According to the American Dental Association, it is important to visit your dentist at least once every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. However, there are certain cases in which it may be in the best interest of your oral health to visit your dentist before the six-month mark. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, this may be your mouth’s way of telling you to visit the dentist sooner.
1. When your teeth are sensitive to extreme temperatures…
Hypersensitivity is a tough symptom to ignore, as it can make it quite painful to eat both hot and cold foods and beverages. This can be a sign of a number of oral health issues. For starters, dental sensitivity can mean that you’re experiencing tooth decay. When your dental enamel is worn down, it exposes the dentin layer beneath, providing access to the nerve within your tooth and causing hypersensitivity. This symptom can also be caused by over-brushing, which wears down your dental enamel and causes your gums to recede. Therefore, if you’re experiencing this painful symptom, it is important to address this with your dentist before the condition progresses.
2. When your gums bleed…
Have you seen a tinge of red or pink in your saliva when you brush or floss your teeth? If so, it is very important that you don’t ignore this symptom! While many believe that this is just caused by flossing too hard, it is actually a warning sign for gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and, if left untreated, can lead to a number of oral health issues. Luckily, this stage of gum disease is the easiest to treat, so visiting your dentist straight away will enable you to prevent further health issues from developing.
3. When your jaw makes a popping sound…
Does your jaw make a popping sound when you open your mouth? This could be a sign of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues, which impact the joint where your jaw and skull meet. This can be caused by a number of problems, including misaligned teeth or nighttime bruxism (teeth grinding). Your TMJ symptoms may even be a result of an injury. Whatever the root cause of your symptoms, this issue should be addressed with your dentist so as to prevent further damage.
4. When you have trouble swallowing or speaking…
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an oral health issue that affects around 10% of the population. When your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to moisten your mouth, it can make it difficult for you to swallow, chew, or even speak. Dry mouth can lead to a number of oral health issues, including halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis, and even tooth decay. Therefore, if you’ve experienced this symptom lately, you’ll want to discuss the issue with your dentist straight away.
Are you experiencing any of the above symptoms? To schedule your next visit with the dentist, call Fairview Dental Group in Westmont today!