Dentist - Five Signs That You Need to See One

Just mentioning the word “dentist” is enough to make people squirm and fidget uncomfortably. Most people avoid dental checkups because they’re afraid of the potential torture their dentist might recommend for their next visit. Even though visiting the dentist might not always be the most pleasant experience, going in for regular checkups and when you suspect a problem can help save you money and pain later down the line. If left unchecked, certain health issues, even seemingly minor ones, can spiral and leave you with few teeth and high bills. Here are some early warning signs that indicate a preventative visit to your dentist is needed.

1. Bleeding gums
You may brush off a bit of bleeding as the result of a new toothbrush or another temporary anomaly. However, regular gum bleeding can signify much more serious problems such as gingivitis, infection, and even malnutrition. While some bleeding may occur if you begin a new flossing routine or switch to a harder bristled tooth brush, if you experience bleeding consistently it is often a sign of deeper problems. It’s important to have a dentists check to ensure that you’re in good health as improper gum care can lead to tooth loss.

2. Pain
Tooth pain can be debilitating and few over the counter medications can relieve the problem for more than a few hours. If you are experiencing chronic tooth pain, you may have sensitive teeth, bruxism, a cavity, or any other number of medical issues. If you have pain, especially if it is regular, confined to a specific area, and subsequently making your daily routine difficult, it is important to contact your dentist to identify the source and potential treatment options available.

3. Loose Teeth
It may sound shocking, but some people might find that their adult teeth become or feel loose within the sockets. This could be caused by a number of reasons, but a more common one is bruxism or teeth grinding. This is when a person clenches his jaw tightly and grinds his teeth against each other at night. Chronic grinding can cause a litany of problems including the loosening of teeth which may even have to be removed. Seeing a dentist early can help you prevent tooth loss.

4. Canker Sores
Most canker sores disappear on their own within a few days. However, if you have a persistent canker sore that goes on for longer, excessive pain, or develop a high temperature, you may have run into more serious problems. A dentist can help identify the reason and treatment options for prolonged canker sores.

5. Cavities
Many people get the occasional cavity, which is essentially just a tooth that has decayed. Many times you can’t even see the cavity as they can be small. If you do notice a visible cavity, or have severe pain when eating certain foods such as sugar, you’ll want to have it filled by a dentist immediately to prevent it from spreading further through the tooth and causing irreversible damage.