We all know that we should be visiting the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup. We know that tooth pain means we should visit the dentist as soon as possible and that bleeding gums may point to gum disease. But there are other, less obvious signals that point to the need for a dental checkup.
Signs That Point To The Need For A Dental Checkup
Below are a few common signs and symptoms that signal the time for a dentist visit:
- You have diabetes – People with diabetes (both type I and II) have a higher occurrence of gum disease and periodontitis. In fact, diabetes and gum disease seem to go hand-in-hand, so make sure your glucose levels are in check and your oral health is solid.
- You are pregnant – Major shifts in hormones can wreak havoc with your oral health. Many pregnant women experience swollen, red, or bleeding gum tissue. Plan on visiting the dentist around the second trimester and discussing any dental concerns you have.
- You’ve quit tobacco use – Quitting tobacco is a very healthy choice for your oral and overall health. Scheduling a dentist appointment after you quit can allow your dentist to check for signs of gum disease and oral cancer.
- You wake up with headaches – If you wake up with frequent headaches, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth at night. These headaches may also go along with jaw pain or clicking and popping of the jaw. Wearing a night guard to bed can reduce these symptoms.
- You have a bad taste in your mouth – A bad taste or odor in the mouth can be a sign of a more serious condition, like a saliva gland infection. Persistent bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth or uncontrolled bacteria. Your dentist can let you know if you need to make lifestyle changes.
- You have acid reflux – Acid reflux and GERD can cause stomach acid to raise up the esophagus and into the mouth, which can eat away at the tooth enamel and cause erosion. Seeing your dentist can allow you to put an action plan in place to save the teeth and limit the damage to the enamel.
This list is not completely inclusive, so if you have any concern with your teeth or mouth it’s important to make an appointment with your regular dentist. If you have concerns regarding dental implants or your gum health, please make an appointment here at Littleton Implants and Periodontics today. Our office is located here in Littleton, Colorado.