Even if you don’t visit your Las Vegas dentist twice a year, like you should, deep down you already understand that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Isn’t that a great expression? In the case of oral hygiene, it means keeping your twice yearly checkup will help spot the signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other serious illness.
But even if you skip regular preventative care, there are at least 10 signs that you may experience that signal you need to call your Las Vegas dentist. Some of these signs are subtle, but others are more extreme and you will know at once it’s time to schedule your appointment.
Ten Signs That Mean It’s Time to Call a Dentist
- The first and most obvious sign is if something hurts. Swelling or pain in your gums, jaw, or face could mean all kinds of things, including an abscess. Pain is your body’s way of signaling there’s a problem that needs to be addresses; make sure you heed the warning and call us right away!
- If your gums are bleeding or you have lumps, bumps or painful sores, it’s time to call your Las Vegas dentist.
- If your crooked or missing teeth embarrass you, please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Hadley. We have a variety of options to fit your goals and budget.
- If you’ve already had cosmetic dentistry or wear dentures or partials, it is important to have these prosthetics checked regularly for wear and tear.
- If other medical issues are plaguing you, it will affect your oral health. If you’re having health issues like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, for example, it’s more important than ever to see a dentist regularly.
- It’s safe to visit your dentist during pregnancy, and it’s especially important to continue your visits during this time.
- If you’re a smoker, it is crucial to keep up with check ups and preventative maintenance on your teeth. Smokers are at risk for oral disease including cancer and your Las Vegas dentist is trained to spot the early signs.
- If you hear jaw popping when you open or close it that might be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ is a disorder of the jaw joint, and the muscles around it. It can cause headaches and other problems but treatment works wonders.
- If you have frequent bad breath that won’t go away after brushing and rinsing, it could be a sign of something wrong inside your mouth, throat, or even your stomach. To be safe, please have it checked out.
- Dry mouth is another sign that something could be happening with your oral health. It could be triggered by medications or excessive caffeine, alcohol, or smoking, but it could also be something else. Dry mouth causes bad breath, and can lead to tooth decay. It’s definitely something that we should be aware of.
The talented team at Smiles by Dr. Hadley is here to help you look and feel your best. If you haven’t made your next appointment, we’re just a phone call away!