime. You need to take slight movement and gaps seriously. It could be a sign of bone loss or infection. You should also look out for changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. 

Sores 

Common canker sores will clear up in one or two weeks on their own. However other persisting oral lesions need to be treated. Candidiasis is a fungal infection that is a white sore on the tongue or roof of the mouth. Individuals with diabetes are more prone to this infection. It can be treated with medications.

Jaw or head pains

It is to be noted that jaw problems can also cause headaches [4].  Headaches could be due to clenching and grinding of teeth. It could also be due to misalignment of teeth and jaw. Your dentist will help you identify the problem. 

It’s been more than six months since your last visit 

If you have not visited your dentist in the last six months, you need to schedule a visit. Regular cleanings remove stains and plaque. Brushing is not enough for these cleanings. By cleaning plaques and stains, the dentist helps to prevent gum disease and decay. And you will have better-looking teeth!

Top 5 ways to keep your mouth healthy

You need to receive regular checkups, even when you are not experiencing any signs or symptoms. You need to take good care of your teeth at home:

1. Brush at least twice a day.
2. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
3. Floss/ use an interdental brush once a day between your teeth and below the gum line.
4. Ask your dentist if you should use a fluoride mouth rinse.
5. If you wear dentures, clean them every day. Take dentures out when you sleep to keep your gums healthy.
6. Use healthy chewing gum for good oral health. You can learn more about the surprising benefits of chewing gum on oral health on our website.

Conclusion 

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. You can prevent potential dental problems from getting worse. You can also ensure early detection of any issues. This preventive approach can help you avoid more costly dental treatments in the long run. It benefits your overall well-being. You need to make sure to prioritize regular dental check-ups as a part of your health care routine. 

References

[1] Why Patients Visit Dentists- A Study in all WHO regions- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S153233822030107X

[2] A review of risks and relationships between oral health and chronic diseases – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0027968424000087

[3] Pregnancy and oral health – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002817721000179

[4] TMJ pain and headache- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780323950824000323