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Signs that It May Be Time to Book a Visit to a Dentist

August 08, 2019 Uncategorized

Dentist Apex, NC

Sometimes, fear of the dentist prevents many people from booking an appointment and showing up for a cleaning and exam. Unfortunately, not seeing a dentist on a routine basis can lead to many health issues, particularly if the person doesn’t practice regular brushing and cleaning. Professional dental care must not be avoided for a prolonged period of time. A dentist strongly advises people to schedule an appointment if they have any of the following signs:

#1 Dry Mouth

When the mouth stops producing as much saliva, a person may be more vulnerable to tooth decay and infection. Saliva fights off bacteria, neutralizes acids, assists in food digestion, and impacts your sense of taste. If you are feeling constantly thirsty and as if your mouth is dry most of the day, then it is likely time to get professional dental assistance from a dentist

#2 Toothaches

A toothache has the ability to interfere with a person’s ability to go about their daily life. Eating may become difficult, and a constant throbbing throughout the day can become immensely bothersome. Toothaches can range from mild annoyance to outright excruciating pain. If you have pain in your teeth, then seeing a dentist as quickly as possible is in your best interest. 

In most cases, a toothache will only get worse as time goes on and can develop into more serious problems. Inflammation of the tooth because of an infection or cavity is unlikely to heal on its own without dental intervention from a dentist. 

#3 Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can be a symptom as a result of a dental issue, such as grinding your teeth at night or the occurrence of a deep cavity. Bacteria in the cavity can travel into the root of a tooth, causing jaw pain. The tooth may eventually become abscessed if left untreated. 

#4 Inflamed and Bleeding Gums

If you notice your gums bleed when brushing, you may be brushing too vigorously or there is an issue with your gum tissue. While bleeding of the gums every once in a while may not be something to be concerned about, consistent bleeding when cleaning could be a red flag that something more serious is going on. Studies suggest that almost half of adults over the age of 30 can be impacted by advanced gum disease, called periodontitis. 

#5 Consistent Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by things like eating garlic, having a meal with strong flavors, or from a cup of coffee. But, bad breath could also stem from gum disease, a medical condition, or cavity. If you feel like you constantly have a bad taste in your mouth or get feedback from others often about breath, then a dentist recommends coming in for an appointment promptly so we can see what may be going on. 

Your teeth and gums are an integral part of your overall health. Contact a dentist today if you have any of the signs listed here, or just need a routine cleaning. 

Resources:

Wikipedia, Dental Care

Alliance Dentistry, Dentist Apex, NC