When Is it Time for a Visit to the Family Dentist?

Seeing your family dentist should be done every year if not even every six months, for a good checkup and cleaning. However, you may need to see your family dentist in between these visits if you notice certain problems you're having with your teeth and gums.

Rather than overlooking these symptoms, it's best to have them checked out by your dentist so you can avoid even more damage to your teeth, and can also ensure that you don't put your overall health at risk. Consider the following.

1. Gums that continue to swell or bleed

Your gums can swell or bleed if you're too vigorous with the toothbrush or with flossing, and if you eat things like seeds or anything else that its slightly sharp and which might irritate the inside of your mouth. However, this swelling or bleeding should subside within a day, so if you notice that your gums consistently swell or always seem to bleed even when you're being gentle with your hygiene routine, it's time to see a dentist. You may have the onset of gum disease and if left untreated, this can lead to eventual tooth decay and even tooth loss.

2. Loose teeth

Your teeth should never be loose especially not to the point where you can wiggle one with your tongue. This may mean that you have damage to the roots of the tooth or have severe tooth decay. In any case, you need to ensure that you have this checked by your dentist before the tooth actually comes out; don't assume that it will simply repair or heal itself. A dentist may be able to put a cap of sorts over it to keep it in place, or you may need a root canal, which is surgery on the soft pulp that is underneath the tooth.

3. Your teeth seem worn down

You may be grinding your teeth at night which in turn wears them down, or you may have tooth decay that is eroding your teeth. In any case, this erosion or wearing down of your teeth can lead to exposure of the roots or nerve of the teeth. When the nerve is exposed, this is very painful and can mean the need for a root canal.

This erosion can also eventually lead to tooth loss. Don't assume that as long as you can still chew then your teeth are fine, but if you notice an obvious erosion of your teeth, visit your dentist.


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