On average, visiting a dentist at least two times a year can be enough to keep your dental health in top shape. However, dental emergencies can get you off your routine and compel you to seek the help of a dental practitioner right away. Now, routine visits to a dental clinic will help unearth all dental problems that are developing. This way, treatment can be offered in time to prevent loss of a tooth or damage to your gums. Now that you know why it is important to visit a dental practitioner, here are 5 signs that it is time to walk into a dental clinic.
1. Having persistent toothaches
Some dental problems quite temporary, and they will subside and go away within a very short time. While some will fade away only to come up again, some toothaches will go and never experience them for a second time. There are many factors that can lead to toothaches, and they are tooth decay, a knocked-out tooth, a dental filling that has come out among others. As such, they will require you to visit a dental expert right away. But, a bad breath occurring due to eating spicy foods or some mouth sores you developed might not necessarily require you to visit a dental clinic unless it is accompanied by pain, or it does not go away.
A toothache is a common problem among people, and whenever it occurs, and it doesn’t subside, you need to make an appointment with a dental care professional. The pain caused by toothache can be so severe that it causes sleepless nights or makes you unable to go to work.
2. Prolonged bad breath
At times, bad breath may occur because you have taken some foods like garlic, onion, or spices. You can deal with such breath by just stopping taking such food. However, when you have bad breath caused by plaque or presence of bacteria in the mouth, you will need to get treatment. When not checked, bad breath can lead to other serious conditions like gum disease or tooth decay. You can reduce bad breath by brushing and flossing your teeth, but when it seems stubborn to do away with it, consider seeing a dental expert.
3. Having bleeding gums
Your gums may bleed when you brush using hard toothbrush bristles because they tear the tissue and expose it. It is important you change your toothbrush as often as possible, and avoid using tough bristled toothbrushes because they can damage the delicate gum tissue and expose your teeth to actions of acids produced by bacterial flora in the mouth. Nonetheless, when you have bleeding gums that persist for some time, they could signal serious conditions like gingivitis and gum disease.
4. Cracked teeth
Cracks in teeth may not be visible when they are tiny, but they can grow larger with time often causing troubles. You may know that you have cracks in your teeth when you begin to experience tooth sensitivity. When you notice pain when chewing, it means you should visit a dental clinic for further check-up and examination.
5. A metallic taste in your mouth
Metallic taste in your mouth may be due to the use of medications. Some medicines you take will have side effects that present in form of metallic taste in the mouth. However, it may also be a sign of gingivitis or possible periodontitis. Therefore, you should make a point to see a dental expert if you have a metallic taste for no obvious reason.
Having a great smile and stronger teeth improves your personality, creates confidence, and reduces the cost of dental care. People who have little risks of developing cavities and gum disease find that they don’t visit dental experts as often as those who experience these problems frequently. You don’t have to visit a dental expert only when you have dental issues.