7 Signs You Need to Visit the Dentist

 

Many people put off visiting the Dentist, with less than less than 50% of Australian adults visiting the Dentist in the last 12 months. However, going to the Dentist is vital to promote overall health and prevent potentially painful and expensive Dental Surgery. In this article, we will cover 7 signs that you should visit the Dentist immediately.

1 – It’s Been More Than 6 Months Since Your Last Visit

Are you wondering when to visit a Dentist or how often should you go to the Dentist? If it’s been more than six months since your last visit to the Dentist, you’re due for a Check-up and Clean appointment. Our Oral Health is linked to our overall general and mental health – taking good care of your mouth is important to stay healthy. 

At Brisbane Smiles, we practice Preventive Dentistry at each Dental Check-Up appointment which works to prevent harmful dental conditions from occurring. Additionally, maintaining a healthy-looking smile helps to boost our confidence and keep us smiling!

2 – You Have a Toothache

If you’re unsure when to visit a Dentist for a toothache, the answer is immediately – a toothache can be categorised as a Dental Emergency. A toothache is usually an indication that there is a more serious Dental Condition occurring, therefore should be addressed immediately. Symptoms of a toothache include sharp, throbbing tooth pain, fever or headache, jaw pain and pain when biting or chewing. While waiting for an Emergency Dental Appointment, you can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relief.

3 – Your Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss 

Bleeding gums can be an indication of Gum Disease, also known as Periodontitis. Gum Disease is an infection that damages the soft tissue of the gums. Left untreated, it can cause pain, and bleeding and impact the health of your teeth leading to tooth loss.

Other common Gum Infection symptoms include:

• Excessive bleeding from the gums
• Swollen or puffy gums
• Red or purple gums
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Spitting out blood after brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth or loss of teeth
• Changes to gum appearance
• New spaces developing between your teeth
• Gums recession

 

Visiting your Dentist once every six months for a Check-Up and Clean is best for preventing and treating Gum Infections. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, it’s important to book a Dental Check-Up appointment as soon as possible.

4 – You Have Jaw Pain

Pain or tightness in the jaw can be a sign that you have more serious Dental Conditions occurring. Some causes of jaw pain can be temporary and go away within a few days. However, if you are experiencing ongoing or severe jaw pain or tension, it’s vital to visit the Dentist. Jaw pain can be a symptom of teeth grinding, infection, impacted wisdom teeth, Periodontal disease, toothache or Dental injury. A Dentist can help to diagnose the problem and treat the issue to alleviate jaw pain and prevent serious problems from occuring.

5 – You’re Not Confident With Your Smile

Everyone should be able to smile with confidence. If the appearance of your teeth or mouth are impacting your confidence to smile, we recommend visiting a Cosmetic Dentist. A Smile Makeover works to correct Dental abnormalities and create a natural-looking, beautiful smile. A Smile Makeover can improve functionality of your mouth, enhance Oral Health and improve your confidence to smile in social situations.

Cosmetic Dental Treatments can be used to correct:

• Tooth discolouration or stains
• Gaps in teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Excessive gum tissue 
• Missing teeth
• Large cavities
• Worn teeth
• Other Dental abnormalities

 

If you suffer from any of these concerns and want to smile with confidence again, we recommend booking a Cosmetic Dental Consultation.

6 – You Have a Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or Xerostomia, can lead to an uncomfortable sensation in the mouth and impact our Oral Health. This condition is usually caused by low saliva production or a change in the composition of saliva. Saliva plays a key role in our body, therefore low production of saliva can cause various medical complications. Saliva helps to:

• Moisten and clean our mouth
• Chew and digest food
• Prevents infection by controlling bacteria
• Fights tooth decay by neutralising acids

 

If you suffer from dry mouth, it’s vital to protect the health of your teeth and gums. You can do so by brushing with fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride rinse or gel and visiting your Dentist as soon as possible to discuss treatment. 

7 – Your Teeth are Shifting

Shifting or moving teeth is a common Dental concern and a clear sign of when to visit a Dentist. However, shifting teeth can have severe impacts on your Oral Health. Shifting teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, aesthetic concerns, tooth loss and pain. Crowded teeth or misaligned teeth can also make it harder to take care of your teeth, as brushing and flossing manually may not provide a thorough enough clean. As soon as you notice your teeth are moving, it’s important to visit the Dentist right away. Your Dentist will perform an assessment and provide the best treatment options to prevent further issues.

Benefits of Dental Check-Up and Clean Appointments

Regular visits to the Brisbane Dentist ensure optimal OralHealth and prevent painful Dental issues. Regular cleaning of the teeth by professionals can help you keep your teeth healthy by removing the build-up of plaque and tartar.

Benefits of regular Dental Check-ups include:

• Prevent cavities, which can be extremely painful and costly to treat
• Prevent tooth loss, which can occur from poor oral hygiene and tooth decay
• Keep your teeth bright and your breath fresh
• Overall better general health
• Save money by preventing costly Dental problems from occurring

 

What Does a Dentist Check-Up Include?

What does a Dentist Check-up include? The Dental Check-Up will assess and examine your overall mouth health including the teeth, gums, bite and appearance. Your Dentist will discuss the history of your teeth and mouth and assess your mouth using cutting-edge technology. By attending regular Dental Check-Up and Clean appointments, you can prevent potentially painful and expensive Dental issues from occurring.

Book a Dental Check-Up with Brisbane Smiles

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to book a Dental Check-Up right away. Book online 24/7 for a General Dental Check-Up or Emergency Consultation with Brisbane Smiles today.