Smiling woman looking with trust at dentist during treatment
Smiling pretty woman looking with trust at dentist doctor during treatment

If you haven’t seen your dentist in a long time, you should schedule an appointment anyway. Unfortunately, people often ignore the early signs of dental diseases, only to deal with pain and complications later. If you are wondering whether it is time to book a checkup with your Attleborough Falls family dentist, here are some signs to watch for.

You have a toothache

While sudden pain in a tooth may not be a cause of serious concern, you should go for an appointment when the symptoms worsen. Also, when you have swelling, inflammation, or a severe toothache, it is best to check whether there are concerns like gum disease or deep decay.

You have bleeding gums

Your gums should not bleed. Sadly, we don’t pay as much attention to gum health as keeping our teeth white. The good news is gum disease in the early stages, also called gingivitis, is reversible, and your dentist may do a deep cleaning routine to remove plaque. Root scaling is the typical approach, and you may also have to use a medicated mouthwash.

You have a displaced crown or filling

If you have gone through dental work before and have a crown that has worn off or a filling that is missing, you should check with the dentist immediately. Restorations are never permanent, and it is best to seek care so that further complications can be avoided.

You have sensitive teeth

While minor sensitivity is not always a significant issue, meet your dentist to see if there is decay in one or more of your teeth. If the decay has reached the second layer of your tooth, called the dentin, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Other possible causes include fillings that need replacement and teeth grinding.

You have trouble chewing

If chewing seems painful or when you are unable to enjoy your meals, don’t delay in booking a routine checkup. It could be related to inflammation of gums, tooth decay, or damage to teeth due to age. Your dentist can help identify the problem and will recommend the right treatment plan.  

You have halitosis

Halitosis or persistent bad breath can be a cause of embarrassment, but more importantly, it could be an indicator of another disease. Common conditions that may trigger halitosis include dry mouth, medication, diabetes, and periodontal disease.

Finally, you should also check with a dentist if you have frequent and recurring canker sores, which can be painful.