Around 77% of adults say they will go to the dentist within the year to come, but less than half of those actually do. For many people going to the dentist can be a stressful experience, while many others don’t understand the importance and necessity of regular dental checkups.
Going to the dentist every six months for cleanings and routine exams plays a significant role in preventing dental and gum issues or identifying and treating them before they worsen into a serious issue. Research has also shown a connection between poor oral health or gum disease and other health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.
There are many reasons it is important to schedule a dentist appointment, whether for routine cleaning or to address a concern in your teeth or gums. Putting off going to the dentist can make many issues worse and the care need to treat them more expensive. Here are some important reasons to make a dentist appointment sooner rather than later:
Pain
A toothache is one of the most obvious reasons to go to the dentist, but people often ignore it until it becomes unbearable. Making a dentist appointment quickly can help stop a problem before it gets worse and save you from unnecessary pain.
Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth could simply be from growing older, but it could also be a sign of a more serious issue such as bruxism or teeth grinding. Sensitivity can be frustrating, but your dentist can make recommendations to help combat it.
Swelling
Swelling or lumps in your mouth, jaw, or even on your face or neck can be a sign of dental problem or a more serious underlying problem such as oral cancer.
Swollen Or Bleeding Gums
If you’ve noticed that your gums bleed after brushing, they feel tender or red, or appear puffy, it is important to see your dentist. Gum disease that is left untreated can become very serious, painful, and affect your teeth in addition to your gums.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth or insufficient saliva can cause tooth decay or even affect the health of your gums.
Pain While Eating
It shouldn’t hurt to chew or swallow. This could be a sign of tooth decay, a cracked tooth, tissue damage or more, not to mention keep you from eating as well as you should be.
Jaw Pain
If your jaw pops regularly or if it hurts when you open or close your mouth, when you chew, or when you wake up in the morning, you could have a cracked tooth, an abscess, crowded teeth, or gum disease. Jaw pain can also be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth or have a TMD, disorders that cause chronic pain or dysfunction of the jaw.
You Don’t Like To Smile
Regardless of the reason for hiding your smile, a dentist can help you to regain your confidence. A dentist can provide treatment and solutions for everything from missing to discolored teeth.
You Are Pregnant
The extra hormones from pregnancy can often cause existing dental problems to worsen or increase the risk for new problems. A dental checkup while pregnant is safe and the best way to prevent oral issues.
You Smoke Or Chew Tobacco
Tobacco, regardless of how it is used can lead to a range of dental problems such as decay, bad breath or even oral cancer making it even more important to remain consistent with dental cleanings and checkups.
You’re Due For A Checkup
Routine cleanings and dental exams are beneficial for preventing problems, but it can also make it easier to treat them if they are caught early on. Checkups are also a good time to check the condition of past dental work and ensure that any fillings, crowns, or even implants are in good condition.
Call us at Foutz Family Dentistry today at (702) 792-5929 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929
