If there is one thing we’re all guilty of, it’s putting off important things for too long. We put off going to the gym, we hit the “snooze” button one too many times in the morning, or we put off doing those tedious chores around the house. While this may be comical, there is one important matter that we should not put off any longer: going to the dentist.Your smile is not only one of your most noticeable features, but it is a very important part of your overall well-being. A healthy smile is essential for an overall healthy life! So, if you’ve been putting off a visit to the dentist, here are the top five signs that it is time to schedule a check-up.
Bleeding Gums When You Brush or Floss
It’s never a pleasant sight to see blood after your brush or floss your teeth! Bleeding gums are most commonly a sign of Gingivitis. Also known as Gum Inflammation, if left untreated, Gingivitis can lead to a much more serious condition known as periodontitis. It can even lead to tooth loss!
Bleeding gums are often the result of poor dental hygiene. If you notice your gums are bleeding after you brush or floss, it’s a sign that a professional dental cleaning is in order. A dentist can deep clean your gum line in a way that brushing or flossing can’t! A dental deep cleaning will not only help reverse the effects of Gingivitis, but will also keep your smile healthy for months to come.
Increased Tooth Sensitivity
If you’ve ever taken a drink of cold water and felt a tingling, uncomfortable feeling in your teeth, you may be experiencing increased tooth sensitivity. Over 40 million Americans experience increased tooth sensitivity, so it’s one of the most common symptoms treated by dentists.
When tooth enamel begins to decay, it exposes a more sensitive layer of your teeth known as dentin. When dentin is exposed, it creates a painful, uncomfortable feeling when eating food, drinking hot or cold liquids or even brushing your teeth!
Chipped or Damaged Tooth
As we age, our teeth become more vulnerable to chipping. Some chips are small and not as noticeable, while others are large and can cause pain within the nerves inside your teeth. Regardless of the size of the chip, any visible damage on your tooth should be examined by a dentist right away.
Depending on the severity of the damage, a variety of treatments may be recommended. This may include crowns, veneers, or dental bondings. To prevent further damage, it is important to have a damaged tooth inspected right away!
Missing One or Multiple Teeth
While chipped or damaged teeth are important to correct, you may be missing a tooth altogether. There are many important health concerns to address when missing one or multiple teeth. For example, the density of the bone in your jaw. Over time, the bone in the jaw becomes less dense if teeth are missing. The longer the bone density lessens, the more difficult it is to replace a missing tooth!
For missing teeth, it is important to schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist to discuss replacement options. Dental Implants are one option to replace missing teeth. An implant is small metal post, often made of titanium, that is fused into the jawbone. From there, an abutment and crown is attached to this metal post, creating a complete dental implant. This process also helps prevent bone loss, which leads to a longer lasting, healthier smile. There are options such as a single tooth replacement, or treatments that replace an entire arch of teeth such as the all-on-four.
A prosthodontist will be able to determine which treatment is best for you based on your unique needs.
It’s Been Longer Than 6 Months Since Your Last Visit
Lastly, it’s important to be proactive with your oral health! Routine visits to a dentist can prevent issues like gingivitis, chipping, or sensitivity from ever occurring in the first place. The more time your spend keeping your smile healthy, the less time you’ll spend at the dentist overall. It’s a win-win!
Here at Advanced Dental Care, we are committed to providing each and every patient with excellent service from the moment they call our office. We believe that education is key to assisting our patients with their oral health and hygiene. If you have any questions, or are ready to schedule an appointment, visit the team at Advanced Dental Care today!