5 Common Signs That You Need to Visit a Dentist

Do you know when you should go to see your dentist? As a rule of thumb it is important that you see them at least once every 6 months – but aside from that you should also pay them a visit if you notice any signs of dental issues.

Unfortunately most people aren’t aware what the early signs of dental issues look like, which is why they often wait until the situation worsens. That can lead to further complications, and make the treatment more difficult too.

To be on the safe side, here are 5 common signs that you need to visit a dentist:

• Sensitive teeth that may be painful

If you have any pain involving your teeth then you need to visit a dentist. That being said initially it may not actually feel ‘painful’ but rather sensitive – and you may only notice it when you drink or eat something that is hot or cold. That is enough reason to visit a dentist however, as it could be an early warning sign.

• Sensitive, swollen or bleeding gums

Another common sign of dental issues is if your gums feel sensitive, or are swollen and actually bleeding. At the early stages this may only take place when you brush your teeth, but it will worsen if left unchecked. Odds are it is an early sign of gingivitis and should be looked into at once.

• Bad breath

Most people are aware that bad breath is a sign of dental issues, but many don’t notice they have bad breath until it is pointed out to them. Initially you may notice a persistent ‘bad taste’ in your mouth – in which case you should look into it further.

• Damaged teeth

Any cracks or chips in your teeth should be taken seriously as they may have damaged the outer protective layer and increase your risk of cavities. Also if your teeth seem brittle then it may be a sign of a more serious issue.

• Discolored teeth

Generally discolorations are a sign of poor dental hygiene – though there are other conditions that can cause them as well. While you may not need to rush to the dentist if your teeth are discolored, you should definitely plan a visit sooner or later – especially if it starts to get worse.

Hopefully that should give you an idea of what to look out for and when you need to visit your dentist. When it comes to your dental health it is always best to be safe rather than sorry, and by visiting a Ballymena dentist at the first sign of any issues you could prevent it from becoming worse and requiring more complicated treatment plans.