Just less than half of Australian adults saw a dentist within the past year. That’s a problem. While it may not seem like it, dentists play a major role in supporting our overall health.
But, what are the signs that you need to get it in gear and make an appointment ASAP?
Read on to find out about the top reasons you should see a Mona Vale dentist.
1. It’s Been a While
If you haven’t been to a dentist in a while, you should make the time to book an appointment. Ideally, you should be seeing a dentist every six months. But, if it’s been over a year since you’ve seen a Northern Beaches dentist, there’s no time to waste.
Even if you’re just making a dental cleaning appointment and you don’t have issues to report, the improved appearance of your teeth can help make you feel more confident.
This can help improve your mental health and self-esteem. It can also help to prevent dental issues in the future that may be more pressing or expensive.
2. Mouth Pain
If you’re in pain, you definitely need to see a dentist. You shouldn’t wait until it gets worse. This is true wherever the pain originates from. It could be a sign of a tooth infection, which needs to be treated ASAP before it spreads.
If it hurts specifically when you chew, you may have a cracked tooth. This will need to be rectified before your tooth breaks apart entirely.
3. Mouth Changes
Usually, the inside of your mouth will stay pretty much the same. Sudden changes may show that there’s something wrong. New lumps in your mouth could be a sign of oral cancer.
White spots on either your gums or your teeth can be a sign of a problem. These spots can indicate an infection, so you’ll definitely want to get them addressed before they get worse.
On the other hand, a black spot can be a sign of a cavity or tartar buildup, which you’ll want to be addressed as soon as possible. If you’re suffering from other symptoms, it could even be a sign of celiac disease, which you’ll need a lot more tests to confirm.
4. Headaches
Are you suffering from headaches? If you’ve already addressed them with your doctor, it might be time to consider whether they’re a dental issue. Your headaches may be caused by grinding your teeth or from a TMJ disorder.
If you notice your headaches getting worse when you have problems with your jaw, these two issues are likely connected. In that case, you should certainly make an appointment with a dentist rather than with your family doctor.
5. Cosmetic Reasons
Health concerns aren’t the only reason to visit a dentist. You might just want to improve the appearance of your teeth. Your dentist might be able to offer whitening treatments if you’re struggling with your discoloured teeth.
Dentists can also help you with crooked or chipped teeth. They may be able to offer you caps or other treatments to cover chips. They can also refer you to an orthodontist to get you straightening treatments such as braces.
So, if you’d like to make cosmetic steps to improve your teeth, look for a Mona Vale family dentist that can offer the services you need.
6. Gum Problems
Your gums are also something to watch out for when you’re thinking about dental treatment. If you find your gums are regularly bleeding, you might have gingivitis. Your gums might also be swollen or sore, which could indicate other ongoing issues.
If you’re suffering specific pain in your gums, your visit to a dentist might be more urgent.
A receding gum line is another problem you might be struggling with. When your gum line recedes, your teeth can become more sensitive. A receding gum line can also make your teeth more prone to infection, which will cause problems as you get older.
7. Your Breath
Do you have bad breath? Do you brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash regularly? There might be a greater issue going on. Sudden halitosis can be an indicator of gastrointestinal diseases.
If you don’t have good dental hygiene habits and you struggle with halitosis, you should still see a dentist. A dentist can give you tips for getting your dental hygiene back on track, to improve your breath, and reduce the chance you’ll struggle with major dental health problems in the future.
8. Weird Tastes
Are you suddenly tasting something weird in your mouth, particularly something metallic? This may be a sign you need dental treatment. An ongoing metallic taste in your mouth can be a sign of conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis.
9. Other Conditions
Some other conditions may make it more important for you to regularly see a dentist. For example, if you’re pregnant, you should make an appointment ASAP.
But, also ensure that your dentist knows you’re pregnant so that you have the safest experience possible for your health.
People who have ongoing dental health issues should also be seeing their dentist regularly to ensure that their haven’t been changes to their condition. This will also ensure that they’re up-to-date if there are new ways to make managing their health condition easier.
Make an Appointment at a Mona Vale Dentist Today
If any of the reasons on this list have swayed you, it’s time to call up a Mona Vale dentist.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for a dentist practice Mona Vale, call up Mona Vale Family Dental today.
