If you're like most people, you'd like to avoid a trip to the dentist unless it's absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, this (understandable) desire to stay out of the dentist's chair makes it easy to overlook some serious "red flags" when it comes to your dental health. By understanding what some of these red flags are and how they should be addressed, you can take better care of your oral health, which will ultimately save you from time and money spent on dental health services.
Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums should never bleed when properly brushed or flossed. Often times, bleeding gums are a sign of underlying oral health conditions, such as gingivitis or a more serious gum condition known as periodontal disease. If you suffer from bleeding, red, or inflamed gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist. A deep cleaning may be all that you need.
On-and-Off Toothaches
Have you ever experienced tooth pain that went away only to come back again? If the pain is coming and going in the same tooth repeatedly, it's time to see a dentist. More than likely, you're dealing with the early stages of tooth decay. The sooner you can have the cavity filled, the less likely you'll need a root canal or other extensive work done down the road.
Persistent Bad Breath
Have you found that brushing, flossing, and even using mouthwash doesn't seem to dissipate the foul odor from your mouth? If so, then you're dealing with chronic bad breath. This can be caused by a number of factors ranging from smoking to gum disease. If it's been a while since you've had your teeth cleaned, a deep cleaning may remove plaque and other buildup that's contributing to your bad breath.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth may seem harmless enough, but it can be a sign of underlying problems. If you notice that your mouth constantly feels dry, it's worth scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Some medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, but decay and infections in the mouth can produce similar symptoms. A dentist will be able to assess the cause of your dry mouth and possibly even prescribe something to help.
Unfortunately, there's a lot that can go wrong inside your mouth, and the symptoms may not always be obvious. If you experience any of these "red flags" with your dental health, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist for dental health services as soon as possible.