Many adults have heard that getting their dental checkups done every six months is going to help them to have healthy teeth and oral health and can even make it easier for them to spot some of the potential dental issues of the mouth before they get worse. But what happens if you think that you need to go in and see a dentist between some of those checkups.
If you have some new sensitivity of the teeth, new areas of swelling, or issues with one of your dentures, you may wonder whether it is time to visit the dentist again. Just like going to the doctor, there are times when it is hard to know whether you should consider seeing a dentist appointment or just wait it out for a bit. Some of the things to consider includes:
You Notice New Pain
If you are going through the day and you start to notice that there is new pain in your mouth or there are some other changes in your oral health, such as an increased cold or hot sensitivity, aching, or throbbing, then this is a good sign that you will need to see a dentist. If the pain is getting bad enough that it affects your daily activities, then you need to see the dentist as soon as possible.
It is not uncommon for the changes in your mouth to get bad enough that they will affect your ability to eat, sleep, and talk. This is a big sign that something is off and your dentist will be able to do a complete exam to see what is up and help give you the treatment that you need to feel better.
Your Dental Appliance Does Not Fit
As you get older, it is likely that you will have a variety of dental work done. If you have a denture or a bridge or even another type of appliance, it is meant to fit in the mouth for a long time and feel good. But there may come times when it is going to get loose or will start to cause some pain when you wear it, which can make it uncomfortable.
For those who have a denture, bridge, or another appliance, it is important for you to see your dentist if you notice the item is feeling loose or it is not fitting as well as it used to. It may be time for the dentist to do some adjustments to the item to get it to fit for you again.
It is possible for your mouth to have some changes to it over time. And when these changes happen, it is likely that the dentures and other appliances will not be able to fit as well as before. Your dentist will be able to check these to make sure that they still fit in well and will help you use them without a lot of discomfort.
You Notice Bleeding
Your gums and teeth will need you to brush them on a routine basis to keep them safe and healthy. And it may be a little normal for the gums to bleed as you start with a flossing routine, especially if you are a little rough with the work. But you can learn to be gentle with this and there shouldn’t be any bleeding.
However, if you notice that the bleeding to the teeth and gums is not stopping after a few weeks or you notice that your gums tend to bleed when you brush the teeth, this is a big sign that there is a periodontal issue. If you do not go into your dentist to get this fixed, it can lead to bigger issues down the road, including gum disease. You need to get this checked out as soon as you notice it.
It has Been Awhile Since Last Visit
While you are meant to go to the dentist every 6 months, things can prevent you from getting in and doing the checkup that you need. It is easy for life to get in the way, and then you go too long without doing the dental exam and you will end up with changes in the mouth, a broken dental appliance, or something else wrong that can make your oral hygiene suffer. Some of the main reasons that people will not go to the dentist every six months includes:
- They are scared and have anxiety around the dentist.
- They do not have the money to go to the dentist
- They do not have insurance
- They get busy with work and other obligations
- They are traveling quite a bit
- They move to a new area and do not have time to find a dentist
A lot of times, we simply think that we can wait until the next appointment to get a dental problem handled. But then we miss out on a few appointments and the pain and discomfort is going to escalate. This can be a bad thing for the health of your teeth.
When you start to notice pain, whether it has been 6 months or 6 years, you need to make a visit to your dentist. The dentist is there to help you and will ensure that you take good care of the teeth, and will not chase you away just because you have missed out on your appointment. You need to take good care of your teeth and the only way that you will be able to do this is with the help of your dentist.
Whether you are looking for a new dentist or you are new to town and haven’t been able to go to the dentist for a long time, you can trust our professionals at Bridgewater Family Dental to help take care of your smile. We have the right tools and experience to take over your dental care and make sure that you have a beautiful smile that is going to last you a long time. Trust our team to be there to work with you, providing routine dental exams and so much more.