9 Weighty Reasons To Make an Appointment With Your Dentist You Shouldn’t Neglect

1. You experience gum bleeding

There is a common misconception that gum bleeding that occurs during tooth brushing can be deemed normal. But the reality is that healthy gums don’t bleed and gum bleeding is one of the most common causes of gum disease.

The other symptoms of gum disease include red and swollen gums, bad breath, toothache, gum recession, and loose teeth. If you have noticed at least some of the aforementioned symptoms, make an appointment with a periodontist. The doctor will examine your gums and perform an accurate gum disease treatment if needed.

2. You have bad breath

Even though bad breath can be caused by various factors, the most common cause of this condition is oral issues. Poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions that are caused by bacteria overgrowth can make your breath smelly. That’s why it is better to visit a dentist if you have bad breath.

3. You suffer from a toothache

If you have even had a toothache, then you probably know how annoying it can be. That’s why many people look for painkillers or home remedies to ease the pain. But the truth is that a toothache doesn’t usually occur on its own.

That’s why you need to treat the underlying cause of your pain to get rid of it. Due to the fact that many conditions (like tooth fracture, cavities, gum disease, etc.) can lead to a toothache, you need to visit a professional dentist for proper treatment.

4. You have an unpleasant taste in the mouth

An unpleasant taste in the mouth can occur because of respiratory infections, hormonal issues, gastrointestinal disease, and many other factors. However, some oral issues like dry mouth and dental abscess can also contribute to the unpleasant taste in the mouth. That’s why it is better to undergo a dental check-up to stay on the safe side.

5. You have tartar build-up

Tartar is a calcified deposit that develops between your teeth and near the gumline. It occurs when the dental plaque wasn’t removed and starts to harden. The point is that tartar build-up contributes to the overgrowth of bacteria. These bacteria cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral issues.

Fortunately, you can easily remove tartar build-up with the help of professional teeth cleaning. During the teeth cleaning procedure, your dental hygienist removes tartar and plaque from your oral cavity. Regular teeth cleaning (twice a year) can help keep your teeth clean and prevent oral issues.

6. You have cavities

Cavities (tooth decay) are holes that occur in the tooth enamel and can affect the entire tooth. Many people think that there is no need to treat tooth decay if it doesn’t cause any discomfort. But you should know that cavities that have reached the pulp can cause severe pain since the pulp contains nerve endings. That’s why it is better to treat cavities in the early stages.

7. You experience increased teeth sensitivity

Many people experience increased teeth sensitivity that manifests itself through severe pain in response to hot or cold foods, and drinks, sweets, cold air, and other irritants. This condition can occur when the tooth enamel becomes damaged or the roots of the tooth become exposed.

People with gum disease, tooth decay, fractured teeth, and thin tooth enamel often experience tooth sensitivity. That’s why it is essential to visit a dentist for treatment. Your dentist can also recommend special toothpaste and mouthwash for sensitive teeth.

8. You have white patches in your mouth

White or yellow patches on your tongue, inner cheeks, and palate can manifest the overgrowth of Candida fungi. This condition is called oral thrush. Other symptoms of oral thrush include :

- Bleeding bumps

- A cotton-like sensation in your mouth

- Cracked corners of your mouth

- Bad taste in the mouth

- Problems with swallowing

If you have noticed at least some of the aforementioned symptoms, ask your dentist about treatment options.

9. You have damaged dental restorations

It is important to understand that dental restorations can wear out over time even if you maintain proper oral care. For example, tooth fillings can fall off or dental crowns can detach from your teeth. The most common symptoms of damaged dental restorations include discomfort in the mouth, bad breath, and a toothache.

If you have noticed that your dental restorations become damaged, it is essential to visit a dentist and replace them as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can lead to bacteria overgrowth, toothache, and further damage to your teeth.

The bottom line

There are a lot of conditions that can affect your oral cavity. Some of them can develop asymptomatically, while others can cause severe symptoms. Regular dental check-ups can prevent the development of severe complications and improve your symptoms.