It is well-known that one should visit a dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups. This helps you maintain good oral health. We also know that if you’re experiencing any of these common signs between your biannual visits, you must see a dentist as soon as possible:
- Pain in tooth
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Teeth sensitivity to hot and cold
- White spots on teeth
However, there are some other lesser-known signs and symptoms that warrant a visit to the dentist’s office. Here are six of them to consider:
1. You Have Quit Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
First of all, kudos to you! You have taken a step in the right direction. Quitting tobacco is better for both your overall health as well as your oral health. We know that tobacco can cause cancer. So, a visit to the dentist’s office after quitting tobacco will let your dentist carry out a full mouth checkup. They would want to examine your oral cavity with a cancer screening such as OralID. They will also carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to check for the signs of gum disease. You will also get a plan of action to have a healthy mouth.
2. You Have Ongoing Medical Issues
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Studies have shown that your oral health can affect your overall physiological health. This is exemplified by the fact that gingivitis and periodontitis are linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2) and cardiovascular diseases. People suffering from these illnesses are more prone to gum disease than those who do not. In fact, studies have also shown evidence that gum disease can be one of the warning signs for diabetes or heart ailments. This tells us that maintaining good oral hygiene and thus timely dentist visits are critical for people with diabetes or heart issues.
3. You Are Pregnant
Pregnant women experience a major shift in their hormone levels. This can also affect their oral health among other things. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to have red, swollen or even bleeding gums that had been perfectly healthy before. So, if you are pregnant and show similar signs, there’s nothing to be alarmed about. Keeping up with your good dental hygiene is the right course of action, but you should also consider a visit to your dentist. A visit during your first or second trimester can be the most comfortable. Your dentist may ask you about any morning sickness as frequent vomiting can lead to enamel erosion. They may also want to know about any gum problems you are having.
4. You Frequently Wake Up With Headaches
If you wake up with headaches even though you slept feeling well enough the previous night, chances are that you could be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. You may also feel soreness in your jaw during your first meal of the day. This may eventually lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems. However, you need not suffer from it as your dentist can help you find the root cause of the problem and begin the treatment accordingly.
Your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard at night to reduce headaches or can offer suggestions such as realigning your jaw and protecting your teeth from excessive wear.
5. You Have Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or more commonly known as Acid Reflux is a condition when the muscles of the lower esophagus relax and allow stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus and even the mouth. Over time, acid reflux can erode tooth enamel and cause hot/cold sensitivity, decay, discolouration and chipping. It can also give rise to periodontal problems. So, if you are suffering from GERD, visiting your dentist will help you limit the damage and save your teeth from decaying.
6. You Have a Persistent Bad Taste in Your Mouth
Having bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away, even after you brush your teeth can point to several oral health issues. For instance, it can be a sign of saliva gland infection, dry mouth, gum disease or even tonsillitis. If the condition is chronic, you must immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can suggest to you the required course of action and offer some solutions.
It is needless to say that this list can be even longer. So, according to us, consulting your dentist should be the first course of action if you are facing any issues with your mouth, teeth, jaw or gums. And if you are looking for a trusted family dentist near you, get in touch with us at Perfect Smile Dental. We have our practices all across the UK. Our highly qualified and experienced team of clinicians will provide you with the best dental care possible.