Dental Problems

It’s important to visit your dentist regularly, even if you don’t have any dental problems. Your dentist can help prevent dental problems from developing and catch them early if they do develop. But how do you know when it’s time to see your dentist?

Here are some signs that it’s time for a dental appointment:

• Your gums are inflamed, red or bleeding.
  Gum disease is the most common reason for bleeding gums, and it can progress quickly if left untreated. Even at an early stage, gum disease can cause damage to your teeth and gums, so it’s important to seek professional help as soon as you notice any symptoms. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the right course of treatment to restore your oral health.
  
  
• If you chip, crack or lose a tooth.
  It’s important to see your dentist regularly for a cleaning and check-up, but there are some dental problems that warrant an immediate trip to the dentist. If you chip, crack or lose a tooth, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Cracking, chipping or losing a tooth due to an accident will require an emergency trip to the dentist. If left untreated, it can cause extreme pain and sensitivity, but it also allows for bacteria to enter the tooth, possibly leading to an infection. By seeing your dentist right away, you can minimise the damage and get on the path to recovery.
  
  
• Noticeable dental abscess.
  If you notice any pus in your mouth, this is a sign of an infection or gum abscess and should be addressed immediately. In extreme cases, bacteria from an abscessed tooth can spread to other parts of the body, which can lead to serious health complications.
  
  
• Consistent bad breath.
  While bad breath can be embarrassing, it could also be the result of a more serious health issue. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of a number of things, from gum disease, or an infection, to any sort of metabolic disorder, including diabetes, acid reflux, and even cancer. Your dentist will be able to identify the cause of your bad breath and provide you with the treatment you need.
  
  
• Persistent bad taste in your mouth.
  If you’re currently experiencing a persistent bad taste in your mouth and it’s not from something you ate or drank, it can be another sign that something is up. A constant foul taste in your mouth could be the result of an abscessed or infected tooth, gingivitis, respiratory problems, or even some medications. If the bad taste is accompanied by pain, swelling, or redness, it’s definitely time to give your dentist a call.
  
  
• Tooth discolouration.
  If you start to notice that your teeth are looking yellow or discolored, it’s probably time for a teeth whitening session. This is a common problem that can be caused by drinking coffee, tea, or wine. However, if you notice that a tooth is starting to change color (to brown or black), this could be a sign of something more serious. In this case, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to determine the cause of the discolouration and what treatment is needed.
  
  
• Sharp pains.
  The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances of overcoming dental pain. Depending on the severity of the pain, it could be a cavity that has developed or, in extreme cases, an abscessed tooth. If the tooth has become infected, you’ll need to seek medical treatment immediately.

While most dental problems can wait for a regular appointment, there are some situations where you need to see a dentist right away. If you have severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, these are all signs that you need urgent dental care. Similarly, if you have an infection or abscess, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible to avoid complications. If you’re not sure whether your problem is urgent, the ideal thing to do is to call your dentist and explain your symptoms. They will be able to advise you on whether you need to be seen right away or if you can wait for a regular appointment.

Unfortunately, dental problems don’t always happen during normal business hours. And while you may be able to wait a few days or even a week for a non-emergency appointment, there are some situations where you can’t afford to wait. So, what can you do in the meantime?

Here are a few tips for managing your dental problems until you can see your dentist:

• Use a cold compress to relieve swelling if you have a toothache. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
  
  
• Try to avoid eating hard or chewy foods until you can see your dentist if you have a chipped or cracked tooth. If the broken area is sharp, you may want to cover it with a piece of sugarless gum or waxed dental floss to prevent irritation.
  
  
• Don’t wiggle or play with a loose tooth if you have one. You should also avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Eating soft foods and taking pain medication may help make it more comfortable until you can see the dentist.

If you have any kind of dental emergency, call your dentist right away. They may be able to give you instructions on how to manage the problem at home or schedule an emergency appointment.

There’s no question that dental problems can be costly and painful, so it’s no surprise that people are always looking for ways to prevent them. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to dramatically reduce your risk of developing dental problems.

First and foremost, routine brushing of the teeth is essential. Ideally, you should brush twice a day, using toothpaste that contains fluoride. In addition, flossing on a daily basis helps to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth, where brushing alone can’t reach. Finally, regular dental examinations and cleanings are important for catching problems early and keeping your teeth healthy.

So don’t wait until you have a problem to start thinking about prevention—take action today and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.