It’s simple to know the signs that you need a dental visit. Oral health is very important and should be a top priority to maintain. If not properly maintained, your dental health can be compromised and you could be at risk for serious and life-altering conditions. The health of your teeth affects your mood, hormone levels, overall health, and your outward appearance. Visiting Taylor Cosmetic Dentistry will help you look and feel your best. Here are a few signs to know if you should make an appointment today.
Bleeding Or Inflamed Gums Call For A Check-Up
Bleeding gums is never a good sign. In fact, bleeding gums are an important sign of gingivitis, which is more commonly known as gum disease. While gum disease is preventable by following a consistent dental health routine, it is important to seek advice and further care from your dentist to know if it has progressed to the point of needing more serious or consistent attention.
Your Dentist Can Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is very serious and can occur in anyone at any age, from infants to the elderly. Tooth Decay is when the enamel on your teeth begins to wear down and form what we know as a cavity. Tooth Decay needs to be treated immediately, or it can cause serious pain, infection, and eventual tooth loss. Visiting the dentist as soon as possible to take care of your cavities can prevent further pain and illness.
Your Sensitive Teeth Can Be Treated By A Dentist
If it hurts to bite into an apple or drink hot beverages, your problem might be more than just what you thought was naturally sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be developed a number of ways. Some include brushing your teeth too hard, drinking or eating foods that are highly acidic, grinding your teeth in your sleep, or a weak filling. Your dentist will gauge what level your pain is, and what is the root cause.
Toothaches Mean Your Mouth Needs You To Listen
Sometimes what we think is just a random headache can actually be a toothache. Toothaches are caused by many things, such as a new tooth trying to break through the gum, a crack or fracture in the tooth, grinding your teeth, and even a sinus infection. Toothaches can be treated much more effectively by your dentist than at home. Immediately contact your dentist if the pain lasts for more than two days, you cannot breathe or swallow, or you develop a fever.
Swelling In Your Jaw Is A Strong Sign To Talk to Your Dentist
If your jaw begins swelling, this is not a good sign. In fact, it’s a terrible sign. Swelling in your jaw is a large symptom of what is called a tooth abscess, where bacteria builds and creates a space in the tooth filled with pus. Tooth abscesses can often be saved by a root canal, but sometimes must be pulled. Your dentist will make the decision between the root canal or pulling the tooth. You should schedule an appointment immediately after discovering the swelling.
A Strange Taste in Your Mouth Can Go South
Having a strange taste in your mouth is a sign that your dental hygiene is lacking. This taste could be from bitter to salty to metallic and could be a result of an impaired sense of taste. This can develop from illnesses like a cold or the flu, inflammation or other factors. Not being able to taste food the way you used to could be a life-altering situation, and would best be treated by your dentist.
Your Dentist Can Help With Bad Breath
Figuring out the cause of your frequent bad breath can be easy with the help of a dental professional. Maybe it is more than your love of onions or other smelly foods, or that you sometimes forget to brush in the morning. Having good brushing and flossing habits is essential to keep up oral health. Lacking in either department means less protection for your teeth, causing them to be prone to more infection. It also means food can become lodged between your teeth and therefore present a more pungent odor in your mouth. Visit your dentist to create a better oral hygiene plan and check for more serious causes.
Large or Long-lasting Canker Sores Can Be A Sign You Need Dental Help
Sometimes cankers come, and go just as quickly as they came. However, if you have a canker sore that has lasted more than two weeks or is abnormally large in size, it could be time for you to seek help from your dentist. They can take up to six weeks to heal and leave major scarring. If you are worried about the consistency and size of your cankers, seek further dental help.
Chipped or Damaged Teeth Need To Mend By a Skilled Hand
A chipped or damaged tooth could be the product of grinding your teeth in your sleep. This is a very common, yet serious condition that requires further care. If the problem continues it could cause permanent damage to your teeth. This can also increase your teeth sensitivity, wear down the enamel, or pain that feels similar to an earache. Consulting with your dentist about the severity of this problem will help prevent further damage to your teeth.
A Fever Could Be A Symptom of Dental Need
A suddenly developed fever could be a sign that your tooth is infected, or that you need dental work done. Having a fever out of the blue is usually something that can lead to a greater illness and needs to be treated by a dentist immediately. A fever can also be a sign that your previous dental work could have been done ineffectively. Call your dentist today to schedule an appointment.
Going to the dentist can be a positive experience, and is necessary to keep up your health. If any of these ten signs describe you, schedule an appointment with Taylor Cosmetic Dentistry today so you can keep that beautiful smile sparkling and healthy.
