Think it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist? You’re not alone. According to the American Dental Association, the average American sees their dentist only once every three years. While that might be okay for some, others might be due for a trip to the dentist sooner than they think. How can you tell if you fall into the latter category? Check out these seven signs that indicate you might need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
You Have Sensitive Teeth
Do hot and cold drinks send shockwaves of pain through your teeth? You might have sensitive teeth. While this isn’t always a sign of major dental problems, it could indicate gum disease or tooth decay. Teeth sensitivity has various causes, so it’s best to talk to your dentist to find out what’s causing yours. If you’re worried about sensitivity, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can help determine the root cause of your problem and provide treatment options.
You Have Bad Breath that Won’t Quit
Sure, we all have moments where our breath isn’t relatively as fresh as we’d like it to be. But bad breath that lingers no matter how many times you brush your teeth or use mouthwash is something else entirely. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s time to see your dentist. Persistent bad breath can be caused by anything from gum disease to an abscessed tooth. The sooner you see your dentist, the sooner they can get to the bottom of your halitosis and help freshen up your breath.
You Spot Some Blood in the Sink after Brushing
If you look in the sink after brushing your teeth and spot a little pink in the mix, don’t worry—you probably just touched a little too hard. However, suppose you see blood in the sink regularly. In that case, it could be a sign of periodontal disease or gingivitis, which are serious dental problems that need to be treated immediately by a professional. So, if bleeding gums have become part of your daily dental routine, give your dentist a call at your earliest convenience.
You Have Gaps Between Your Teeth
Have gaps begun to form between some of your teeth? If so, this could indicate that you have gum disease—a severe bacterial infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue and destroys bone tissue if left untreated! However, some gaps are just due to how your teeth are shaped. If this is the case, your dentist might recommend getting braces to close the gaps. The good news is that braces these days are more comfortable and discreet than ever before. You can even get gold-plated braces if you want a luxurious look! You’ll definitely want to consult your dentist about the best way to deal with any gaps in your teeth.
You Notice White Spots on Your Teeth
Have you noticed any white spots on your teeth? While they might not look concerning at first glance, these spots could be an early sign of cavities forming. If caught early enough, cavities can usually be treated with a simple filling. But if left untreated, holes will only get worse. They could eventually lead to serious dental problems like tooth loss or infection. So, if you spot any white spots on your teeth, play it safe and schedule an appointment with your dentist pronto!
You Feel Pain When Chewing or Biting Down Hard
Do certain foods cause pain when you bite into them? Does chewing make your teeth hurt? If so, this could be a sign of tooth decay or an abscessed tooth—both of which require professional dental treatment immediately! Besides, pain can also be a sign of other dental problems, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and make an appointment with your dentist if you’re experiencing any type of dental discomfort.
Your Jaw Sometimes Pops or Cracks When You Open Your Mouth Wide
Does opening wide sometimes cause strange popping or cracking noises from your jaw? This could be due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), characterized by pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles surrounding it—yikes! If left untreated, TMD can lead to long-term damage to the joints, so make sure to see your dentist ASAP if this is something you’ve been experiencing!
Final thoughts
There are all sorts of reasons why seeing your dentist regularly is important—but sometimes life gets in the way, and we end up putting off those appointments until necessary (if we even make them at all!). Use this blog post as a reminder of some common signs that indicate it might finally be time to book that cleaning or checkup!). And remember: even though dentists can definitely help ensure optimal oral health, brushing and flossing twice daily (at least!) is still essential for keeping those pearly whites shining bright!
