The human body has a remarkable ability to make it clear when something isn’t quite right. It’s not always obvious, but if you pay attention to some of the signs your body is telling you it’s time to see a dentist, you can prevent complicated oral health problems. Northern Virginia dental office Ridgetop Dental Group offers comprehensive dentistry for all ages, ranging from routine office visits to complex dental concerns. So when might it be time to see a dentist?
1. Your mouth hurts
Pain is the body’s way of letting you know when something is wrong. Mouth pain is not normal, and could be an indication of a problem in the teeth or jaw bone. It’s important not to let mouth pain go untreated, because many dental problems are linked to problems in other parts of the body.
2. You feel a tingling sensation when you eat sweet food or brush your teeth
Cavities don’t always cause pain right away. An early indication that you have a cavity may be sensitivity to temperature or sweet food. If you feel a tingling sensation when eating sweet food or brushing your teeth, see a dentist, because it could be an indication of a cavity.
3. It has been a while since your last exam
Most dentists recommend dental exams every six months. This gives them the opportunity to check for cavities, remove hardened plaque from teeth, and catch any minor issues before they become more complicated. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, it might be time to schedule an appointment.
4. Your teeth are discolored
If your teeth are significantly discolored or have yellow deposits along the gum line, see a dentist. Discolored teeth can be an indication of a problem inside the teeth, but it also happens naturally over time as we eat highly-pigmented foods. Yellow deposits along the gums indicate hardened plaque, called tartar, that needs to be removed to avoid tooth decay.
5. You have cosmetic dentistry questions
Have you been wondering about teeth whitening, dentures, implants, or fixing crooked teeth? Your dentist will be able to answer any questions you have about your cosmetic goals and design a unique treatment plan to help you refresh your smile.
6. You have a constant bad taste in your mouth
If you feel like there is a bad taste in your mouth that just won’t go away even after brushing, you may have advanced tooth decay. Oral bacteria produce foul-smelling acids that can cause bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. Tooth decay needs to be addressed in its early stages to avoid gingivitis, infection, or even tooth loss.
7. You are missing one or more teeth
Tooth loss can happen for many reasons and is not necessarily a result of poor oral hygiene. Regardless of the reason, missing teeth should be replaced to preserve your oral health. Your dentist can talk to you about tooth replacement options such as implants, bridges, or even dentures.
Northern VA Dental Care
Dr. Datta’s Ridgetop Dental Group practice offers comprehensive, affordable, and experienced dental care to patients of all ages. We can help keep your smile healthy with customized treatment plans based on your unique needs. To consult with Dr. Datta, schedule a consultation online or call us today!