Summary
Considering how most individuals perceive dental exams and check-ups, chances are that you’re ignoring them despite a brewing toothache.
However, most times, individuals tend to overlook the pain until it becomes a severe oral issue. Therefore, it’s always best to understand the signs and determine when to visit your nearest dentist in Morgantown, WV.
Keeping the same in mind, this blog takes a closer look at the different signs that suggest you need a dental exam or check-up via topics like:
- Why Are Regular Check-ups Important?
- 7 Tell-Tale Signs That Suggest You Need A Dental Examination
- Tips to Maintain Your Oral Health
So continue reading as we learn more about these warning signs in the following sections.
Why Are Regular Check-ups Important?
Regular dental check-ups are an essential aspect of preventative health care. They support oral and overall health, as oral conditions cause and contribute to various illnesses or diseases.
Having a regular check-up helps maintain good oral health and prevent untoward teeth and mouth problems. The ADA recommends a regular interval for dental exams as the dentist prescribes.
Unfortunately, brushing and flossing your teeth every morning and night is insufficient to prevent them from wearing and tearing. Your teeth can still develop damage from the constant abuse they receive from eating, drinking beverages, and even grinding.
7 Tell-Tale Signs That Suggest You Need A Dental Examination
1. Jaw Pain
Pain in your jaw may indicate sinus difficulties, gingivitis and gum disease, jaw dislocation, arthritis, teeth grinding and clenching, or a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). You must visit your nearest clinic for a dental exam and checkup in Morgantown, WV.
2. Bleeding Gums
Gum disease symptoms include bleeding gums. While it is customary to bleed when brushing your teeth too hard, constant bleeding indicates gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis. Gum disease develops when germs, plaque, and tartar accumulate in the mouth, owing to poor dental care. This inflammation leads the gums to degenerate, eventually leading to tooth loss.
3. Bad Breath
Chronic and persistent foul breath (halitosis) that does not go away after brushing indicates dental cavities and gum disease. A tooth infection may also cause tooth decay or dental abscess. It might also indicate a more serious underlying medical problem, such as kidney or liver illness.
4. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity shows receding gums and thinner, worn dental enamel. These conditions lessen the enamel and gums’ protective layer, exposing the tooth and root and causing discomfort. Aggressive brushing, acidic meals and beverages, GERD, and bulimia can all contribute to this. Sensitive teeth to temperature changes might also indicate other dental problems such as cavities, tooth decay, fractures, gum recession, or teeth grinding.
5. Toothache/Tooth Pain
A toothache can range from subtle to acute and is frequently quite painful. It can be caused by various dental disorders, including cavities, gum disease, dental abscesses, tooth infection, tooth decay, a broken tooth, or nerve damage, all of which should be evaluated by a dentist immediately.
6. Sores
Sores in the mouth range in severity from ulcers to leukoplakia, cold sores, canker sores, and candidiasis. Some are caused by bacterial or viral infections and discomfort from braces or dentures.
Some can suggest more severe health concerns, such as non-healing wounds, which can indicate diabetes, and red or white lesions, which may be a sign of oral cancer. Your dentist can diagnose the source of any sores and provide the best therapy.
7. Loose Teeth
Adults with loose or unsteady teeth may lose and require tooth replacement procedures. A loose tooth may indicate severe periodontal disease or gum disease, in which the bone that supports the tooth is weakened and torn away. A loose tooth might indicate osteoporosis, in which the bone that holds the teeth in place weakens. This might also be caused by trauma or a knock on the teeth.
Tips to Maintain Your Oral Health
1. Don’t avoid brushing before you go to bed:
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a well-known general guideline. Nonetheless, many people continue to skip cleaning their teeth at night. Brushing before bed removes the accumulated bacteria and plaque over the day.
2. Brush properly:
Brushing your teeth incorrectly is nearly as terrible as not brushing at all. To eliminate plaque, gently swirl the toothbrush in circular strokes. Unremoved plaque can harden, causing calculus development and gingivitis (early gum disease).
3. Don’t overlook your tongue:
Plaque can also build up on the tongue, causing poor mouth odor and other oral health issues. When you brush your teeth, gently brush your tongue as well.
4. Use a fluoride toothpaste:
Factors other than whitening power and flavor are important when choosing toothpaste. Whatever version you pick, be sure it contains fluoride.While individuals concerned about fluoride’s effects on other areas of health have scrutinized it, it remains a crucial component in dental health. This is because fluoride is a primary preventative measure against tooth decay.
5. Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you:
Flossing may be challenging, particularly for small children and older people with arthritis. Instead of giving up, seek items that can assist you in flossing your teeth. Ready-to-use toothflossers from the drugstore can help.
6. Drink more water:
Water is the most beneficial beverage for general health, including dental health. Dentists urge that you drink water after each meal. This can help remove some harmful effects of sticky and acidic meals and beverages from brushes.
7. Limit sugary and acidic foods:
Sugar eventually becomes acid in the mouth, destroying your teeth’s enamel. These acids are what cause cavities. Acidic fruits, drinks, and coffee can also erode tooth enamel. While you don’t have to avoid such items altogether, it doesn’t harm to be careful.
Takeaway
- Considering how most individuals perceive dental exams and check-ups, you may ignore them despite a brewing toothache.
- Having a regular check-up helps maintain good oral health and prevent untoward teeth and mouth problems.
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a well-known general guideline.
- A loose tooth might indicate osteoporosis, in which the bone that holds the teeth in place weakens. This might also be caused by trauma or a knock on the teeth.
- Don’t take any chance with your toothache! Connect with our experts at Dr. Raymond today.
