How often should you visit the dentist? | 7 Signs that it is time

 

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Tooth Pain

A day-to-day dental practice requires wearing a mask, protective eyewear, and latex gloves. Dentists and their staff regularly disinfect and sanitize equipment. As such, taking these measures during COVID-19 is nothing new. Dental professionals are well-accustomed to it.

If you have any hangups about visiting the dentist during the pandemic, remember: studies show that going to the dentist is one of the safest things you can do. Plus, there are many reasons why going to the dentist is important. Putting off dental visits can lead to much bigger problems, like tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are some telltale signs your next dental check-up is long overdue.

1. You Haven't Seen Your Dentist In Six Months Or More

Generally speaking, you should visit your dentist every six months. The frequency of dental visits can prevent a variety of oral health problems and affect your overall health. What happens at these routine appointments?

When you walk into your dental office once or twice per year, expect a thorough dental cleaning. A dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, polish your teeth, and apply fluoride treatments and sealants as necessary. 

These routine examinations and treatments prevent cavities, gum disease, and may even help identify telltale signs of serious medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or even oral cancer.

2. You're In Pain

If you are in near-constant pain, you shouldn't need a reminder about why going to the dentist is important. There are several ways tooth-related pain can manifest, and none of them should be ignored. If you have a toothache or pain in your jaw, neck, or mouth, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

3. You Sustain An Injury

If you sustain a serious injury, do not sit around mulling over the reasons why going to the dentist is important. Should you chip a tooth, knock out a tooth, or an adult tooth comes loose, time is of the essence. Speedy treatment is essential for effective dental restoration.

4. You Have Bad Breath Or A Bad Taste In Your Mouth

Bad breath may be caused by excess bacteria in your mouth, gingivitis, or even diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease. Similarly, a bad taste in your mouth may indicate dry mouth, respiratory infections, or liver infections, like Hepatitis B.

Regular dental services, like seeing your dentist for a check-up, will help you determine the cause and severity of the problem.

5. Your Gums Are Red, Swollen, Or Inflamed

Treating gum problems in their early stages is simple. Your dentist may recommend taking medication, rinsing with salt water or medicated mouthwash, improving your diet, avoiding irritants like tobacco, alcohol, and certain kinds of toothpaste, and brushing and flossing regularly. These relatively simple steps can go a long way to restore your gums to full health.

6. You're Afraid To Smile

If you are afraid to smile due to yellow teeth, a missing, cracked, or chipped tooth, an overbite, underbite, or crooked teeth, talk to your dentist. They can help! Whether they recommend tooth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, or braces, chances are they have solutions to get you smiling again.

7. You Have Serious Medical Conditions

If you have particular medical conditions, that is yet another reason why going to the dentist is important. Certain medical conditions require you to be extra proactive about your dental health as well as your gums.

Plus, What To Do If You Don't Have Insurance

While all of these reasons make it clear why going to the dentist is important, dental care is not always affordable for the average person. The costs of cleanings, fillings and other dental procedures can be prohibitive without dental insurance.

If you do not have dental insurance, rest assured that there are steps you can take to keep your dental health and oral hygiene in check.

There are many reasons why going to the dentist is important. Schedule an appointment to treat pain, treat an injury, grow more confident in your smile, or more effectively treat serious health conditions.

 

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