It’s a New Year, and good news, your dental benefits have
renewed!
Think about the last time you visited your dentist. Has it
been a while? You're not alone. While 77% of adults say they plan to visit the
dentist within the next year, less than half actually do. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can go a
long way to support your overall health.
If you’ve read some of my previous articles,
you’ll know that many studies have found a link between gum disease and
conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia.
The American Dental Association (and I) recommend that you
see the dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and preventative
checkup. If you have oral health issues, the longer you wait, the worse and more expensive they may become. Your dentist can help identify issues and treat them before they become more advanced.
If you're experiencing
any of the following 12 signs, it's a good idea to make an appointment right
away:
1. You have pain
or swelling. From a toothache to sensitive teeth, pain or
swelling in your mouth, face or neck could be a sign of a serious
underlying issue. Seeing your dentist right away can help speed up
diagnosis and keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.
2. You have puffy
or bleeding gums. This can be a sign of gingivitis, or
inflammation of the gums around the teeth. It can progress to
periodontitis, which can lead to loss of the tissue and bone that support
your teeth. It's essential that you have your teeth cleaned regularly to arrest the progression of your gum disease.
3. You are hiding
your smile. 1 in 4 adults avoid smiling due to the condition of
their mouth and teeth.1 Whether you're self-conscious about a missing
tooth, or want a brighter, whiter smile, your dentist can help you choose
the treatment that will work best for you.
4. You have had past
dental work. If you have a filling, crown, dental implants or
dentures, it's important for your dentist to make sure they're still in
good shape. That way, you don't have to have the work redone — and spend
less time in the dental chair!
5. You have ongoing
medical issues. Our teeth can be affected by chronic medical
issues and treatment. Your dentist can help you take care of your teeth by
making recommendations specific to your medical condition.
6. You are pregnant. Some
dental problems can get worse with pregnancy. Changes in hormones and
eating habits can lead to gingivitis and an increase risk of tooth decay.
Don't miss your regular checkups, even while you're pregnant!
7. You have trouble
eating. It's not normal to have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Not only does it keep you from enjoying your favorite foods, but it can be
a sign of something more serious.
8. You have dry
mouth. When your mouth doesn't produce enough saliva, it can lead
to tooth decay. Your dentist can recommend ways to restore moisture to
your mouth to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
9. You use tobacco
or you vape. If you vape, smoke or chew tobacco, you could experience anything
from bad breath to xerostomia, to oral cancer. Talk to your dentist or doctor and come up
with a plan to stop vaping, smoking or chewing and help protect your mouth and
body from further damage.
10. You have jaw
pain. Hearing pops or feeling pain when opening or closing your
mouth, chewing or when you first wake up a sign that something maybe wrong with your jaw. You may also want to see your dentist for an uneven bite,
which can affect how you chew.
11. You have sores
or spots in your mouth. While they vary in severity and cause, it's important
to see your dentist if you have any mouth sore that lasts for one week or
longer. Mouth sores could be a sign of disease, infection or irritation.
12. You haven't had a checkup in over 6 months. Even if you don't have symptoms, regular checkups
are important to help prevent, identify and treat problems before they
become more advanced. If it’s been
longer than 6 months since your last checkup, contact us today!
Keep smiling,
Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut. She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121
