You should be visiting the dentist on a regular basis every 6 months for checkups and cleanings, but if you haven’t been to the dentist in some time, here are 5 signs that you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible.
1. If your teeth are in any pain at all you should never ignore it. Whether it’s a toothache or tooth sensitivity this could be the first signs of a cavity. It is important to get this taken care of right away because it can result in a larger cavity causing more problems to your oral health and costing you more money in the long run.
2. Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding should not be a normal occurrence in your oral hygiene and should be checked out by a dentist right away. This could be signs of periodontal disease. We know sometimes gum bleeding could be caused by aggressive brushing and if you think this may be the case you should still see a dentist just to make sure it’s not gum disease. If you notice a “pimple” like absence on your gums it is a dying nerve which could cause you extreme pain. Other times, it could be completely symptom free. So, if you see anything that looks like a “pimple” on your gums you need to see a dentist immediately.
3. If you notice hard, crusty deposits on the surface of your teeth that means you have tartar build up from not brushing or flossing as often as you should. By not visiting the dentist on a regular basis can cause tartar build up as well. The bacteria in your mouth builds up creating tartar which then is calcified to your teeth and could lead to future tooth loss. So, if you notice any tartar build up on your teeth, schedule a cleaning to get it taken care of right away.
4. Do you notice you have bad breath even if you brush, floss, and use mouth wash? Well this could be a sign of something more serious, such as advance gum disease or even tooth infections. If that embarrassing odor or bad taste doesn’t go away you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as you can to get it checked out
5. When you wake up in the morning does your jaw hurt? This might be a sign that it’s time to come to Philadelphia Dentistry for an evaluation. The reason your jaw is hurting could be from teeth grinding during the night, temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ, an abscessed tooth, or even a misaligned bite. If you are experiencing any of these signs please feel free to reach out to our dentistry to schedule an appointment. If you are a new patient your exam and cavity detection x-rays are on the house. So don’t hesitate if you are experiencing any of these 5 signs give us a call at 215-568-6222 and we’ll get you scheduled as soon as possible.