12 Signs You Need to See the Dentist ASAP!

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