When is it Time to Visit Your Family Dentist?

Just about everyone is aware that they should be visiting the dentist every six months even when they aren’t experiencing any issues. This is because it’s a chance for their dentist to discover any oral problems early on so that they don’t have to grow in severity before they’re addressed. Dental checkups are a form of preventive care to keep your teeth in good shape throughout your lifetime.

Despite the many benefits that one can get from visiting a dentist regularly, many fail to do so. In fact, some of us consciously delay dental appointments, believing that since our teeth don’t hurt, they must be fine. It’s best to be cognizant of dental problem warning signs as doing so can make a great deal of difference in your overall oral health.

Aside from your biannual visits, here are three times when you should be visiting your family dentist:

When you are experiencing aching teeth or gums

When you are starting to experience toothache and gum pain, it’s time to visit your family dentist. Pain in the gums or teeth indicate the following:

• Tooth Sensitivity: This can also be referred to as dentin hypersensitivity and root sensitivity. This tooth sensitivity can be caused by tooth whitening products containing harsh agents as well as constant intake of sugary and acidic foods or drinks. Gum recession is another factor that is quite typical among older people.

• Tooth Decay: This is another reason you may be experiencing pain in your teeth or gums. Tooth decay is caused by indulging too much in sweets and acidic cravings. Not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly can lead to tooth decay as well. This is because the plaque buildup attracts bacteria, which can wear off your tooth enamel over time.

• Bruxism: This is the result of excess stress, crooked teeth, and bad jaw alignment. When one suffers from bruxism, there are often no signs of decay or disease at all. The only symptom is typically pain. If this sounds familiar, perhaps the grinding of your teeth is the root cause of your dental problems.

When you have damaged teeth

If you have damaged teeth—whether they’re crooked or chipped—then it’s time to visit your family dentist. When left untreated, damaged teeth can further deteriorate and become severely infected. Not only do damaged teeth look unsightly in appearance, but they can also cost you your overall oral health. Visiting your dentist will assess the severity of your dental problems and allow a professional to recommend appropriate oral treatments such as fillings, bondings, dental implants, dental caps, and more.

When you have bleeding gums

If your gums are swollen and constantly bleeding, it’s time to visit your family dentist. These symptoms indicate gum disease at different stages. You may be at one of the following phases of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. This can be caused by the buildup of the remaining plaque. Germs and bacteria slowly destroy and attack the healthy tissues around your teeth. As a result, your gums bleed.

• Periodontitis: The second stage is periodontitis. This occurs when plaque turns into hardened tartar. This can form pockets below the gum line, allowing for more bacteria to grow and cause further damage.

At this point, you may have learned the signs that indicate you finally need to visit your family dentist. As with any case, immediately acting on certain problems is the best way to go before they’re too late. When you start to experience the signs mentioned above, never take them for granted. Visit your family dentist now and get yourself treated as soon as possible!

If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with your dental care, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!