Signs You Need to Head to the Dentist
While regular dental cleanings and check-ups are an important part of any person’s oral care regimen, sometimes your teeth might be telling you something’s off even before your next appointment. When your teeth and mouth are feeling a little bit different than usual or you’re noticing changes, it’s important to head into the dentist to get everything checked out. Many problems are easy fixes, but it’s always better to get any potential problems checked out and treated sooner rather than later.
Here are some signs that you should call your dentist and schedule an appointment, even if you’re not yet due for your next teeth cleaning:
You’re experiencing pain in your teeth, mouth, or jaw.
One of the biggest and most common indicators that something is off with your teeth or mouth is pain. If you’re feeling pain in your mouth or jaw, it’s important to get it checked out. Many people experience tooth and jaw pain and, after putting off a visit to the dentist, become accustomed to that sharp ache when they chew a certain way or move their jaw to speak. While you might have become used to the pain if you put off a visit to get your teeth checked out, it’s not normal to feel constant pain in your mouth. If you’re experiencing pain that hasn’t improved after a few days or has gotten worse over time, it’s important to visit your dentist. He or she will be able to help relieve some of the pain you are experiencing and treat the root of the problem!
There’s a bump or spot on your mouth, tongue, or cheek that is new and won’t go away.
It’s fairly normal to feel different textures in your mouth. Some people naturally have a rougher texture on their tongue, for example, while some might have a more smooth texture. Additionally, some people are prone to canker sores and mouth ulcers, whereas some people rarely experience those pesky and painful sores. Knowing that everyone’s mouth is a little different means that it’s important to have a baseline for your own mouth. Try to keep track of any changes to the texture of your cheeks, tongue, or gums, and don’t hesitate to visit the dentist if you’ve noticed a spot that hasn’t gone away or if you are having a hard time getting rid of a canker sore. The dentist will be able to run tests if needed to make sure any changes in your mouth are not due to an underlying cause and can likely help offer solutions to get rid of those pesky bumps and sores.
Your teeth are feeling particularly sensitive to hot, cold, or very sugary foods.
A certain level of sensitivity when you eat very hot or very cold foods is normal. Just like a hot beverage can burn your tongue, it can activate nerves inside your tooth when there’s a sudden change in temperature. If you’ve noticed that your teeth are more sensitive than usual, though, this is a sign that there could be an underlying cause and it’s something worth getting checked out at the dentist. If you are no longer able to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages due to teeth sensitivity, the dentist can likely help and figure out just what is causing the change.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs in this blog in your own mouth, it’s probably a good idea to schedule a dentist appointment. Our expert dental team at G Dental 32 is here to help and assist you with any questions or concerns you might have. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
