Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Flavia Calina
It’s common knowledge that you should visit your dentist at least twice yearly to ensure your oral health is in good condition. But many people ignore their dental appointments until they’re in pain or need critical care.
Delaying professional dental care can seriously affect your oral health and overall well-being, whether it’s fear, busy schedules, or faith in an electronic toothbrush.
You Have Pain
You must visit your dentist at The Pampered Tooth every six months for a routine cleaning and check-up. But if you have severe dental issues that must be addressed immediately, don’t book an appointment before the last minute!
Persistent tooth pain may result from an infected or damaged tooth, especially when accompanying a chronic headache. The issue can also be caused by clenching or grinding your teeth, a jaw misalignment, or GERD and acid reflux effects on the teeth.
Another sure sign that you need to visit the dentist is a persistent bad taste in your mouth. This may indicate gum disease or other health issues like diabetes or cancer. It could also be a side effect of medication or hormonal changes in women.
You Have Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity can be painful when the underlying layer of your tooth, called dentin, becomes exposed. This can be caused by several factors, including gum recession (which tells your roots), aggressive whitening treatments, or excessive chewing and grinding of your teeth. Dentin has thousands of tiny tubules that lead directly to your nerves, causing pain when they come into contact with hot or cold foods and drinks.
Sometimes, this sensitivity can be relieved by changing your oral hygiene routine, brushing more frequently with soft-bristled toothbrushes, and using tartar-control toothpaste. However, the sensitivity may indicate a more severe issue, such as a cracked tooth or an infection. You should book a dentist service appointment immediately if this is the case.
You Have Bad Breath
Bad breath is embarrassing, but it’s often a sign of a severe problem. Most cases of bad breath (halitosis) result from poor oral hygiene, leaving food particles and bacteria on teeth and mouth. Flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash can help. But, if you continue to experience persistent bad breath even after following good oral health habits, you should visit your dentist.
Chronic bad breath may indicate a more serious health condition, such as gum disease, sinus infections, or diabetes. If your bad breath persists despite flossing, brushing regularly, and staying hydrated, you should talk to your dentist and primary care doctor. Together, they can figure out the cause of your bad breath and find a solution. This will include identifying any underlying medical conditions and taking steps to treat them.
You Have Sensitive Gums
Tooth sensitivity isn’t just painful; it can also indicate serious problems. According to Healthline, it means that the protective enamel on your teeth has worn down, exposing nerve endings. This can cause discomfort with hot or cold foods, sweets, acidic drinks, and touch.
Gum sensitivity can be caused by many things, including gum disease, poor oral hygiene habits, clenching and grinding teeth, and hormone changes (pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, etc). A dental service appointment is needed to assess your gums and determine the underlying issue. Usually, a treatment plan will include a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the gum line. This can help reduce sensitivity and other signs of a problem. You may also need a tooth filling or crown.
You Have Toothache
Pain in one or more of your teeth is never a good thing. It’s usually a sign of an underlying problem; depending on the severity. It could be anything from a cavity to an abscess.
A toothache that doesn’t go away should be treated as a dental emergency and booked immediately into your dentist service appointment. Leaving it will only exacerbate the issue and lead to even more severe problems, such as infection or tooth decay.
Take over-the-counter pain relief medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen while waiting for your dentist appointment. Also, check with your dentist to find out how long a routine cleaning and exam usually takes so you can plan accordingly. This will help you feel less rushed and anxious about the appointment. Read more exciting articles on Today World Info