It’s not uncommon for people to shy away from regular visits to the dentist. For some people, it’s about the thought of having to deal with yet another dental issue, or for you kids, it could be about a general fear of the dentist.
Taking advantage of the emergency dental Mornington Peninsula locals rely on for all types of dental issues is always the best course of action. Many people only visit the dentist when they have to. How often do you visit your dentist? Keep reading to find out why visiting your dentist between your bi-annual checkups is a good idea.
Dentists Aren’t Only for Emergencies
There are several good reasons why you should visit your dentist more than once or twice a year. Our dental experts have compiled a list of the most significant.
Your Gums Have Become Tender
A healthy mouth should never have swollen, puffy, or tender gums. They should also not bleed, not even when you’re brushing them. So if you’re experiencing this, it may be a sign that you have a plaque buildup along the gum line.
If left untreated, this can lead to more serious gum disease. More commonly known as gingivitis, gum disease can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, or, in severe cases, periodontitis (jaw bone disease).
If you already have dentures, then bleeding gums can be caused by ill-fitting. Other underlying health conditions or a general vitamin deficiency could be to blame. Going for a checkup will help your dentist establish the cause as well as a potential treatment plan.
You’re Planning to Get Pregnant
You may be wondering how getting pregnant has anything to do with your current oral health. The reality is that oral health is a crucial part of prenatal care. The many diverse hormone fluctuations during pregnancy could increase the risk of cavities and gingivitis.
In addition to this, untreated dental issues have been linked to premature and unusually low birth weights. Your dentist will be able to prescribe a course of treatment that’s safe for you to follow before and during your pregnancy.
Your Jaw Randomly Locks
Does your jaw seem to randomly lock sometimes? Or does it also feel stiff or painful for no definable reason? If this is the case, you may be developing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which affects the jaw and surrounding muscles.
Often caused by stress or an injury, this pain can radiate to your neck and face and even make your teeth feel as though they’re not lining up. Your dentist will help you diagnose and treat this condition.
You Find Yourself Snoring Loudly
While it’s true that most people snore at some point in their lives, it shouldn’t be very loud or jarring. The most common cause of this type of snoring revolves around developing sleep apnea, which causes you to stop breathing while you sleep. This condition can also leave you gasping for air in your sleep.
You will also likely wake up with a headache, exhaustion, and irritability. Your dentist may not be able to cure your sleep apnea, but they will be able to recommend a dental device, such as a mouthguard. This will help align your jaw, which creates better airflow during your sleep.
Nothing is Helping With Your Bad Breath
As with snoring, bad breath is another issue that many people will have to deal with at some point. This is often caused by eating a specific food or skipping a brushing. However, if you notice that you are struggling to shake your bad breath even after brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash, there may be another issue.
Halitosis can be caused by any of the following:
- Poor oral habits that result in bacteria staying between teeth
- Dry mouth
- No cleaning dentures or other dental appliances properly
- Ongoing respiratory infections
- Periodontal disease
- Liver of kidney conditions
Your dentist will help you assess the cause of your bad breath and recommend the right treatment. In addition to medication, they may suggest changes to your dental cleaning routine.
You Have Pain in Your Mouth
For many people, going to the dentist for a pain in the mouth is standard practice. However, some individuals will wait to see if the issue worsens. Keep in mind that tooth or gum sensitivity can be caused by a fractured tooth, infection, or cavity.
It could also stem from eating food that’s too hot or cold. If the pain persists or is accompanied by swelling and a toothache that lasts more than two days, it’s always a good idea to visit your dentist. They could help you address a minor infection or other dental issue before it escalates.
Final Thought
Regular visits to your dentist will go a long way toward identifying and treating any underlying dental issues and their common causes. Addressing these issues before they progress will not only save you money in the long-run but will also prevent you having to deal with a host of different medical issues.