Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
One of the worst parts of being an adult is scheduling your own doctor appointments. For some reason, many younger adults struggle with wanting to schedule medical visits. In reality, it’s not that bad.
Scheduling check-ups and non-routine appointments with doctors, dentists, and other health specialists is critical for our health. I’ve noticed that many people struggle the most with semi-annual dental appointments.
Let’s make this simple if there is a problem with your teeth schedule a dentist appointment. If you are having symptoms of what you think might be a bigger problem, you need to get it checked out sooner rather than later. Here are some common signs that you need to see your dentist.
Toothaches
A toothache seems like a minor enough issue. In reality, it hurts super bad and pretty much constantly. The behind-the-scenes action of a toothache is even scarier, with the cause of the toothache being an inflamed, infected, or decaying inner tooth, or pulp.
Other pain in your teeth could mean cavities. These need to be treated quickly so they don’t worsen. Dentists can remove the bad parts and fill the tooth to prevent further infection or decay.
Teeth can naturally heal, but not if the cause of the issue persists. You need to go to a dentist who can diagnose and treat the problem.
Sensitive Gums
Everyone’s gums are going to differ in their sensitivity levels. Having gums that are more sensitive than normal isn’t necessarily bad, unless the cause is neglect. Your gums will become very red and start to hurt. They will bleed when you brush and floss.
This can lead to gum disease, like gingivitis. While many times the initial stage is not bad, it can progress and get worse. Gingivitis can eventually lead to periodontitis or the loss of bone that holds your teeth. This can lead to loose and lost teeth. Remember that the permanent teeth are the last ones, there aren’t more waiting to come in. Cut this off from the start by receiving treatment from a dentist and practicing good oral hygiene.
Sores
Many of us have experienced canker and cold sores. These aren’t terribly uncommon, and will generally clear up quickly, especially if treated properly.
There are less common types of sores and infections you can get in your mouth that require medical attention. Leukoplakia, candidiasis, and cancer are sores that need to be looked at by a medical professional as soon as possible. If issues are caught sooner, they are generally easier to treat (and quicker).
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be debilitating. You use your jaw for talking, eating, and any other time your mouth moves. Jaw pain can be caused by anything as simple as your sinuses acting up, to a more severe medical condition like periodontitis or problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
You can see your normal dentist for such pain but might be referred to a dental specialist. There are treatments for most of the common types of jaw pain, all it takes is a trip to the dentist.
Time Since Last Visit
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, this is the best sign to get because it isn’t painful. You should be seeing the dentist twice a year. This can help prevent the other issues mentioned above. Regular dentist visits, paired with good oral health practices will greatly reduce the risk of oral health problems.
If you are experiencing any pain or symptom that you think might be problematic, get it checked out. Your oral health is very important. Many times it is one of the first things people notice about you. So go ahead and make your appointment today, I believe in you.