Go to the Dentist – 5 Red Flags

Your dentist is an important heath care provider in your life. He or she cares for your teeth, gums and mouth which then spills over into many other areas of your life and well being. If untended dental decay gets out of hand, it can lead to clogged arteries, premature birth, diabetes complications and heart disease. It can also cause you to lose your teeth which could result in malnutrition, depression and a lowered quality of life. Think your dentist is not so important? Think again. Because sitting in the dental chair to have cleanings, exams and fillings is rarely on a person’s list of pleasurable outings, sometimes it’s put off for way too long. Here are 5 red flags that it’s time to make an appointment:

Pain: If you are experiencing pain in any of your teeth, this spells trouble. The enamel may have worn away due to decay and the nerve and pulp area is exposed. This can lead to infection and even further eroding of the dentin, pulp and root. It can also progress into erosion into the jaw bone and loss of the tooth. Don’t delay. If you are experiencing pain, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Bleeding gums: When gums start to bleed, this can be a sign of gingivitis and gum disease. If this problem escalates, it can lead to the loss of your teeth. By the time a person is old enough to collect Social Security, there is a one in five chance that he or she will be toothless. Be one of the other four and get to your DDS’s office for this problem.

Sensitivity: If you are suddenly noticing increased sensitivity in a region of your mouth, this means that the nerve is becoming exposed. It may be time for a filling or a root canal. Whatever the treatment, it needs to be checked out by your oral health care practitioner.

Accident or injury to oral structures: If a tooth has been chipped or knocked out due to a sports injury, a car accident or a fist to the mouth, it’s important to get to the emergency dental pro. If the tooth has been knocked out, it might be saved. Put it in milk and transport it carefully to the doc’s office.

Unexplained bad breath: If you notice a strange and unpleasant odor coming from your pearly whites, this could spell trouble. Perhaps you have an infection going on or an extreme case of gum disease. It also could be due to stomach problems, but ruling out the oral structures with your DDS is a must.

Taking care of your teeth is crucial to well being. Brushing and flossing twice a day, going to the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning by the hygienist will keep them in good shape. But if any of these five red flags show up, there’s no time to waste. It’s time to put a call into your dentistry practice and schedule an appointment.