A dental clinic can be just a block away, but it would still take a lot of convincing before any patients go for a dental checkup. Busy schedules often make people overlook or even dismiss the discomfort in gums and teeth. It is not easy to withstand dental pain and swelling. Pain relievers can only do so much. Here are some of the warning signs in people who need to see a dentist.
Gum recession
Receding gums usually occur with aging. Even so, it could also happen to younger individuals who have periodontitis. When the gums recede, the dental roots become exposed to air, bacteria, food, and beverages. This makes them prone to pain, tooth loss, decay, and infection. Getting a good dental checkup can stop and treat the progressive gum recession.
Bleeding
A tint of blood is a normal thing to see on the sink after brushing. Blood coating the toothbrush or dripping in the sink is not. Bleeding is a strong reason to have a dental checkup right away. Periodontitis can lead to bone and tooth loss. This can also manifest through dental discharge and gum inflammation.
Shifting teeth
Permanent teeth must last for the rest of an individual’s life. Any widening dental gaps should be a cause for concern. This may be a sign of bone loss or periodontitis. Patients should monitor themselves. If teeth do not feel the same during biting, an experienced dentist can help.
Dry mouth
Saliva lubricates the mouth. It also buffers the acids manufactured by plaque acids and flushed away bacteria and food particles. Dryness in the mouth may be an indication of a developing illness. With a dental checkup, a dentist can inspect a patient’s mouth and determine the cause of the dryness. The dentist may also suggest some measures to protect dentition and bring back the moisture.
Tooth pain
This is an obvious reason for seeing a dental practice. Sudden or repetitive dental pain should not be set aside. Abscess, dislodged filling, cavity, and damaged teeth can cause terrible sensitivity and pain. The dentist can pinpoint the true cause of the dental pain. Treatment and prevention of dental pain will follow.
Sores and bumps
Simple canker sores can disappear naturally in about two weeks. Other lesions in the mouth should have dental attention right away. People with diabetes should watch out for fungal infections like thrush or candidiasis. These white sores can appear on the roof of the mouth, the inner lining of the cheeks, tongue, or tonsils. Thrush usually appears when sugar levels in the blood are high.
Dental injuries
Trauma usually results in dislodged, cracked, or broken teeth. It can also result in gum bleeding. Injuries like these should receive proper dental care. An immediate dental checkup can determine what surgical or reparative treatments must happen.