Many of us try to avoid going to the dentist. With the cost of everything rising, the dentist is the last thing on our minds, yet your oral hygiene is such an important part of your health. The problem with leaving our dental requirements on the back bench is that these problems catch up with us when we least expect it, and when we can least afford it. If you need any more encouragement to make that dentist appointment, have a look at the following scenarios to determine whether visiting the dentist is necessary:
If You Haven’t Been For 6 Months
Surprisingly, it is recommended that two visits to the dentist are made a year. That means that if you have not been to the dentist within the last 6 months, it might be time to book a visit. Perhaps you have always had the most perfect teeth and cannot tell yourself that there are any harmful problems. You might be able to convince yourself of this, but attending the dentist will give you greater peace of mind to know that there are not any underlying problems. Finding the problem before it gets too big is key if you want to protect yourself as much as possible.
If You Are Pregnant
Pregnant women are entitled to free dental checks due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy causing oral risks. Problems such as morning sickness that releases gastric acid that erodes your teeth’s enamel, and can cause tooth decay and plaque as a result. If you are also considering becoming pregnant, it is important to speak with your dentist about the other possible risks that you may face and learn the necessary precautions to take before these effects start happening.
If You Have Bad Breath
Bad breath is not nice for other people to experience or yourself. If you know you have been struggling with bad breath for a while and you can seem to put your finger on what is causing the issue, it might be time to speak with your dentist. Bad breath might be a result of a more serious issue such as an infection in your mouth. Bad breath can have serious health implications if left unmanaged, and if you continue to ignore the issues things will only get worse.
If Your Gums Are Swollen
Swollen gums are another sign that you need to visit the dentist. Swollen, red, or generally sore gums might be a sign of gum disease, which if left untreated can have serious health risks. Visiting your dentist will allow them to offer an expert diagnosis of what is causing the issue, and they can offer you some relief with the treatment they offer to hopefully alleviate the problem.
If You Have Plaque
The plaque build-up is a sign that you have not been taking care of your teeth properly. It might also be a sign that you have high acidity levels in your saliva that would need further looking into. If you book a cleaning appointment with your dentist, they will more than likely be able to get rid of as much plaque as possible, and also offer their expertise on how to avoid issues as much as you can.
If You Smoke
If you smoke, vape or cigarette, you should have frequent visits to the dentist. Often your oral health will suffer through prolonged smoking, and even short periods of smoking leave marks on your mouth. Nicotine can stain your teeth therefore you might consider visiting the dentist to see your options for removing the stains. Most dentists, including cosmetic dental clinics, offer teeth whitening services which are a good option if you are hoping to stop smoking. Smoking also increases your chances of getting cancers, therefore having oral checks for any early onset signs is important.
If You Are Insecure About Your Smile
You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence if you are facing insecurities with your teeth or mouth help. Our smiles are hard to hide, and if you have a lot of anxiety about showing your teeth to people it might be time to seek help. Dentists offer many different procedures that aim to improve the appearance of your smile. These might include getting braces to straighten your teeth, dental implants if you are missing teeth, and also fillings if you have any untreated cavities.
If It’s Painful To Eat
If you have been finding it painful to eat recently, you should book an appointment to speak with your dentist. More importantly, if the problems with your oral health are affecting your intake of food, you should seek professional help to identify where the problem is stemming from. As mentioned, if the dentist can address the problem before it spreads all around your mouth then you will save yourself time and money in the future.
How To Find A Good Dentist
If you are not registered at the dentist to even book an appointment, there are a few things to look out for when finding the right one
- Location – Ideally your dentist should be within a suitable distance of your home. You never know if you will be facing a dental medical emergency that will need urgent attention.
- Price – Dentists that are close to each other tend to be similar in their costs, but keep in mind that cheaper is not always better. If you find a dentist that is extremely cheap compared to the competitors, be sure to be careful.
- Testimonials – Most good dental practices will have a website, and hopefully they offer some testimonials from past clients’ experiences. Read all the reviews and consider all the opinions before rushing to a decision.
- Awards – Again, most respectable practices will have evidence and accreditations of the world they have performed. Usually, they will display such awards on their website or in their office, so look out for respected awards they have won. This is a good sign that they are a trustworthy practice.
- Services – Before you sign up for any old dentist, make sure that they can provide you with the services you are looking for. All dentists should offer a routine check-up, but they perhaps won’t offer any of the fringe services such as teeth whitening or invisible braces. Typically if it’s more for cosmetic services, a cosmetic dental practice might be wiser to visit.