3 Signs That You Are Overdue to See Dentist

Good oral health entails far more than just regular brushing and flossing. It is also important to visit the dentist twice each year for a thorough examination and cleaning. If you have been skipping this maintenance, you may have minor issues that are on the verge of spiraling out of control. Following are three signs that it is time to schedule a dental visit right now.

 

Bleeding Gums

Sore or bleeding gums are a sign of infection and may even indicate the development of gum disease. During a dental visit, your provider can use sonic cleaning tools and other instruments to gently lift plaque and trapped debris from under and around the gum line. These are particles that you aren’t likely to get rid of with regular brushing and flossing. Gums that have started to pull back from the teeth or recede, will leave the soft, dentin of the tooth structure exposed. This can significantly increase the likelihood of cavities and even tooth loss.

 

Waning Overall Health

If you’ve been feeling under the weather lately, but can’t figure out why, your problems might lie inside your mouth. Abscesses, gum infections and infections of the underlying bone are all problems that can build gradually. Thus, these are issues that can exist in the mouth, even before you start experiencing any considerable discomfort. Your body will exhibit a number of unpleasant symptoms as it works to fight infections off such as low-grade fevers, lower than average energy, profuse sweating and even nausea, given that much of the bacteria from the infection will be swallowed throughout the day. Mouth odors can be severe and persistent as well.

 

Tooth Pain

According to Guerra Dental, a Colorado Springs Dentistry, minor tooth sensitivity can often be attributed to receding or unhealthy gums. Severe tooth pain, however, is usually indicative of a far larger problem. This often means that tooth decay has approached the actual nerve of the tooth. Waiting to have this problem fixed can result in the need for a root canal rather than a simple filling. Thus, when cavities become uncomfortable, scheduling a dentist appointment right away could help you preserve the structural integrity of your natural tooth.

Twice yearly dental visits allow dentists to spot minor cavities and issues with gum health before these things warrant invasive treatments. You can also get tips from your provider on improving your overall oral care and diet for long-term tooth health. The longer that you wait to see a dentist, the more unpleasant symptoms you’re likely to contend with.