You may have a love for all things natural and holistic, but when it comes to your smile, you need some serious dental care. Dental problems can be hidden until they become severe or even irreversible. Fortunately, most dental issues are preventable with regular checkups and visits to the dentist in Hyde Park. If you detect any of the following signs, it’s time to book an appointment with your local dentist as soon as possible. Here are 5 surefire signs you should see a dentist:
Your teeth are discolored or stained
If your teeth are discolored or stained, you should definitely see a dentist. Tooth discoloration can be caused by consuming too much coffee, tea, or red wine, which can stain the surface of your teeth. Stains can also come from sodas, certain foods, medications, or even natural biological processes. If the discoloration is dark enough to be noticeable, you should definitely visit a dentist. Permanent stains can be removed if you catch them in time, but if they’re only moderate, you may want to let them go. Mild strains can be prevented by brushing and flossing more often and by limiting sugary beverages.
You’ve developed unexplained tooth pain
You may have a relatively healthy mouth in terms of overall oral cavity cleanliness, but you may have developed pain in specific areas of your mouth. If you’ve had tooth pain for a prolonged period of time, you should definitely seek New hyde park dental help. If you experience pain from a cavity, infection, or tooth fracture, you’re not doing yourself any favors by continuing to suffer. The sooner you visit a dentist, the sooner they can treat your problem and prevent further damage.
You have gum problems, like bleeding gums
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a serious oral infection that can lead to tooth loss. If the gum tissue around your teeth is red, swollen, and painful, you should definitely see a dentist. The bacteria causing this problem can also spread to other parts of your mouth, including your tongue and throat. Gum disease can cause bleeding gums and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Your teeth are crooked or shifting
If your teeth are crooked or shifting, you should see a dentist. This can happen if there’s a problem with the supporting bone or jaw joint that controls your teeth. Prolonged grinding or clenching can cause increased stress on the jaw joint, which can eventually lead to shifting or crooked teeth. However, excessive clenching and grinding can be a symptom of other underlying health conditions, like obsessive-compulsive disorder. If your teeth are crooked, a dentist may be able to correct the problem.
You have a persistent bad breath odor
Bad breath is a very common issue among adults, and it can be caused by a multitude of factors, including diet, oral hygiene, or even medical conditions. A persistent bad odor in your mouth can be a sign that you need to see a Hyde Park dentist. Many times, bad breath is caused by an infection, which can be treated with antibiotics. If you’ve recently noticed a change in the bad breath odor, it’s an indication that you need to head to the dentist.
You don’t floss regularly or at all
Many people don’t realize that the bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay live in your teeth. If you don’t floss regularly or at all, the bacteria in your mouth can multiply and cause serious dental issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend flossing at least once a day and preferably twice. If you don’t regularly floss, the bacteria in your teeth can cause cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Final thoughts
The health of your teeth is very important, and it’s important to visit the dentist every six months. If you notice any signs of dental problems while you’re still in good oral health, it’s best to visit your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you visit, the better your chances of properly managing your dental problems. For example, if you notice pain in your teeth, you can schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. This will give them time to treat the problem and prevent further damage to your oral health.