We are all aware that we should see the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and checkup. We all know that tooth pain should be treated as soon as possible and that bleeding gums may indicate gum disease. However, there are other, less obvious indicators that indicate the need for a dental checkup.
Signs That You Should Get Your Dental Checkup
The following are some common signs and symptoms that indicate the need for a dentist visit:
- Diabetes:
- Diabetes (both type I and type II) increases the risk of gum disease and periodontitis.
- Diabetes and gum disease appear to go hand in hand, so make sure your glucose levels are under control and your oral health is in good shape.
- Pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes can wreck havoc on your oral health.
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gum tissue is common in pregnant women.
- Visit the dentist around the second trimester to discuss any dental concerns you may have.
- You’ve given up smoking:
- Quitting smoking is a great way to improve your oral and overall health.
- Making an appointment with your dentist after you quit smoking allows your dentist to check for signs of gum disease and oral cancer.
- Frequent headaches:
- If you have frequent headaches, you could be clenching or grinding your teeth at night.
- These headaches may be accompanied by jaw pain or clicking and popping.
- Wearing a night guard to bed can help to alleviate these symptoms.
- Bad taste or odour in your mouth:
- A bad taste or odour in the mouth can indicate a more serious condition, such as a salivary gland infection.
- Dry mouth or uncontrolled bacteria can also contribute to persistent bad breath.
- If you need to make lifestyle changes, your dentist can advise you.
- Acid reflux:
- Acid reflux and GERD [Gastroesophageal reflux disease] can cause stomach acid to rise up into the oesophagus and into the mouth, where it can erode tooth enamel.
- Seeing your dentist can help you develop a strategy to save your teeth and limit the damage to the enamel.
- Heat and cold sensitivity:
- If you can’t enjoy hot and cold foods and beverages as much as you should, there could be a problem with your teeth.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods is a common condition caused by the deterioration of enamel, the layer that protects your teeth.
- According to dentists, the main cause of this problem is a failure to brush and floss properly.
- However, there are some other causes. If you have sensitive teeth, you should see a dentist right away because the condition not only makes it difficult to enjoy your meals, but it can also be a sign of a more serious dental condition.
- Teeth Losing Shine:
- If your teeth are starting to yellow, you are probably in for a bad surprise. Teeth are yellow due to a variety of factors such as poor dental hygiene, smoking, and drinking.
- Yellow teeth are bad for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they not only prevent you from having a bright white smile but can also undermine your confidence.
- Furthermore, if the condition is not treated, it may cause irreversible damage to the health of your teeth.
This list is not entirely complete, so if you have any concerns about your teeth or mouth, schedule an appointment with Partha Dental, Skin, and Hair Clinic.
