When to See a Dentist Near You

If your mouth is in pain, it can be hard to think about or concentrate on anything else. But when should you see a dental professional? Read on for some tips on when to know when it’s time to see a dentist near you.

Persistent Tooth or Gum Pain

Every once in a while, you may experience a mild toothache, especially after eating something sweet or drinking something cold. But if this toothache is ongoing or the pain becomes more than just mild, it’s probably time to see a dentist, as it could be a sign of something more serious than just a toothache.

A Loose Tooth

For adults, a loose tooth is a serious issue that should be immediately addressed by a dentist. It could be a sign of gum problems or a symptom of teeth grinding. If you have recently experienced a trauma to your mouth that has resulted in a loose tooth, be sure to inform your dentist. They need to have all the information to effectively treat you. This goes for loose fillings, too. If you’ve noticed one of your fillings is loose or has fallen out, see a dentist and have it repaired as soon as possible. A missing filling means your tooth is being exposed to harmful bacteria, leaving you at risk of infection.

A Chipped Tooth

Accidents happen, and if you’ve recently chipped a tooth, you should see a dentist as soon as you can. Repairing a chipped tooth varies in difficulty, depending on the severity of the chip and whether your tooth already has some decay. Regardless of how bad the chip is, you should visit a dentist near you as soon as you can to have it fixed.

Inflamed or Bleeding Gums

If you have inflamed, puffy, or sore gums, don’t wait for your next dental visit to address it, especially if you’re seeing blood after you brush or floss. Inflammation and bleeding can be signs of a more serious condition, such as gum disease or infection.

Chronic Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is something that everyone experiences at some point in their life, and, to a certain extent, it’s to be expected. But if you experience persistent bad breath, and no amount of brushing or flossing solves the problem, it may be time to visit your local dental professional. While sometimes just a sign of poor dental hygiene, bad breath can also indicate medical issues in other parts of your body, such as your kidney or liver.

You Have Diabetes or Heart Disease

Studies have shown an increased risk of tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease among people with diabetes or coronary issues. If this is you, be sure to visit your dentist regularly to discuss prevention methods and treat existing problems.

Sores in Your Mouth

Most people experience canker sores in their mouths from time to time, and these typically go away on their own. However, if you’re experiencing multiple sores in your mouth for an extended period of time or see white spots on your tongue or the inside of your cheeks, this could be a sign of a fungal infection.

Increased Sensitivity to Food and Drink

Sensitivity to very hot and cold foods is normal, but if you notice an increase in sensitivity and pain when you eat or drink, it’s time to visit your dentist. You may have a cavity that needs to be filled, or this could be a symptom of grinding your teeth. Your dentist can help you with teeth-grinding by fitting you for a mouth guard, which prevents you from grinding your teeth at night while asleep.

Trouble Chewing or Swallowing Your Food or Drinks

If you’re having difficulty eating, don’t ignore it and hope it goes away on its own—it could be dangerous and should be addressed immediately. See your dentist for an exam and a possible referral to another provider, as this could be a sign of a serious issue.

A Chronic Headache or Pain in Your Neck

A headache or neck pain that just won’t go away can be warning you that something more serious is going on in your body, which includes your mouth and teeth. Jaw problems such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease) often manifest as head or neck pain, as the jaw is closely related to that area. If you think your headache or neck pain could be a symptom of a jaw disorder, visit your dentist to find out the next steps.

You’re Unhappy with the Way Your Teeth Look

Dentistry is more than just treating cavities and gum disease. Many dentists provide cosmetic services to improve the aesthetics and general appearance of your teeth and gums. If you’re unhappy with your smile, visit your dentist to discuss possible options, such as methods for straightening or whitening your teeth. Some dentists even offer more involved cosmetic procedures, such as veneers.

It can be hard to know exactly when to visit your dentist, and you may be tempted to try to ignore pain or irritation and hope it goes away. But it’s important to remember that tooth or mouth pain can be indications of other problems or medical issues, so it’s important to address them as soon as possible before they become more difficult to treat.

Find a dentist near you so that you can make dental visits as easy and convenient as possible. And of course, in between dental visits, maintain an oral hygiene routine that includes daily brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and support healthy gums. Good dental health is an important aspect of an overall healthy lifestyle.