3 Signs You Might Need to Visit the Dentist

Going to the dentist is not something many people like to do. Sometimes, people will even put off their worst oral issues just to avoid going for a visit. However, if you have an issue with your teeth, gums, or mouth overall, you need to face your fears and get into the office.

Fortunately, there may be oral issues you don’t necessarily need to see the family dentist for. For example, if your child has a loose tooth or if you have a canker sore, those are things that don’t necessarily require an office visit. However, there are some things that do require dental attention.

First, If you experience tooth pain for an extended period of time, you should probably make an appointment to get into the office. Tooth pain could really be nothing serious, but it’s always a good idea to take the time to get it checked out. Something could be wrong with the tooth itself or your gums, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Swollen and inflamed gums are also a good indicator that you should make an appointment. Inflamed gums typically mean that plaque has accumulated and hardened underneath your gum line. It can also be a sign that you have periodontitis, which could lead to tooth loss if it isn’t treated properly or early enough. An estimated 47.2% of adults 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease, so although it might seem difficult to contact your doctor about something like this, know you’re not alone. More than likely your dentist will prescribe to you a plaque and tartar removing toothpaste.

If you notice any white spots on your teeth, that could be a sign of early dental decay. Dental decay means that you’re enamel is starting to dissolve, and that’s not good. If you’ve gone to the dentist before, you probably already understand how important enamel is to your teeth. Sometimes, tooth decay can go unnoticed with no major symptoms that you would be able to identify yourself. A dentist would be able to tell that tooth decay was happening, even in the early stages.

Ultimately, you should really visit the dentist once every six months for a check-up. This ensures you that you will have healthy teeth for a long time.