With untreated tooth decay affecting almost half of the world’s population, it’s not uncommon for people to suffer from oral health problems.
Yet people are still nervous about visiting a dentist, or even embarrassed that they have a problem.
Although preventative care is important, many things can happen where it’s essential that you see a dentist rather than try to take care of the problem yourself. Don’t be nervous or embarrassed about a trip that everyone makes sooner or later.
Read on to find out the signs that an appointment is necessary.
- Toothache One classic sign you might need a trip to the dentist’s office is a toothache.
The severity can vary. Perhaps it’s so bad you need an emergency dentist to take a look right away, or maybe it’s a dull ache that’s begun to grow.
Regardless of how extreme the pain is, it’s better to get it checked out and time to schedule that appointment. - Bad Breath Although bad breath can be a temporary issue from something you’ve recently eaten, it can also be a sign of something more serious.
Bad breath is often caused by decay at the back of the mouth or a build-up of plaque around the teeth that only a dentist will now be able to remove. - Bleeding Gums If you’re wondering how often to see a dentist, bleeding gums is a sure sign that it needs to be a little more often than you currently are.
Bleeding gums are rarely serious, but they are a sign of a build-up of plaque that needs to be cleaned. They’re also a sign that you need to floss or brush more or that you might need professional cleanings more often. - Cracked or Chipped Tooth If you crack or chip your tooth, you may need a filling or even a dental implant. It’s important to see a dentist right away after this happens, as there can be more damage you aren’t even aware of.
- Jaw Pain You might wonder when to see a dentist for jaw pain – isn’t that a doctor’s issue? But if your jaw pain is around the time when your wisdom teeth might be emerging, it actually might be a problem for your dentist to solve!
Most wisdom teeth emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. If you find you have jaw pain around this time, it could be due to them. - Sensitive Teeth Sensitive teeth can be an issue for anyone, and some people’s teeth are just naturally sensitive.
However, if you suddenly notice sensitivity that’s never been there before, it could be because of decay. It’s best to get it looked at so the dentist can fix what is going on or reassure you that nothing is.
VISIT A DENTIST IF IN ANY DOUBT!
Whether you need a general dentist for yourself or a pediatric dentist for your child, it’s time to go if you’re having any issues whatsoever.
If you’ve found yourself Googling “dentist near me” in the Niagra Falls area, here at Lundy’s Lane Dental Office we can provide many services, from emergency appointments to dental implants. Contact our dental clinic for an appointment today!