Most people know they should see a dentist at least once yearly for a routine cleaning and checkup. But what if you’re unsure whether you need to go for a checkup? After all, dental appointments can be expensive, and no one wants to waste their time (and money) if they don’t have to. Here are a few signs that it might be time for you to schedule a dental appointment.
Your Teeth Look Different
If your teeth look different than they used to—for instance, if they’ve become yellow or stained—it could indicate that it’s time for a professional cleaning. At-home teeth whitening kits can only do so much; if your teeth are badly stained, you’ll need to see a dentist to return them to their original whiteness. In addition, if you notice that your gums look red and inflamed, it could indicate gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. A dental appointment is the best way to determine whether you have gingivitis and, if so, treat it.
You Have Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away
If you have bad breath that won’t go away, it’s time to visit your dentist’s office. While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath, other potential reasons exist. For example, gum disease, cavities, and dry mouth can all lead to bad breath. If you’re not sure what’s causing your bad breath, your dentist can help. They will thoroughly examine your mouth and may also recommend a course of treatment.
In most cases, bad breath can be treated with a simple dental cleaning. However, more severe conditions may require additional treatment. So if you’re struggling with bad breath, make an appointment with your dentist today.
Your Teeth Feel Sensitive or Sore
Dental pain can have many causes, from a small cavity to an abscessed tooth. If you’re experiencing dental pain, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause and get treatment. Untreated dental problems can lead to more severe issues, such as infection, damage to the jawbone, and even heart disease.
There are two main types of dental pain: dull, constant, and sharp, shooting pain. Dull pain is often a sign of gum disease or an infected tooth, while sharp pain is usually caused by a cavity or crack in the tooth. If you’re unsure what’s causing your pain, see a dentist for an evaluation.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do at home to help ease your dental pain. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times daily to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help ease the discomfort. However, don’t put off seeing a dentist – dental pain is a sign that something is wrong and needs to be fixed.
You Have Visible Plaque or Tartar Buildup
Many people only visit the dentist when experiencing pain or another dental problem. However, it is vital to see a dentist even if you are not experiencing any pain. This is because plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed, it will turn into tartar, which is much harder to remove. Both plaque and tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning. Therefore, if you have visible plaque or tartar on your teeth, it is time to visit the dentist.
You Notice Pain When You Bite or Chew
If you feel pain when you bite down on food or chew, it could mean that one or more of your teeth has been weakened by decay, which is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. When plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into calculus (tartar). Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to cavities, tooth loss, and other serious health problems. The last thing you want is to find yourself in pain due to tooth decay, so if you notice any discomfort when you bite or chew, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Final thoughts
Most people know that they should visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. But what if you’re not sure whether it’s time for another appointment? Look out for these three signs: changes in the appearance of your teeth, persistent bad breath, and sensitivity or pain in your teeth. If you notice any of these changes, it’s probably time to schedule another dental appointment!
