9 Signs that Indicate It’s Time to Visit Your Dentist

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9_Signs_that_Indicate_It’s_Time_to_Visit_Your_Dentist

A recently conducted study by Texas A&M University School of Public Health pointed out roughly 2.5 percent of all the emergency visits in the U.S are related to preventable dental issues. These result in two billion dollars worth of expenditures for the government, taxpayers, and hospitals each year.

Besides money, patients end up suffering immense pain.

We at TruCare Dentistry believe there’s no need to suffer if problems get detected early on. Let’s take a look at signs that suggest you should plan a visit to dentistry in Roswell, GA.

1. Ongoing headaches

A variety of reasons can trigger headaches. However, if it is accompanied by stiffness in the jaw while you wake up in the morning, it could be due to bruxism.

Also referred to as teeth grinding, the medical condition needs your dentist’s attention. Ignoring the same can result in damaged teeth, increased sensitivity, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Your dental care professional will check the condition of the teeth and jaw. Depending on the severity, they can recommend muscle relaxation techniques and provide a custom mouthguard to reduce damage caused by grinding.

2. Facial swelling due to dental abscess

When a decayed tooth remains untreated for months, a pocket of fluid (pus) forms at the tooth root tip in the jawbone. The infection is known as dental-abscess (periapical abscess). It can spread to the face resulting in facial cellulitis.

Pus pockets can also accompany an abscessed tooth on gums (gingival abscess) or next to the tooth root (periodontal abscess). Ignoring these pockets can lead to severe life-threatening conditions.

Patients often experience discomfort while drinking or eating. The pain can spread further to the ear or jaw and neck on the affected side.

Facial swelling is a sign that the infection has started affecting the skin and underlying soft tissues. It can spread in other areas quickly if left untreated. So, visiting the dental office for treatment remains crucial.

3. Cracked or chipped tooth

Patients often ignore small cracks or even chipped teeth until it’s too late. Seeking treatment at the early stage can increase the chances of a successful tooth repair. And, of course, the filling cost remains less. Then, why delay and go for an extensive filling, root canal, or dental implant at a later stage?

4. Dry mouth

Diagnosing the reason behind the dry mouth is challenging because it can be a side effect of health issues or antibiotics.

Experiencing it occasionally may not seem like a pressing issue. However, chronic dry mouth can make people feel miserable.

Dry mouth makes the environment favorable for harmful bacteria growth, leading to gum disease. Your dental care professional will help mitigate dry mouth by prescribing special mouthwashes and oral care products.

5. Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold

People often tend to ignore tooth sensitivity to food items that are too hot or cold. Some individuals naturally have more sensitive teeth. Dentists treat the condition with unique kinds of toothpaste for dental sensitivity.

However, sudden or unusual sensitivity should not remain unnoticed. It can be a sign of a cracked tooth, gum disease, or excessive plaque. Dentists can examine the affected teeth and prescribe fluoride oral care products or dental procedures in case of a damaged tooth.

6. White spots on gums or teeth

The surest way to prevent cavities is by checking teeth and gums for unusual dots. White spots are one of the common signs that indicate an infection.

Some patients may not experience pain even if the infection reaches the tooth root. However, one or more pimples might appear on gums or enamel. Don’t try to scrape it like a food particle; visit your dental clinic immediately.

7. Black spots on teeth

Discoloration of teeth is common and nothing to worry about. Besides tobacco, even certain fruits, drinks, including wine, can cause the same.

But remember, a dark spot or black dot should trigger an alarm. It is essential to fix an appointment at the dental office as soon as possible. Your dentist will examine the extent of damage and suggest procedures for handling the infection.

What are the causes of brown or black spots on teeth?
  • A cavity or tooth decay
  • Tartar buildup
  • Injured tooth
  • Staining due to tea, coffee, soda, or tobacco consumption
  • Discoloration triggered due to antibiotics
  • Celiac disease
  • Discoloration due to excess fluoride use

8. Tiny ulcers on lips and cheeks

As you are probably aware, accidentally biting your cheek or lip can result in canker sores. You can get tiny ulcers on the roof of the mouth, on the tongue, as well as the gums. They can heal within a week if you keep the affected area clean.

Some severe canker sores do not heal quickly and recur after a few days. Immunity-related issues, food allergies, hormonal shifts, and stress can be the reasons behind the formation of ulcers that take time to go.

Sores that spread to other areas or do not heal within a week need your dentist’s attention immediately.

9. Swollen, sore, or inflamed gums

Swollen, sore, and inflamed gums indicate gum disease. The condition is also known as periodontal disease. Dentists classify it into the following six types:

  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontitis
  • Aggressive periodontitis
  • Chronic periodontitis
  • Systemic periodontitis
  • Necrotizing periodontal disease

Severe gum disease treatment involves more invasive procedures for the removal of plaque or bacteria pockets.

During the initial stage, the mild condition remains reversible and easily treatable. Extra attention towards oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help in early detection. If you opt for a quarterly dental cleaning at the clinic, there won’t be any plaque or bacteria built up.

To conclude:

Brewing toothache, swelling, bleeding gums, or extreme discomfort leaves people with no other option but to rush to their dental clinic. Why ignore early signs and wait for pain? If you are in Roswell (GA), you should indeed book an appointment for a dental check-up at TruCare Dentistry to detect possible issues.