8 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist
As we head into a brand new year, it’s a great time to think about how you can make 2023 your healthiest and happiest year yet. From prioritising your physical health with regular exercise to taking some time for self-care and mental wellness, there are all kinds of ways that you can feel better than ever in the coming year.
One area that might not immediately spring to mind is your oral health. Yet making a resolution to visit your dentist regularly can help you avoid the pain, hassle and expense of dental issues such as gum disease and bad breath.
Keeping up-to-date with your regular check-up and cleans is a crucial part of identifying any potential oral health issues and addressing them early, in order to avoid them becoming more painful and expensive to fix.
After all, we know that no one likes the idea of complex treatment or surgery - so by visiting your dentist every six months for a check-up and intense clean, you can stay on top of any issues and enjoy a stress-free dental experience.
In addition to coming in for your six-monthly check-up and clean, there are times when a visit to the dentist is an absolute must. Here are eight signs that you should head down to your local National Dental Care Group practice in order to get your oral health back to its best.
Sign 1: Pain in your tooth, gum or jaw
If you’re experiencing pain in your teeth or mouth, it’s important to pay a visit to your dentist so they can determine the cause and address the issue. Plus, they’ll usually be able to alleviate the pain to make you more comfortable.
The key thing to remember is that the sooner you see your dentist, the sooner you’ll be free of the pain and the problem that’s causing it in the first place. The solution may be as straightforward as addressing gum disease or a teeth-grinding habit, so head to your local National Dental Care Group practice if you’re suffering from any kind of oral pain. Also, getting it treated early may prevent further damage.
Sign 2: Inflamed or red gums
Have you noticed your gums have become inflamed, swollen or red? It’s time to see your dentist so they can take a look and identify what could be causing this condition. Gum inflammation can be a sign of infection, so getting it seen to early can avoid more complicated (and costly) treatment down the line.
Gum changes such as sensitivity can also be caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy. By popping in for an appointment with your dentist, they’ll be able to shine a light on the cause and help you address any discomfort so you can get on with your life.
Sign 3: Difficulty chewing
If oral health issues are starting to affect your ability to perform everyday tasks such as eating, it’s a surefire sign to get yourself down to your local dental practice. Whether you’re experiencing pain when chewing or are finding it difficult to open your mouth wide, your dentist will be able to examine you in order to figure out what’s causing the problem.
Remember, having a dental examination as soon as possible will help to get you back to your normal activities more quickly, as well as avoid more serious consequences if the issue is left unchecked. See your dentist ASAP and get back to enjoying your mealtimes!
Sign 4: Sensitive teeth
Suddenly finding your teeth are super-sensitive to heat or cold? Take yourself down to your nearest National Dental Care Group practice so you can get rid of painful and uncomfortable sensitivity.
Changes in tooth sensitivity can arise for a variety of reasons, from tooth decay and gum disease to a worn-out filling, so it’s best to get it checked out early and address this sensitive issue.
Sign 5: Bad breath
While bad breath can be embarrassing, it can also be a sign that there’s an oral health problem that needs to be addressed. Bad breath - also known as halitosis - can indicate the presence of decay or disease, as well as other dental issues that may become more serious if left unattended.
If you notice you’re experiencing bad breath or have an unpleasant taste in your mouth, be sure to make an appointment with your local National Dental Care Group dentist so they can see what could be causing this unwanted symptom.
Sign 6: A chipped or broken tooth
Even if you’re not in extreme pain, you should never leave a chipped or broken tooth unchecked. Without treatment, a chip or crack could allow bacteria to infect your tooth, leading to much more serious dental issues. It could also result in jaw issues, such as if you chew on the other side of your mouth to avoid the damaged tooth.
If you find yourself with a chipped or broken tooth, your best bet is to see your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll be able to advise on the best course of treatment to fix the damaged tooth based on your particular situation and budget.
Sign 7: A knocked-out or loose adult tooth
Whether you’ve had an accident that’s resulted in a tooth being knocked out or you’ve got a loose adult tooth, you need to visit your dentist ASAP. Without treatment, a knocked-out or loose tooth could result in a range of oral health issues, including infection and permanent damage to other teeth.
In the case of a knocked-out tooth that you’ve been able to salvage, the quicker you see your dentist, the more chance they’ll be able to reattach the tooth. Don’t risk the dental dramas that come from a missing tooth - visit your dentist immediately.
Sign 8: You haven’t been in for a regular check-up in a while
If you’ve let your regular six-monthly dental check-up slip, take the new year as an opportunity to get yourself booked in so you can keep your teeth and gums in tip-top condition. A regular check-up is a great way to address any oral health issues early - preventing them from becoming more serious and expensive to fix.
What’s more, your twice-yearly check-up will include an in-depth clean to get your teeth looking and feeling at their brightest and best. It’s a great way to boost your confidence while keeping dental problems at bay!
Don’t let dental dramas derail you in the year ahead. If you’re feeling a little anxious about visiting the dentist, our friendly staff will help to ensure you have the most relaxing and stress-free experience possible, with a range of options for nervous patients.
Ready to make 2023 your healthiest and happiest year yet? Find a practice and book an appointment today.