7 Indications That a Dental Appointment Is Necessary

A variety of factors might have an impact on the state of your teeth. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, practice appropriate dental hygiene, eat nutritious meals, drink enough water, and schedule routine dentist checkups.

Despite the fact that many people have oral health problems, they frequently put off or even refuse to undergo a dental exam. This might result in more acute symptoms and significant problems.

Here are the seven reasons why you should go to the dentist.

1. You have bad breath

Despite the fact that there are a number of causes for bad breath, dental issues and poor dental hygiene are among the most common. If you don't brush and floss your teeth properly, food particles and bacteria in your mouth might lead to an unpleasant odor.

Additionally, oral conditions including gingivitis, tooth decay, and dental abscess can contribute to a bad smell. So, make an appointment with a dentist for an evaluation and treatment if you notice that your breath starts to smell nasty.

2. You experience a toothache

Many individuals believe that toothaches only happen if you have decayed teeth or fractured teeth. These issues are undoubtedly among the most typical causes of toothaches, but they are not the only ones.

For instance, a tooth abscess, which develops when an infection causes a pus-filled sac to form, may also be quite painful. Swollen gums, sensitive teeth, foul smell, and an unpleasant aftertaste are further signs of a dental abscess.

It's crucial to realize that a dental abscess can result in potentially fatal consequences, so if you have any of these signs, you should see your dentist right away.

3. You have a cavity

A cavity, also known as tooth decay, or hole in the tooth occurs when acids (produced by bacteria) soften and wear away your dental enamel and other layers of the tooth.

Tooth decay may occur in its early stages with no symptoms other than a black area on the tooth's surface. If it worsens, you may have bad breath, more sensitive teeth, and toothaches.

If a cavity is not treated, it can grow and spread until it reaches the tooth's roots. In the worst-case situation, you may need to have the tooth extracted and replace it with a bridge or dental implant.

4. You have tartar build-up

If dental plaque is not sufficiently cleaned from the teeth, tartar, a hard calcified deposit, develops. Tartar not only makes your smile seem far worse, but it also increases your chance of developing oral infections. This is because the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum irritation occur during tartar development.

Gum disease may occur if the tartar buildup is not eliminated in a timely manner. A dental deep cleaning may be the best treatment option to choose.

5. You experience gum bleeding

Sometimes little gum bleeding is mistaken for being normal. In reality, though, healthy gums shouldn't bleed at all. Periodontitis may be the main cause behind your gums bleeding when you clean your teeth.

During the initial stage of this condition, you could experience gum redness and swelling, discomfort, and bad breath. If periodontitis is not immediately and effectively treated, it can result in loose teeth, gum pockets, and missing teeth.

6. You have an increased tooth sensitivity

Many different things might make your teeth sensitive. For instance, receding gums expose the tooth's roots, which can cause discomfort from a variety of irritants.

Your teeth may also become sensitive due to enamel deterioration. Brushing your teeth too aggressively, poor dental hygiene, increased consumption of acidic foods and beverages, bruxism, and eating disorders are some of the most typical causes of enamel loss.

Your teeth may also become sensitive if you have a dental abscess or tooth decay. To determine the precise reason for tooth sensitivity and receive the necessary treatment, it is thus preferable to speak with your dentist.

7. You have a knocked-out tooth

Visit your dentist right away if you think you may have a knocked-out tooth. The damaged tooth fragment may be put back in place by a dentist. The dentist will nevertheless inspect your mouth even though it is difficult since tiny pieces of a fractured tooth might become caught in soft tissues.

In order to be able to eat and speak normally, you would also need to address any damage that your knocked tooth may have endured. If the shattered piece is tiny, a dental filling may be applied. However, if the fracture is severe, you could need a dental crown.

The bottom line

It is crucial to realize that a dentist should diagnose and handle the majority of oral problems. There are many home therapies that can help reduce your symptoms, but they frequently don't address the underlying cause of your problem. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to schedule a dental checkup.