7 Signs You Need to Make a Dentist Appointment

The dentist has a reputation for being one of the most feared medical professionals. They have a chair that faces away from you, implements that look like torture devices, and the knowledge of where all the nerves are in your mouth.

It’s normal to have some anxiety when you’re getting your teeth checked. Make sure your dentist appointment isn’t more anxiety than it’s worth by recognizing the symptoms that you must see a dentist.

Take a look at our guide to know what signs you need to make a dentist appointment.

1. Bleeding Gum

If your gums are bleeding, it’s a sign that you need to make a dentist visit. Gum disease is the leading cause of bleeding gums, and it can progress to tooth loss and other serious health problems if it’s not treated. Don’t wait to see if your gums will stop bleeding on their own, make an appointment with a dentist right away.

2. Bad Breath

If you find that your breath smells more foul than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying dental issue. Gingivitis, for example, is a common form of gum disease that can cause bad breath.

Other potential causes of bad breath include tooth decay, certain food particles being stuck in your teeth, and dry mouth. If you are concerned about your breath, be sure to mention it to your dentist during your next appointment.

3. Pain in the Jaw

When you have pain in your jaw, it is important to check your oral care and visit the dentist to find out the cause. The dentist can examine your teeth and gums to see if there is an infection or other problem.

If the pain is due to an infection, the dentist can prescribe antibiotics. It can be caused by a variety of dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, misaligned teeth, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). If you’re not sure what’s causing your jaw pain, it’s best to see a dentist so they can diagnose and treat the problem.

4. Plaque Buildup

Bacteria and other organisms that live in your mouth can stick to your teeth and gums. This sticky film is called plaque. It can harden and turn into tartar (calculus).

Plaque and tartar can cause cavities (tooth decay) and gum disease if they are not removed. Brushing and flossing help remove it from your teeth, but you may still need to visit your dentist and avail dental cleaning benefits to remove tartar.

5. Wisdom Teeth

When it comes to wisdom teeth, there are a few things that can go wrong. If they don’t come in properly, they can crowd your other teeth and cause pain. They can also come in at an angle, which can make it difficult to brush and floss.

If it becomes impacted, it can fuse to your jawbone or grow into your other teeth. All of these problems can be solved by your dentist. They can remove your wisdom teeth or adjust them so that they are in the correct position.

6. Mouth Sores

When you have a mouth sore, it is important to visit your dentist. This is because mouth sores can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection. There are many reasons you might get a mouth sore, from viral infections to teeth grinding.

Some of the most common causes are that you may have the Herpes Simplex virus. This virus is responsible for cold sores, which are commonly seen on the lips. However, they can also appear inside the mouth.

It is also possibly a Canker sores. These are small, painful sores that usually occur on the tongue or inside the cheeks. They are often caused by stress or injury to the mouth.

Another one is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. It can cause heartburn and mouth sores.

You may also get it from teeth grinding. Another one is what they call oral thrush. It is a yeast infection that can occur in the mouth, especially in people who are taking antibiotics.

If you have a mouth sore that doesn’t go away within a week or two, it’s best to see a doctor or dentist. Your dentist will be able to determine if your mouth sore is caused by an infection and can provide you with the necessary treatment.

7. Dry Mouth

There are many reasons you might have a dry mouth. It could be due to medication you’re taking, a medical condition, or simply because you’re not producing enough saliva.

Saliva is important for keeping your mouth moist and for breaking down food. If you don’t have enough saliva, you may have trouble eating and speaking. You may also be at risk for cavities and other dental problems.

A dry mouth is often temporary and can be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids or using saliva substitutes. If your dry mouth is due to a medication you’re taking, talk to your doctor about changing medications or adjusting the dose. If it’s due to a medical condition, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, there are treatments that can help.

It is a condition that can lead to a variety of oral health problems. If you don’t visit the dentist when you have a dry mouth, you could end up with cavities, gum disease, or even tooth loss.

It can also cause bad breath. The best way to prevent these problems is to visit the dentist regularly and brush and floss your teeth properly.

Book Your Next Dentist Appointment

If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned signs, it’s probably time to make a dentist appointment. Don’t wait too long, as dental problems can compound and become more serious (and expensive) the longer you wait.

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