Is it Time for you to Visit Your Family Dentist? Pay Attention to These 7 Signs

How often do you schedule dental checkups? Did you know you should visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup?

Dentists are oral health professionals that are here to help you achieve a healthier and brighter smile. However, not everybody prioritizes these appointments with their dentist. Receiving dental treatment is something many of us are guilty of putting off, or in other words, avoiding. Some of the reasons why people postpone dental work is because they believe the problem is too small and isn’t worth visiting the dentist; also, because they fear pain; and when it comes to dentists, people have created an irrational fear surrounding them.

Many people don’t pay attention to small issues. For example, they could have a chipped tooth but if it’s a tiny crack; or if it’s not that tiny but it’s in a tooth not visible when smiling or talking (such as a molar), most likely they won’t pay attention to it and act on it. For a while, they probably won’t suffer any pain; but later, bacteria will infiltrate through the crack, and a large cavity can form. The pain will develop and that’s when people will reach out to their dentists. In this case, what could have been solved at your regular checkup with a bit of resin, now will need anesthesia and more time to fill; not to mention the cost of the treatment increases. If your dentist were to have fixed this issue in its early stage, it would have been less expensive.

If you’re still thinking that bi-annual dental checkups are not important, here are 7 signs you should pay attention to. We hope these will encourage you to schedule an appointment with a dentist near you.

1. A painful tooth.

Caries is not the only reason why a tooth may be aching. You could also be suffering from:

• Dentin hypersensitivity.

This happens when the enamel of the tooth becomes weak; for example, after using whitening products, or due to heavy consumption of sweet/acid foods or drinks. Your dentist will diagnose the cause and inform you about the best treatment.

• Caries.

If you don’t keep up with daily brushing and flossing, sooner or later you will have tooth decay.

• Awake or sleep bruxism.

Grinding teeth is quite common and it can weaken your tooth enamel, causing damage and risk of decay. A dentist in Winnipeg will determine what the cause is and probably advise the use of a mouth guard.

2. Broken tooth.

If you notice you or perhaps your child has a chipped tooth; no matter how small it is, you should visit a family dentist in Winnipeg.

3. Gum disease.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you should visit a dentist for a professional cleaning. Scheduling a professional cleaning twice per year can prevent gingivitis or periodontitis (worst-case-scenario).

4. Halitosis.

In other words, bad breath. But we are not talking about bad breath in the morning or after having spicy food, rather a persistent odour. If this is your case, schedule a dental appointment to determine the cause.

5. Mouth sores.

If it doesn’t heal after two weeks visit your dentist IMMEDIATELY. Mouth sores can be an early sign of oral cancer.

6. Dental pigmentation.

If you notice a white or brown spot in your tooth or your children’s teeth, reach out to a family dentist near you. It could be a dental cavity in its first stage.

7. Loose teeth.

Adult teeth shouldn’t be wiggly. If this is your case, call a dental office because you may have a hidden disease.

Now you know more signs that are worth a trip to the dentist, ask yourself “when was the last time I went to the dentist?” If it’s been more than six months, schedule an appointment! It’s better to be safe than sorry.