It’s been a while since your last dental appointment, and you wonder if it’s okay to put off a dental visit for a little longer. Putting off routine dental exams and professional cleanings is never a good idea because these appointments are critical for the early detection and intervention of dental concerns that, left untreated, can lead to disastrous consequences.
We understand that sometimes life events and circumstances get in the way, and before you know it, the time has passed, and you are thinking just how worried you should be about the lack of dental care you find yourself facing. Relax! We are here to help! A great first step is to make an appointment with Dworkin Dental ASAP. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will welcome you to our state-of-the-art dental office, ensuring that you are comfortable, in a judgment-free zone, and surrounded by a dental team invested in restoring and maintaining your dental health.
We definitely recommend keeping routine dental appointments as an essential way to achieve and maintain optimal oral health, but here are some signs that immediate dental attention is vital.
PAIN is the number one issue that prompts people to seek dental care outside of routine exams and cleanings. Pain is your mouth’s distress signal to get your attention so you can address potentially serious dental problems. Toothaches can be caused by a cavity but can also indicate an impacted tooth, abscess, or gum disease. Prompt dental assessment to determine the cause and appropriate treatment is critical. If any of these issues are left untreated, tooth loss may be the outcome.
DRY MOUTH is a sign that your oral health is not what it should be; a healthy mouth is well-lubricated by saliva. Having enough saliva is important because a dry mouth is uncomfortable and because saliva plays an essential role in washing away food particles and neutralizing the acids that produce plaque and tartar. Your dentist can help identify the cause of your dry mouth and provide ways to restore moisture and protect your oral health.
LOOSE or SHIFTING adult teeth are always a cause of concern. Once adult teeth are present, they should remain securely in their place. If you notice gaps getting bigger, slight movement, or changes in how your bite fits together, notify your dentist immediately. Infection or bone loss could be the cause of unwanted movement and needs immediate intervention.
BLEEDING GUMS in any amount after brushing or flossing is not normal and is often a sign of early periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Treated in the early stage, known as gingivitis, gum disease is reversible. Once gum disease advances to periodontitis, it is no longer reversible, and the goal of treatment shifts to slowing the progression; this is undoubtedly a case for early treatment. Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth and bone loss, don’t let this happen to you! Make an appointment with the dentist at the first sign of bleeding gums.
BUMPS and SORES in the mouth, such as canker sores, will clear up on their own in less than two weeks. If you have a sore that does not clear up in this time frame or begins to worsen instead of getting better, it’s time to see the dentist. Oral lesions can be caused by fungal infections such as thrush and need to be treated with medication to be resolved. Some people are predisposed to these infections by preexisting issues like diabetes. The dentist will prescribe appropriate medication to treat the infection.
RECEDING GUMS is the term used when the gum tissue that surrounds a tooth wears away or pulls back from the tooth, exposing more of the surface and, eventually, the delicate root of the tooth. A small amount of receding gum can be attributed to aging, but gum disease is often the culprit. It is crucial for the dentist to determine the cause of receding gums as soon as possible; if caught early, treatment can stop or even reverse receding gums. If not addressed, receding gums can cause tooth and bone loss.
SENSITIVITY to HOT and COLD foods not only causes discomfort, but it’s also a sign something is not right with your oral health. Tooth decay is frequently the cause of this pain as it weakens and thins out the enamel on your tooth, exposing highly sensitive nerves. Consulting with your dentist ASAP will allow for the necessary treatment to get you back to enjoying eating all your favorite foods and beverages pain-free again.
All of the above reasons are signs you need to see the dentist, but equally important is your oral health's impact on your overall well-being. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's have all been linked to poor oral health. Don’t put it off another day; call us at Dworkin Dental to schedule your appointment.
We look forward to being your partner in optimal oral and overall health!
