Top 10 Signs You Should See a Dentist

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As you get older, going to the dentist on a regular basis gets more difficult. You may neglect routine dental exams if your schedule gets hectic due to work or personal circumstances.

The truth is that frequent brushing is insufficient to maintain optimal dental health. This is why getting your teeth and gums examined twice to three times a year is crucial. Even though they appear to be in good shape on the outside, your teeth may have minor problems that can go undiagnosed and progress with time.

Read on for the most common indications of dental problems that necessitate a visit to a dental specialist. 

1. You’re in pain

Pain is a typical sign that something with your teeth or gums is wrong. See your dental specialists to determine where in your mouth the discomfort is originating from and whether your gums are infected. The specialist will provide timely treatment to prevent the issue from progressing further.

2. You have sensitive gums 

You may notice that your gums are acting up when brushing or flossing - they may be puffy, irritated, or even pour blood. Let your dentist check your symptoms and determine the root cause. It may just be that you are brushing too aggressively, or the issue may stem from something more serious like gum disease.

3. Your smile makes you self-conscious

You're probably embarrassed by how your teeth look if you're no longer at ease smiling or eating in public. Whether you have discolored teeth or lost some of your teeth, your dentist can offer a plethora of options to address your problem.

4. You have a chronic medical condition 

People who have persistent medical conditions may be more susceptible to developing oral infections and abscessed teeth. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, and HIV are a few of these ailments.

5. You're expecting a baby 

Visits to the dentist while pregnant are totally safe and are very important. Your body is experiencing serious hormonal changes at this time, which may have an impact on your teeth and gums.

6. You have trouble chewing and swallowing 

If eating causes discomfort, some of your teeth or gums may be infected and inflamed. Till you can make an appointment with your dentist to address your symptoms, try staying away from chewy and crunchy foods.

7. You have persistent dry mouth 

Persistent dryness in your mouth may be a sign of another more serious medical condition. Bad breath can also result from a dry mouth. Go to a doctor to find out the cause of this problem and receive timely treatment.

8. You’re a smoker 

Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco is bad for your teeth and overall well-being. Smokers are more likely to develop oral infections and suffer broken teeth as their enamel is at greater risk of decay.

9. Your jaw hurts 

Those with dental issues such as bite abnormalities may experience discomfort when opening and closing the jaw. This may occur when you initially wake up, eat, yawn, or chew. If this happens frequently, you should really consider seeing a dental specialist and look into the available treatment options.

10. There are spots and sores inside your mouth 

Strange-looking patches and sores within the mouth are signs that something is wrong with your health. Mouth sores that persist for more than a week may be symptoms of an infection or illness. If you're dealing with such symptoms, let your dentist access them and find the most effective treatment option. 

The bottom line 

Don't put off visiting the dentist until the symptoms become more severe. Ignoring warning signals can only lead to more issues that will be more difficult and costly to address.