7 Common Reasons to See a Dentist
At the very least you should be spending some quality time with your dentist at least twice a year for prophylaxis dental cleanings, more commonly known as regular dental cleanings, to keep up healthy oral hygiene. That’s the best-case scenario. But as we all know, life sometimes throws us unexpected health issues and other dental concerns that may warrant an unplanned dental visit. In this blog post, we’ll highlight seven of the top reasons our patients come to see us outside of their bi-annual teeth cleanings.
1. You Find Yourself Hiding Your Smile
Everyone has their personal reasons for why they may be hiding behind a closed-lip smile. Maybe it’s a chipped or missing tooth? Or perhaps your teeth aren’t as pearly white as you wish they would be. Having a reliable cosmetic dentist can help give you back a smile that you’re truly proud of and confident in. You can even see some of the incredible cosmetic dentistry results from actual patients on our website here.
2. It Hurts to Eat (or Even Drink)
Sensitivity could be a tell-tale sign of a cavity brewing. Plus, eating and drinking should never be painful; they should be enjoyable. Pain when eating and drinking could also be a sign of tooth decay, gum disease, worn enamel, and a few other issues your dentist can help diagnose.
3. You’re Experiencing Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can often lead to headaches and ear pain and more severe damage if left untreated. It could be a sign you’re suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorder is caused by injury to the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and certainly warrants a visit to your dentist. Prescription-strength anti-inflammatories, Botox, warm compresses, or bite guards are often treatments needed for TMJ.
4. You Notice Spots and Sores in Your Mouth
Chances are if it doesn’t look right or feel right, it isn’t. If any sorts of spots last longer than a week, it’s a sign it’s time to see your dentist. The causes of mouth sores vary. They could simply be caused by braces, dentures, or another sharp edge from food. Or the root cause could be from a more serious issue such as an infection or virus. Head to your dentist to have them diagnosed.
5. Your Gums are Bleeding
Bleeding gums can often be a sign of gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque around the gums. Sometimes bleeding gums could just be from a toothbrush without soft bristles, just starting a flossing routine, or even from eating food that may have had a sharp edge. If the bleeding gets worse and you start having pain or discoloration on your gums, it should be addressed by your dentist.
6. You’re Suffering from Halitosis (bad breath)
Causes of bad breath can range from poor oral hygiene, smoking, or even digestive issues. Seeing your dentist can help you narrow down the causes and get you on a treatment plan that’s right for you.
7. You’re a Smoker or Tobacco User
Smoking and tobacco use increases the chances of many diseases and oral cancers. Getting screened regularly for oral cancer is a must for all patients, but is of increased importance for those using tobacco products.
See a Top Dentist in Miami, Florida
Thank you for reading our blog on seven common reasons to see a dentist! Preventative dental care will save your health (and your wallet) in the long run. So when you’re questioning if something looks right or feels strange, that may be the first indication that it’s a good time to pick up the phone and call your dentist to book an appointment. It’s always better to be proactive and be safe rather than sorry. We look forward to serving you for all your dental needs, now and in the future.
Sources
- Mouth Healthy – American Dental Association: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/top-reasons-to-visit-dentist
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/bleeding-gums-other-conditions
