You would be surprised to learn how many Americans fail to see the dentist as often as they should.
Did you know roughly 100 million Americans every year don’t seen their family dentist even once? While visiting the dentist every 6 months has been proven to significantly cut down on the occurrence of oral diseases and dental problems, even seeing the dentist once a year can significantly reduce long term damage caused by conditions such as periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Have you been to the dentist lately? While an appointment every 6 months is recommended, you should find a nearby dentist immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.
Bleeding from your gums
If your teeth haven’t been cleaned professionally in some time, it’s possible for plaque buildup to cause problems at your gumline. In order to preserve your teeth, have them cleaned twice every year and see your dentist immediately if you ever notice any gum problems that appear suddenly or seem to get worse.
Sensitivity To Heat or Cold
Sometimes, sensitivity can be simply genetic or the result of gums that have receded bear a certain tooth due to over brushing or age. However, if sensitivity to cold or heat is particularly intense, and remains long after the stimulus is removed – there could be a problem
You Have a Loose Tooth
As you age, pockets around the base of your teeth can form as your gums slowly separate from your teeth due to gum disease and other problems. When this happens, your teeth can become loose over time and can even fall out. If you notice this happening, see your dentist immediately.
Your breath is unusually bad
Abnormally bad breath is often a signal of advanced dental decay occurring with one or more teeth. In some cases, it can also signal an infection somewhere else in your mouth. Many times, your dentist will first recommend an antibiotic before attempting to treat the root cause of the problem.
Chronic Pain
When it comes to your teeth, if you’re feeling pain there is always something wrong. In most cases, pain is a signal that a cavity or crack has reached a point where treatment is absolutely necessary in order to feel normal again. In most cases, your dentist will take x-rays and recommend the most suitable treatment, such as a filling, crown, or root canal treatment.
While these symptoms are some of the primary reasons you should seek immediate dental care, don’t take this to mean you should only see your dentist if you’re noticing them. You should try your best to see your dentist twice a year in order to eliminate the need for treatment in the first place.
