Did you know that more than 26% of adults in the US have untreated tooth decay? Ignoring your dental health can lead to cavities, infections, and eventually tooth loss.
So when was the last time you made a dental appointment? If you’ve been ignoring your dental health lately, your teeth may be trying to tell you something. It’s essential to know the signs that your dental health is in trouble so that you can see the dentist sooner rather than later.
Keep reading to learn about five signs that tell you it’s time to book a dental appointment!
- Tooth Pain
Constant tooth pain isn’t something you want to ignore, even if the pain is tolerable. A constant toothache can indicate a cavity, infection, or a damaged tooth.
Dental problems like these don’t typically heal on their own and eventually result in tooth loss. When you have a toothache, booking same-day dental appointments to treat the problem before it becomes worse is your best option.
- Sensitive Teeth
When you eat ice cream or dine on hot soup, do your teeth hurt? If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, you may have problems with tooth decay.
When plaque forms on your teeth, it releases acids that eat away at the enamel of your teeth. If you feel tooth sensitivity, take it as a signal it’s time to book a dental cleaning appointment right away to remove the plaque and check for cavities.
- Swollen and Tender Gums
When your gums are healthy, they’re firm and pink. They also don’t hurt or bleed when you eat or brush your teeth.
Food and plaque can build up under your gums leading to an infection or abscess. Over time, plaque can accumulate under your gums, leading to gum loss and severe periodontal (gum) disease.
Remember, gums that are constantly swollen, tender, or bleeding are symptoms to take seriously. So if your gums aren’t feeling right, it’s essential to make a dental appointment as soon as possible.
- Lost or Chipped Teeth
If your tooth is knocked out, you’ll need to make an emergency dental appointment. When you lose a tooth, the blood vessels, tooth root, nerves, and supporting tissue are all damaged. Your tooth needs to be put back into place immediately to prevent permanent tooth loss.
Chipped or broken teeth can also lead to severe infections, tooth pain, and damage to the tooth root, so they often require a root canal.
- Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis can occur due to conditions like acid reflux and chronic sinus infections. Still, gum disease, plaque, and bacterial buildup along your teeth and gums are the most common causes.
Having bad breath signals that your oral health isn’t where it should be and often means you aren’t brushing and flossing enough. If bad breath affects your life, you’ll need to see your dentist for an evaluation and a dental cleaning to establish a better routine.
If you’re looking for a dentist, you’ll want to do your research to learn how to choose the right dentist so you can find a dentist you’re comfortable with.
Book Your Dental Appointment Today
If you have any of these signs or haven’t seen a dentist in a while, then it’s time to make a dental appointment today. That way, you can identify any problems early on and get your dental health back on track.
Are you ready to improve your overall health? Be sure to check out our blog to learn more health tips that will change your life!
