You’ve probably heard that you should see your dentist bi-annually. You’ve probably also heard that you need to brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use mouthwash. But what are you supposed to do when you get a toothache, have swollen gums, or start to have tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures? Most people “grit their teeth” and deal with the discomfort.
At Boulder Dental Designs, we encourage you to consider seeing your dentist if you experience pain, discomfort, or a general uneasiness about your oral health. We’re advocates of preventive dentistry, but we also understand your life is busy. You may not be able to see us every six months. If you’re in pain or simply aren’t sure what’s going on inside your mouth, give us a call to schedule an appointment!
In this post, we’ll share seven common signs people need to take seriously instead of ignoring them.
Seven signs you need to see your dentist
Tooth pain
It’s tough to ignore tooth pain, but if it comes in waves, you may be able to work your way through it. In fact, if you feel a pulsating heat or pain, you should call your boulder dentist on their emergency line. Toothaches can result from a variety of causes, and if not taken care of promptly, you may lose your tooth.
Swollen gums
Do your gums feel inflamed? Do they bleed when you brush them? This is a sign of periodontal disease, which can affect your oral health without you ever seeing it. It’s important to address any kind of gum disease to ensure your smile stays beautiful and your mouth healthy.
White spots
If you’ve noticed white spots on your teeth, and you haven’t had teeth whitening, either home or in-office, lately, you may be dealing with moderate tooth decay. Visit your dentist as soon as possible to address the issue and get your smile back to its healthy state.
Tooth sensitivity
When you drink a cold or hot beverage, do feel discomfort or pain in your teeth? How about pain when you breathe hot or cold air? This is a sign that you have sensitive teeth, which could lead to oral health complications later if not addressed promptly.
Dry mouth
Do you feel like you’ve got swabs of cotton in your mouth all the time? This can mean you’re dealing with gum disease or a systemic health issue. Your local dentist will be able to help you determine if the dry mouth is due to something happening in your mouth.
Migraines
It’s uncommon for people to associate headaches with their teeth. In fact, many people simply take anti-inflammatories and continue on with their day. In some cases, grinding your teeth can cause stress in your temporomandibular joint, which can result in what’s called “TMJ.”
Bad breath
Otherwise known as halitosis. Bad breath affect those who consume alcohol, use tobacco, or eat intense foods frequently. This condition could also be a sign of inadequate oral health care.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
Our mission is to provide the best dental care in Boulder — we’d be as bold to say Colorado — to our patients in a comfortable, relaxing, and safe environment. If you experience any of the signs in this post, call us today!
