When To Visit Your Dentist: Don’t Ignore These Signs

Most people know the importance of visiting the dentist regularly; however, you may need to realize that if you see certain signs, you must visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Whether you have good oral hygiene or not, there is no need to suffer if you are in pain or experiencing symptoms that could indicate a significant oral health issue that needs to be checked out by your dentist.

You must know what signs to look for so your condition doesn’t worsen, and we don’t want you to suffer unnecessarily. Below we will tell you the symptoms you don’t want to ignore so you can schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

14 Symptoms That Indicate It Is Time to See Your Dentist

#1. Swelling or Pain

Anytime you have persistent swelling or pain in your gums or teeth, it can indicate you need to see your dentist to check for gum disease or infection. It isn’t normal or healthy to have pain or swelling that lingers, and living with it is unnecessary. Make an appointment today to visit your dentist.

#2. Sore, Swollen, or Inflamed Gums 

Gum health plays a crucial role in your oral health. If you notice your gums have any of the following issues, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

• Pus or an odor is coming from your gums
• Swollen gums (gingivitis) and gums have a spongy texture
• Receding gums
• Gums turning bluish-red rather than a healthy standard pink color
• Bleeding

Your dentist will evaluate you for gum disease, periodontitis disease, and plaque build-up in pockets around your teeth. Regular dental check-ups can aid in early detection, and mild conditions usually are reversible and easily treatable. At the same time, severe gum disease requires more invasive procedures to remove plaque or bacterial pockets.

#3. White Spots on Teeth or Gums

White spots on the teeth can be an early indication of tooth decay, and when caught in the beginning stages, it is possible to stop the decay before a cavity forms. If you have spots on your gums, it can be a sign of an infection, mouth ulcers, thrush, or other dental issues, and it is crucial not to allow it to spread.

#4. Issues With Dental Work

When dental work, including crowns, implants, filling, or other fixtures in your mouth, becomes loose, make sure you get to the dentist quickly so they can fix the problem so it doesn’t worsen.

#5. Noticing Changes in Texture or Color in Your Mouth

If you see anything unusual about the texture or color of your mouth, such as persistent red or white patches or new lumps forming, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to ensure it is taken care of properly.

#6. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

When you notice an increase or new sensitivity to temperatures or certain foods, it may be due to tooth decay or another dental issue such as a loose filling, a cracked tooth, gum disease, excessive plaque, or teeth grinding. Either way, the earlier you see your dentist, the better.

#7. Chronic Bad Breath

You may have a deeper issue if you have good oral hygiene habits like flossing daily, brushing twice daily, and still having persistent bad breath. Sometimes bad breath is a symptom of a dental issue, and making an appointment with your dentist for an exam to determine the cause and get suggestions can be helpful.

#8. Challenges Swallowing or Chewing

If you have trouble chewing and swallowing, you need to see your dentist to avoid the issue worsening and only eat soft foods or liquid for the time being.

#9. Jaw-Related Issues

Does your jaw pop when you chew, or do you have pain when opening or closing your jaw? You may be grinding your teeth, or your jaw may be misaligned. Your dentist can help and, if necessary, recommend an orthodontist to assist you further to mitigate the risk of developing a more severe issue.

#10. Black Spot on Your Teeth

Some discoloration may only require a professional teeth whitening treatment; however, a dark or black spot is a reason for a quick visit to your dentist for an examination. Dark spots on the teeth can indicate the following:

• Tooth decay or cavity
•  Tartar build-up
•  An injured tooth
•  Staining due to coffee, tea, soda, or tobacco use
•  Discoloration due to antibiotics

#11. Small Ulcers or Sores on Cheeks, Gums, and Lips

If you have tiny ulcers on your tongue, the roof of your mouth, or your gums, ensure that you keep the area clean and they do not heal within a week, then you need to see your dentist immediately.

#12. Dry Mouth

You may have a dry mouth for various reasons, and if it is only occasionally, it is not a big deal. However, chronic dry mouth can cause further issues, including increased harmful bacteria growth, which leads to gum disease. Your dentist can help decrease the associated risk by prescribing special oral care products.

#13. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

Don’t wait to see your dentist if you have a chipped or cracked tooth, even if it’s a small crack. Early treatment can increase your chances of successful tooth repair and will be more affordable. Delaying seeing your dentist when you have a chipped or cracked tooth could result in a root canal, needing an extensive filling, or a dental implant if you wait too long to make an appointment with your dentist immediately.

#14. Facial Swelling

Tooth decay that remains untreated can lead to pockets of pus forming at the tooth root in the jaw bone leading to a dental abscess. As a result, your face could swell, and you may also have pain spreading into the jaw, neck, or ear on the affected side, and ignoring these pockets may lead to severe life-threatening conditions. Facial swelling indicates an infection affecting your skin and underlying tissues and can spread quickly when left untreated. It is critical to visit your dental office immediately.

Carrie Muzny DDS, Is Here To Help You!

Whether you need restorative and preventative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, surgery, professional teeth whitening and veneers, or family dentistry, our highly skilled dentist at Carrie Muzny DDS will care for you with compassion and kindness.

Everyone deserves to have healthy teeth and gums and a smile they feel proud of, and we will help you by creating a personalized treatment plan to ensure you maintain excellent oral health.

Don’t wait another day to see if your pain disappears; Contact us today to help you!