Hidden Signs You Need a Dental Visit Soon

Most of us know that a painful toothache is a sure sign to make a dental appointment, but what if your body is sending you more subtle signs? Oral health is a complicated system, and many times, the most significant problems start not with an obvious “bang,” but with a subtle “ping.” Ignoring these subtle signs can result in minor reversible problems becoming major, complicated problems.

In an ideal world, we would all see a dentist for routine check-ups every six months. These check-up appointments are very beneficial to maintain preventive care, but most importantly, they allow us to diagnose and treat problems when they are the easiest to treat. However, between visits, your body might be sending you signals to indicate that something is off.

Here are seven signs often ignored to indicate that you need to pay a visit to your dentist sooner than later.

1. Bleeding Gums When Brushing or Flossing

A little pink in the sink may seem insignificant, and it’s easy to think that you might just be brushing too hard. However this should not be the case when taking care of your mouth. Your gums should not bleed when you take care of them in a normal manner. Bleeding gums can be one of the first signs of gingivitis, which is inflammation of your gums due to plaque. This can eventually lead to periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that affects soft tissue and bone, leading to possible tooth loss.

2. Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath happens to all of us from time to time because of specific foods like garlic or onion. However, if you have bad breath that doesn’t go away, even after brushing and flossing, that can be a problem. It’s called halitosis. Halitosis can be the result of odor-causing bacteria building up on your tongue, between your teeth, and gums due to decay or a hidden gum disease.

3. Sensitivity to Hot, Cold, or Sweet Items

Do you feel a sudden, sharp twinge of pain when sipping hot coffee or eating a scoop of ice cream? Oftentimes sensitivity occurs when the outer layer of a tooth (enamel) is worn away exposing the more sensitive layer (dentin). This can be an indication that a cavity is forming, a tooth is cracked, gum tissue receding, or a filling is worn away.

4. Jaw Pain or Tenderness When You Wake Up

If you wake up with a sore, tired jaw, or have a dull headache, this can indicate you have bruxism. Bruxism is the medical term for the subconscious act of grinding or clenching your teeth, as it most commonly happens during sleep. Prolonged bruxism causes great wear to teeth or cracks or fractures and worsens any issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A dentist is able to diagnose bruxism and present you with options to create a customized nightguard.

5. Swelling, Paleness, or Sores in the Mouth

Your gums and your soft tissue indicate information about your oral health. Any unexplained swelling in your gum, cheek, or neck is a very serious symptom of infection, such as an abscess, which requires immediate attention. Equally true, pale, and light-colored gums may also suggest other issues; however, anything that comes in the form of a sore, lump, or patch that hasn’t healed in two weeks should also be evaluated by a health professional.

6. Pus Discharge From Around a Tooth

This is a clear indication of an abscess or infection. An abscess is a pocket of pus that is formed around the root of a tooth due to a bacterial infection. This type of infection is serious and will not go away without treatment. If left untreated, severe complications may arise if the infection spreads or becomes systemic in nature. Immediate dental care is needed.

7. Obvious Changes in Your Teeth or Bite

If you notice a tooth becoming loose, shifting its position, or if your fillings or crowns feel different, it’s important to get it checked. Changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite down can also indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Don’t Wait for the Alarm Bells

Deciding on seeing a dentist is not always about reacting to  when to see a dentist isn’t just about reacting to pain. It’s about being proactive. These “hidden” signs act as your body’s early warning system. By listening to them and maintaining your regular six-month checkups, you can ensure small problems are treated easily, preserving your smile and your overall health for years to come.

If any of these signs sound familiar, or if it’s simply been a while since your last checkup, we invite you to take the next step.

Contact the expert and caring team at Thyme Dental today to schedule your comprehensive dental examination. We are here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health