Dental checkups are crucial for preventing problems and preserving the teeth, gums, and supporting tissues. Additionally, checkups serve as an opportunity for dentists to identify the early signs of oral health conditions (before they get worse).
At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, Dr. Arpit Pathak assists families across New South Wales in achieving optimal oral health. Before booking your next dental wellness check, answer these six questions to discover if it’s actually time to visit the dentist.
1. Are you experiencing dental sensitivity or pain?
Though ranging in severity, dental sensitivity or pain can indicate tooth decay or gum disease. Besides a cavity or periodontal disease, sensitive teeth can reveal:
- Eroded enamel
- Fractured teeth
- Worn down fillings
- An exposed tooth root
As you can tell, there could be many reasons why your teeth feel sensitive or uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s the best bet to visit a general dentist if you are experiencing these symptoms.
2. Are your gums bleeding, sensitive, or receding?
Here are some scenarios that may indicate gum disease or brushing too hard:
- You notice blood in the sink after you brush your teeth
- Your teeth feel sensitive after eating or drinking something very hot or cold
- Your teeth look longer than usual
If these symptoms sound familiar, a dentist can help you identify the cause of your suffering and offer appropriate intervention.
3. Do you have oral sores that won’t heal on their own?
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) describes mouth ulcers as “more than a troubling tingle.” Generally, ulcers (oral sores) are a short-lived immune reaction and signify that the body working quickly to repair the damage. Sometimes, oral sores form from outside forces. For example, ulcers are likely to develop when wearing improperly fitted dentures. Other times, stress, illness, and nutritional deficits can cause aphthous sores to form.
However, if you’ve noticed that an ulcer lasts longer than a week (or two), this could be a sign of oral cancer. If so, get checked out by a medical professional immediately.
4. Does your breath smell bad or teeth look yellow?
Having bad breath and yellow teeth can feel embarrassing. Despite good oral hygiene, these socially awkward symptoms can still occur (and plaque and tartar build-up is likely the culprit). Luckily, a skilled dental team can help tackle the source of this problem.
5. Do you have previous dental work that feels off?
Some people believe once they’ve had dental work, they never have to worry about their teeth ever again. However, this is far from the truth. If you’ve had any form of cosmetic or restorative work in the past, it’s crucial to keep an eye on that area. Crowns, dental implants, and other restorations can become loose or crack. If this happens, schedule an appointment with a general dentist immediately to help prevent further damage.
6. Has it been over six months since your last dental checkup?
When was the last time you had a dental checkup? Even though everybody is different, a good rule of thumb is to visit the dentist every 6 to 12 months. Commit to your oral health by scheduling your next appointment at one of many Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre locations. Check out our contact page to find a location closest to you.
