It’s common knowledge that everyone should go get a regular dental checkup/cleaning twice a year. A lot of people find it hard to stick to that regime and of course, we all miss one or two visits here and there, but it is very important to see a dentist every six months.
Not only do regular visits to the dentist give your teeth a deep clean, but it allows your dentist to be informed and on top of your oral health. Each visit also involves an oral screening that checks for more serious issues. This makes seeing your dentist regularly an essential part of your health care routine. Let’s look at some other signs that it might be time to schedule a dentist appointment.
Inflamed or sore gums
Milder forms of gum disease can be treated and corrected if caught early enough by your dentist. These less severe gum disease issues can be resolved at home with help and regular dental visits. When not treated right away or correctly, gum disease can become more serious and will need much more care from your dentist as well as cause you much more teeth issues like plaque, infection, and a buildup of bacteria. These issues can all lead to irreversible gum disease, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss, so make sure to get your gums looked at if they seem red, swollen, bloody, or inflamed.
Toothache/pain
Tooth pain is not something to ignore, as it could mean one of many things such as abscesses, root exposure, cavities, a broken tooth, damaged fillings, or even evidence of teeth grinding. Your dentist will be able to determine where and why you are having the pain or sensitivity and fix it so you don’t have to be uncomfortable. Many times toothaches can inhibit our eating patterns and even speech. Getting this looked at by your dentist right away will save you time, money and help make sure your issue doesn’t get worse.
Bad Taste/Dry Mouth
A bad odor or persistent bad taste in the mouth can be a sign of a more serious issue, like an infection. Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth or bacteria. Chronic dry mouth can lead to gum disease as well. No matter if you just need a new mouthwash or maybe some help with your gum disease, your dentist will be able to tell you why you have these issues and how to treat them quickly.
Sensitivity
Many times when you are experiencing tooth sensitivity to either hot or cold foods/liquids, it can mean you have a cavity. It could also just mean you have normal teeth sensitivity and your dentist can give or recommend a toothpaste to use to help protect your teeth so your sensitivity doesn’t become an ongoing nuisance.
White spots on teeth or gums
It’s always good to catch dental issues early, so if you see white spots on your teeth, make sure to make an appointment with your dentist because these are the first signs of tooth decay, infection, vitamin deficiency, or trauma to the tooth.
If you see white spots on your gums, it could mean you have an infection, a canker sore, oral thrush, or more serious issues. It’s always recommended to go in for a checkup as soon as possible if you find spots on your tooth or gums.
Bleeding after brushing or flossing
Gingivitis or periodontal disease is an infection in the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Without treatment, this disease can destroy the bone that supports your teeth and this can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out. Warning signs include swollen/puffy gums, bad breath, receding gums, and gums that bleed when you brush or floss. If you are experiencing any of these issues, see your dentist immediately for treatment.
Tips for healthy teeth between checkups:
- Brush twice daily for two minutes each time
- Floss daily
- Do not smoke
- Limit carbonated and sugary drinks
- See a dentist every 6 months
Is your calendar telling you it’s time to pay a visit to the dentist?
At Mountain and Sea Dental, we provide a thorough, compassionate, and friendly experience every time you visit. Our office is equipped to handle any type of visit, whether you need a checkup, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, or sedation dentistry procedures, our staff is ready to listen and treat any need your oral health requires.
We’re ready to make your smile healthy and bright, so give us a call today to schedule an appointment. We even have a dedicated text message line for more immediate concerns. We proudly serve the Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Goleta areas! We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you smile after your visit!