There are a lot of oral issues that can affect your teeth and gums. Some of them can develop asymptomatically while others can cause severe symptoms. Regular dental check-ups and help prevent the development and complications of many diseases. In this article, we have gathered nine weighty reasons to make an appointment with your dentist.
1. You experience a toothache
A toothache tends to be one of the most common dental issues that affect many people all over the world. There are a lot of conditions that can make your teeth hurt. The most common of them are:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth fracture
- Dental abscess
- Enamel wear
If you experience a toothache, you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Indeed, pain medications and home remedies can help ease your pain but they can’t cope with the underlying cause of your symptoms.
2. Your gums are bleeding
Many people think that gum bleeding that occurs during tooth brushing or flossing is normal. But the truth is that healthy gums don’t bleed. If you have noticed that your gums are bleeding, it is better to contact your dentist since gum bleeding is one of the gum disease symptoms.
3. You have bad breath
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a quite common issue that can be caused by various factors like:
- Smelly foods
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Dental abscess
- Digestive issues
If you often have bad breath, it is better to visit your doctor to define the exact cause of this issue and undergo a thorough treatment.
4. You have an unpleasant taste in the mouth
In addition to bad breath, some oral issues can also cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. For example, a dental abscess is a condition in which the infection penetrates the tooth and leads to the development of a sac with puss. Symptoms of a dental abscess include severe toothache, bad breath, unpleasant taste in the mouth, and swollen gum.
5. Your teeth are crooked
Crooked teeth can cause a lot of unpleasant complications like problems with oral hygiene, difficulties with speaking or eating, and aesthetic issues. Fortunately, modern dentistry provides an orthodontic treatment that can help align your teeth and improve your smile.
6. You have tatar build-up
Tartar is a hardened deposit that occurs from dental plaque. Even though tartar build-up may seem an insignificant issue, it can lead to quite unpleasant complications. Due to the fact that tartar accumulation leads to bacteria overgrowth, people with tartar are more prone to gum disease and bad breath.
7. You have cavities
Cavities (tooth decay, caries) are an extremely common issue that affects both kids and adults. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth multiply and produce acids that wear out your tooth enamel. In the initial stages, cavities can develop asymptomatically. But then tooth decay reaches the pulp, you may experience severe pain.
8. You have white patches in your mouth
White patches that occur on your palate, inner cheeks, and tongue can manifest a fungal infection called oral thrush. It can occur because of a weakened immune system, antibiotics, and certain conditions. Your dentist will prescribe you antifungal medications that will help get rid of oral thrush.
9. You have old dental work
It is important to understand that even the most qualitative dental work can become damaged over time. Tooth fillings can fall out while dental crowns can detach from the gum line. This can result in toothache, bacterial overgrowth, and other unpleasant issues. That’s why it is better to check your dental restorations from time to time and replace them if needed.
Published by Amelia Grant