Dental visits are not typically among our favorite activities although, there are some who enjoy the extra clean feeling that comes with a professional dental cleaning. However, dental appointments are crucial to safeguarding our overall well-being. Consider this; studies have shown a correlation between oral health infections and cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. If bacteria from plaque is not removed promptly and properly and instead enters the bloodstream, it can become a very serious situation.
While it’s popular lore to say that people should visit their dentist twice a year, the reality is that the American Dental Association is clear in their stance that the intervals of how often to schedule visits should be determined by a dentist.
Some people do well with two visits a year. Others may have oral health challenges or may build plaque at a faster rate than other individuals and therefore require more frequent visits.
If you haven’t visited a dentist for a while, we recommend scheduling a visit as soon as possible. However, if you’re the type of person who requires some prompting to take action, pay attention to the following signs that your oral health is not in optimal condition:
1. Bleeding gums. This is not normal. In fact, it’s a sign of the early stages of gum disease. Left untreated, it could result in cavities (which can be extremely painful and make it very difficult to eat, swallow, and speak), as well as tooth loss. If having minty fresh breath is not enticing enough to visit a dentist, maybe vanity will do it.
2. Molar pain. The molars are the teeth at the very back of your mouth; the ones with a wide surface. While your front and side teeth allow you to bite food, molars are designed to help you chew. Every tooth has several layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp (surface, middle, and internal, respectively).
Failing to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth regularly will cause the enamel to erode. Once bacteria eats through that layer, it’ll continue to the dentin. If it reaches the pulp, you’ll experience sharp pain; the kind that will have you in tears. This is known as a caries or cavity. But before it gets to that point, you may experience slight pain when chewing.
3. Tooth sensitivity. Remember when we mentioned the different layers of teeth? If your teeth are sensitive to either hot or cold foods and drinks, this may mean that the middle layer (dentin) is exposed. Don’t let it progress to a cavity that will make you miserable.
While going to the dentist isn’t always a pleasant experience, dealing with pain and discomfort from poor oral hygiene is no walk in the park either. Resolve these issues and prevent them from reoccurring by scheduling regular dental appointments.
At Impeccable Smiles, we understand that going to the dentist can make people anxious. However, one of our top priorities is making our patients feel welcome and comfortable.
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Deborah L.
Al R.
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