Only 58% of people in one survey had seen the dentist in the previous year. Falling behind on your dental care can put you at risk for dental complications.
Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years since your last Glendale dentistry appointment, there are certain signs that tell you it’s time to go. With regular dental care, you’re better able to keep your mouth healthy and have a strong, beautiful smile you’re proud to show.
Check out these seven signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment with a Glendale dentist.
1. Long Time Since Your Last Visit
The general recommendation is to schedule dental cleanings and checkups once every 6 months. A more updated approach is to work with your dentist to determine a dental appointment frequency based on your personal needs.
Some patients can maintain a healthy mouth with visits only once per year. People in this category have good oral health habits and low risk factors for issues.
Patients with lots of oral health issues might need to go to the dentist more frequently. Talk to your doctor about your risks and how often you should go for regular visits.
If it’s been longer than a year since your last visit, it’s time to schedule an appointment. If it’s been several years since your last visit, you might be a little nervous to return. Find a low-pressure office that puts you at ease and provides treatment without judgement to make it easier.
2. Tooth or Mouth Pain
Pain is a strong indicator that you have a dental issue that needs care from a Glendale family dentist. Tooth pain can come from a variety of issues, including cavities, infections, and gum disease. You might also notice lingering pain from grinding your teeth or jaw pain from TMJ.
Addressing the pain quickly not only makes you feel more comfortable, but it also helps fix the problem before it becomes more severe. The longer you wait, the higher the risk becomes of needing a more extensive treatment. That means potentially more discomfort for you and higher dental bills.
It’s also a good idea to see a dentist if you notice more sensitivity than normal to heat and cold. Sensitivity can happen due to tooth decay, worn enamel, and damage to your teeth. A dentist can assess the situation and determine the cause of the sensitivity as well as recommended treatments.
3. Gum Bleeding, Swelling, or Other Issues
Periodontal disease affects 47.2% of adults who are 30 or older. Your gums give you early warning signs of a problem. Gingivitis is usually the earliest stages of gum disease and causes swollen, red gums that bleed easily.
If you don’t address the issue early, it can progress to periodontitis. The gums pull away from your teeth, often causing loose teeth. You can also lose bone.
Visit a dentist in Denver or surrounding areas at the first sign of gum issues. If you catch it early, your dentist can help you keep it under control with professional cleanings and strong oral hygiene. If it gets worse, you might have to take medication or even have surgery to correct the issue.
4. Sores or Other Marks in Your Mouth
Sores in your mouth can happen for a variety of reasons. One common cause is biting the inside of your mouth, either accidentally while you’re eating or as a nervous habit.
If you have any sores or new spots inside your mouth that don’t go away within a week, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental appointment. Dentists are trained to spot signs of oral cancer and other serious issues. Your dentist can assess the sore and determine if you need more testing or additional treatment.
5. Acute Tooth or Gum Injury
Trauma to the mouth is grounds for an immediate dental appointment. Call a dentist immediately if you have an injury to a tooth or your gums. The dentist can let you know if you need emergency dental care or if it can wait.
Chipped, cracked, or loose teeth should receive dental care from a professional. Even if you don’t lose the tooth, the trauma can damage the tooth’s root, which can cause long-term issues.
Trauma to the mouth can cause cuts on your cheeks, gums, or tongue. Having braces can increase the chances of damage to the soft tissue with trauma. Deep lacerations that don’t stop bleeding should receive medical care.
Call a dentist if you notice your teeth feel loose, even if you don’t remember having any trauma to your mouth. Loose teeth can sometimes indicate another problem, such as gum disease.
6. Problems With Previous Dental Work
If you’ve had previous dental work done, such as fillings or crowns, keep an eye on them to ensure they’re still in good condition. If you notice any of the dental work looks weak, feels loose, or falls out of your mouth, contact a Glendale family dentist immediately. The dentist can check on the previous work and correct the issue before it gets worse.
7. Cosmetic Issues
Your smile lights up your face, but if you don’t feel confident with your teeth, you might hold back. Cosmetic dentistry can bring back your confidence with a range of services that improve the look of your teeth.
Consider seeing a Glendale cosmetic dentist if you feel insecure about your smile. Teeth whitening is a simple cosmetic dentistry technique that helps brighten your smile. Dental veneers and dental bonding can cover up chips, cracks, and other flaws on your teeth.
If you don’t like your crooked teeth, visit a Glendale dentist to inquire about tooth-straightening techniques. Braces and invisible aligners are popular options for straightening teeth.
Choose Glendale Dentistry Providers
Glendale dentistry services help you improve your oral health and have a smile that makes you feel confident. If it’s been a while since your last visit or you notice dental problems, it’s a good time to see your dentist.
Instead of searching “Glendale dentist near me” and chancing it, choose a dentist you know you can trust. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our trusted, no-pressure dental staff.