Signs you need to see a Dentist
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- You Have Some Pain: Pain / Swelling in your mouth or around your facial area can mean a lot of things, but be sure to get in touch with your dentist if you experience pain.
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- Your Gums Are Acting Up: If your gums are puffy or tend to bleed when you brush or floss, or you have a family history of gum disease, it’s time to make an appointment.
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- You Try to Hide your SMILE: Don’t be shy about talking to your dentist whether you’re self-conscious about a missing tooth or hoping for a brighter smile.
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- You’ve Previously Had Work Done: If you have fillings, crowns, dental implants, or dentures, see your dentist regularly to make sure everything is in great shape.
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- Ongoing Medical Issues: Make your dentist part of your team if you have any medical condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or are HIV positive.
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- You are Pregnant: It’s always safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. In fact, pregnancy can make some dental problems worse, so don’t miss your regular checkup.
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- Having Trouble Eating: Difficulty chewing or swallowing is not something you need to get used to. Try eating soft or liquefied foods until you can see your dentist.
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- Dry Mouth: Always feeling parched could be a sign of a medical issue or a medication side effect.
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- You have been using Tobacco: From bad breath to oral cancer, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco are harmful to your overall and dental health.
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- Jaw Pain: If your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing, or when you first wake up. See a dentist also if you have an uneven bite.
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- Mouth Has Spots and Sores: If there’s something that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth, your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses, or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures, or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling.
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- It’s Time For Your Checkup: Even if you don’t have any symptoms listed above, regular dental checkups are important because they can help prevent problems from developing and treat existing symptoms before they become more advanced.