5 Reasons it’s Time to Visit the Dentist

Did you know that it’s very necessary to visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional teeth cleaning and checkup? Most times, patients tend to cancel their appointments or avoid going to the dentist altogether – which is a big no-no! The dentist might sound scary, but at the end of the day your dentist is there to help you keep your teeth in tip-top shape. This article is written with the help of Dr. JONATHAN J. GOLAB, D.D.S., P.A best dentist at Flower Mound. Many of us ignore signs and symptoms that can signal a critical issue that needs attention. If one or more of the following five conditions present themselves between visits, don’t wait; schedule that appointment right away. Swollen or Bleeding Gums Sore gums often area a sign of gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums, or even the more serious periodontitis, an inflammation of your teeth’s attachment fibers. If you leave these untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis, which could then result in receding gums, damage to your jaw bones and tooth loss. If you experience any of the following: pain, sensitivity, redness, swollen and/or bleeding, please consult your doctor. Sensitivity or Pain This is a clear sign that there is something wrong with your teeth. It could be that the enamel has worn off or that you have a cavity that is exposing the nerve in your tooth. It is best to visit your dentist so that he can X-ray and examine the area for possible issues. Leaving an infected tooth untreated can cause serious health risks, and in extreme cases you face the possibility of the infection spreading or entering into your bloodstream. Bad Breath Bad breath is very common and while it’s usually nothing serious, if you experience bad breathe regularly it could be a sign of something of concern. Bad breath can be caused by: dry mouth, advanced tooth decay, a warning indication of advance gum disease and/or medical condition such as diabetes, liver/kidney disease, a sinus condition, or gastric reflux. Sore Jaw Is your jaw sore? Do you have headaches? If answered yes, you may be dealing with TMJ, which is known for Temporomandibular Join Disorders). The TMJ connects to the jawbone to the skull. If the joint is damaged or injured, it can lead to TMJ. Symptoms include pain in the area just below your ear, jaw “popping” when you open and close your mouth, pain the ear, a “clicking” sound heard in the ear when opening the jaw, sore/stiff jaw muscles, a “locked” jaw, and/or headache in the temple area. Regular Checkup or Cleaning It’s been at least six months since your last dental visit; so you must go in for a dental checkup and cleaning. These visits are important because it allows your dentist to detect any problems in your teeth like cavities that he can take care of right away. When you take care of your teeth and have them regularly cleaned and checked, you’ll have a great smile people love and want to be around.