If you are experiencing some level of pain, discomfort, or some other symptom related to your teeth and gums that you may not notice on a regular basis, it can be hard to decide if and when to contact the dentist. Naturally, if something is wrong, you want your dentist to treat it as soon as possible. But how do you know for sure whether or not you need to make a trip to the dental office? To help you make that determination, we’ve compiled 8 signs that indicate it’s time to call your dentist.
- You have a bad toothache. This is usually an indication of tooth decay – or, even worse, an abscessed tooth — so you should call your dentist before the decay gets worse.
- You’re suddenly sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Sudden sensitivity – particularly in or around a certain tooth — can mean tooth decay, so you’ll want to call your dentist to schedule an appointment for a filling, crown or root canal (whichever is necessary).
- Your gums start to bleed when you brush and/or floss. This can be an early sign of gum disease, and the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat. Call the dentist.
- You have a bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath that you can’t get rid of. This could be anything from tooth decay to chronic dry mouth to gum disease. Your dentist can help determine what the problem is and how to treat it.
- Your jaw hurts when you chew food or open your mouth wide. This could indicate TMJ disorder, which is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint in your jaw. There are ways to treat this condition, and your dentist may be able to help.
- Your mouth feels dry all the time. You may be suffering from chronic dry mouth, a condition that can usually be easily treated, so you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- You have other health issues. If you have diabetes, heart disease or an eating disorder like bulimia, for example, it can definitely impact your oral health. In fact, if you have any other ongoing medical problems, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss how the other issues may impact your teeth and gums.
- You haven’t seen a dentist in more than 6 months. Everyone should see their dentist twice a year for professional exams and cleanings. If you have seen your dentist in over 6 months, call to schedule an appointment today.
While it’s true that you don’t want to call your dentist at every provocation, when in doubt – particularly if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort – you should make an appointment just to be on the safe side.
