Is It Time to See a Dentist?
A dentist understands that sometimes life gets demanding, and we may begin to neglect certain aspects of our health because we are just so busy. When preventative care gets tossed to the wayside, we may start to notice nagging symptoms which are warning signs that something needs to be addressed. It may be easy to put off regular dental check-ups and cleanings, especially since most people don’t find going to the dentist to be all that fun. However, if you observe that you have the following symptoms, then we strongly advise seeing us for an appointment at your earliest convenience:
An Unusually Dry Mouth
Healthy mouths are lubricated by saliva, as this helps wash away food particles and keeps plaque acids neutralized. If a mouth is abnormally dry, it could be a sign that something is brewing in your mouth, along the teeth, and gums. By visiting a dentist, they can perform an exam and recommend ways to restore normal levels of moisture.
Bleeding After You Floss or Brush
If you notice blood in the sink after washing your mouth out or on the toothbrush itself, please be wary that this is not normal. Bleeding after flossing or brushing could be a major sign of developing gum disease (or otherwise known as periodontal disease). If this goes untreated, gum disease can progress and cause tooth loss and bone around the teeth to weaken. Other symptoms of periodontal disease include tender gums, redness, and discharge between gums and teeth.
Gums are Receding
For those who are older, around 65 or older, mild gum recession can be normal. But, gum recession can be a cue that gum disease is developing too. Receding gums can cause sensitivity due to root being exposed, along with increasing the risk of pain, infection, decay, and even losing teeth. If it’s caught early by seeing a dentist, then the severity of the receding can halt and hopefully improve.
Oral Lesions, Bumps, and Sores
Sometimes people get canker sores in their mouth, which clears up on its own within a couple weeks. But other formations such as lesions, bumps, and sores must be treated promptly, as they could be stemming from candidiasis. Patients who have diabetes are at an increased vulnerability for developing candidiasis, as it thrives in mouth environments that have high levels of sugar in saliva. Your dentist can examine your mouth and prescribe medicine as treatment.
If your mouth is giving you any of the following signs that something isn’t right, then it is in the best interest of your health and comfort to see a dentist immediately. When it comes to diseases of the mouth, rarely do they get better on their own. In fact, most often they get worse and can wreak havoc on the rest of the body too. Please contact a dentist in San Clemente, CA so they can address your concerns during a consultation and cleaning.
Thanks to John Redmond Orthodontics for their insight into dental care and signs from your mouth that it’s time to see a dentist.