12 Signs that you need to visit a dentist

Good oral health is of great importance for people of any age. There probably isn’t a single person out there that likes going to the dentist, but regular visits are of utmost importance in preventing many dental diseases.
There are certain signs that might point out that there is something going on in your oral cavity and that you need to schedule a visit to the dental office. Even if there aren’t any symptoms present, that doesn’t mean that you have to skip dental appointments. There are certain problems that might be present but do not show any symptoms. Another thing why regular visits are important is the prevention of dental diseases.

Pain

The top and most common reason on why people visit the dentist. Pain is the most obvious sign that there is something wrong. It might be coming from your teeth, jaw or other structures that are a part of the oral cavity. Tooth pain can vary from a light pain to a very severe, unbearable one. No matter the type of pain, it is a certain sign that you need to visit your dentist.

Problems with the gums

If you have gums that are swollen, sensitive, intensely red and are bleeding, that might be an indication of more serious problems. Gingivitis and periodontitis, if not treated on time can lead to receding gums or even tooth loss. If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to schedule that visit.

Tooth sensitivity

If you are feeling pain when you are drinking cold or hot drinks or eating hot or cold food that means that your teeth are hypersensitive. Hypersensitivity can be a result of many conditions including tooth decay, periodontitis, gingivitis and more. The sooner you visit the dentist, the sooner you will find out the reason and get it treated.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth can be a result of age, certain medication, medical disorders and more. If it is not treated it will lead to more complications. Saliva is very important in preventing caries and many other dental diseases. Dry mouth can affect chewing, swallowing, speaking, so it is very important to get your symptoms checked as soon as possible.

Bad breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a result of gingivitis, tonsillitis and other oral problems. If you’ve been having bad breath, in spite of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, then there might be something going on. You should schedule a visit because gingivitis, if not treated on time, can lead to very serious consequences. Another thing that might lead to bad breath is an infected tooth or other infections in the oral cavity. Sometimes halitosis can be combined with bad taste.

Headaches, joint and muscle pain

If you wake up in the morning with headaches, or you feel pain in your temporomandibular joint or masticatory muscles that might be a sign of one bad habit. It is called bruxism and it means that you are grinding your teeth during the night. Many people are not even aware that they are doing in until someone hears or sees them. There are also other conditions that are connected with joint pain and headaches. All of these signs need to be checked out.

Spots and sores in the mouth

Spots and sores can appear due to many different reasons. Sores can be a result of bacterial or viral infections, dentures, other diseases, any kind of irritation in the mouth and more. If the sores are present for more than a week they should definitely be evaluated by a dentist. They can point out to many serious problems including oral cancer. Other changes in the mouth include leukoplakia, candidiasis and more.

Weird taste in your mouth

Having a metallic taste in your mouth is a big deal. This is one of the common signs of gingivitis and periodontitis. Both of these conditions do not end well if they are not treated on time. If you’ve been experiencing a metal taste in your mouth, make sure to visit your dentist.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women very often have dental problems. Pregnancy has the tendency to make previous dental problems even worse for many women. Regular checkups are very important during that period.

Uncommon changes in the mouth

Take the time once in a while to take a look at your mouth. Any changes in color, consistency, lumps that are located on your lips, tongue, cheeks, palate should be looked at by a professional. Some of those changes can mean that there is a serious condition going on, so early discovery might be significant.

Medical conditions

Some patients that have other medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, infectious diseases, eating disorders might need special dental treatment. Also, patients that are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy need to visit the dentist more often than others.

Smokers

Any kind of tobacco is very harmful to the health, especially to the oral one. Smokers are at greater risk for many oral diseases including oral cancer.

Many oral diseases do not show any signs at all. That is why regular visits are crucial. It is recommended to visit your dentist at least twice a year. You don’t have to wait for symptoms and signs to show so that you have a reason to schedule an appointment.