Regular visits to the family dentist can help you avoid a wide variety of problems. But if you’re in between regular visits, there are some issues that warrant an extra visit.
The following are some common issues that are reasons to see the dentist as soon as possible:
Toothaches or Pain
Pain is a sure sign that something’s wrong. If the pain goes away, you may have had an infection that your body has managed to fight off. Still, the cause of the infection, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can still remain and will need to be addressed by the dentist.
Tender or Swollen Gums
Healthy gums shouldn’t hurt. Bacteria can form plaque on your teeth, causing your gums to become inflamed and diseased. In its early stage, called gingivitis, gum disease is easier to treat.
If it develops into advanced gum disease (called periodontitis) the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place can become so weak that your teeth become lose and may have to be pulled. Advanced gum disease has been liked to overall health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
White Spots on Your Teeth
As opposed to a general yellowing or discoloration of your teeth, white spots are less even. They can give your teeth a speckled or mottled appearance.
If you notice that your teeth have developed white spots, it could be due to a variety of causes, including too much fluoride. Most of the time, however, these are areas of enamel that’s dissolving, which can lead to cavities.
Toothaches or Pain
Pain is a sure sign that something’s wrong. If the pain goes away, you may have had an infection that your body has managed to fight off. Still, the cause of the infection, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can still remain and will need to be addressed by the dentist.
Sensitivity
If you find that your teeth are more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks than they used to be, it’s time for a visit to the dentist.
This can be a sign of plaque build-up or even advanced tooth decay that has reached the center of the tooth, where nerves and blood vessels lie. It could also be an indication that you have receding gum tissue, which is causing the root of your tooth that can become exposed.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A tooth can become cracked, broken, or chipped or otherwise damaged for a variety of reasons. A blow to the face during sports, biting down on something hard, or using your teeth as tools to open something can cause this type of issue.
It’s important to seek treatment because if you leave it alone, your weakened tooth could suffer further damage or become infected. Depending on the extent of the chip, crack, or breakage, we can use a filling or bonding to repair it.
Here at My Family Dentistry, we’re happy to care for you and your family with professional expertise, experience, and compassion. If you have any of these conditions or other concerns about your dental health, please contact us today.