For most people, preventative dental care usually means seeing their dentist at least twice yearly. However, you may also require treatment in between. Here are a few factors and warning flags that might help you determine when you need to arrange an appointment with a dental specialist:
1. Dental pain
The main reason folks see the dentist between scheduled appointments is pain. Gum pain, jaw discomfort, and toothaches are all examples of such symptoms. Additionally, the discomfort might be anything from a dull ache to a throbbing or stabbing ache. While you may simply have increased sensitivity to cold or sweet foods, all of these kinds of pain or discomfort call for a dental evaluation.
Pain in your mouth may be a sign of decay or an oral infection. For example, gum soreness might be brought on by gum disease, and toothaches often result from decay. But some experience such symptoms without developing gum or enamel conditions. For instance, bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding, can result in morning pain in the jaw and teeth. Your dentist can help resolve the problem by creating a unique nightguard for you to wear at night.
Dental pain is not something you have to put up with, and it usually does not subside with time. Ignoring the symptoms frequently causes them to worsen and warrants more invasive treatment options. Schedule an appointment to get the underlying reason treated. as soon as you develop pain in your teeth or gums.
2. Persistent dry mouth
A dry mouth can be caused by a genetic condition or a side effect of some drugs. As saliva assists in the removal of dangerous oral bacteria and food debris from your mouth, cavities and other dental problems are more likely in those who have a dry mouth. Hence, if you have this problem, you may need more frequent dental appointments to monitor the condition of your teeth and gums.
3. Loose or shifting teeth
Your permanent teeth should not shift their positions in the mouth. However, if you notice that your teeth are becoming loose or crowded, periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, could be to blame for this. Without proper treatment, you risk eventually losing your teeth. A periodontal cleaning and evaluation of your gum line at a dental appointment can stop the condition's progression and help your gums heal.
4. Pregnancy
Hormonal fluctuations in pregnant women may have an effect on the health of their teeth and gums. Gum disease, decay, and benign oral tumors are more probable during pregnancy. Visiting a dentist more often while expecting a baby is crucial to avoid these problems and to address them if they do occur.
5. Gum recession
Early signs of gum disease may include red, puffy, or receding gums. Gum recession, however, happens to certain people as a natural aspect of aging. You can only determine which kind you have after seeing the dentist. Regular cleanings or more thorough periodontal cleanings can slow the progression of gum disease before it results in missing teeth.
6. Bleeding gums
It's certainly a problem if your gums bleed after your brush or floss your teeth. If you find blood on your toothbrush or sink, you may have early gum disease and should seek medical attention.
7. Mouth sores
Minor dental injuries may sometimes lead to sores that persist for up to two weeks. However, you should see a dentist if you develop a bump or other sore in your mouth that doesn't subside. Bumps on your gum line may occasionally signal a root canal. You can also have additional problems that require dental treatment. Your mouth sore's the underlying cause, and the appropriate course of treatment can only be determined by a dentist.
