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7 Signs You’ve Put Off Visiting the Dentist for Too Long

by | Nov 18, 2024 | Oral Health

7 signs youve put off visiting the dentist for too long

Many people put off pressing concerns as modern life becomes stressful, which could come back to haunt them later.

Amazingly, we take our teeth for granted until we risk losing them. They are so important to our daily lives.

We need them to eat and speak comfortably; if they don’t seem healthy or worse, they are gone; it impacts our confidence and how we connect with others.

You need to do more than brush and floss to achieve optimal oral hygiene and prevent potential issues in the future.

It is vital to visit the dentist for routine cleanings and examinations. The longer you put off visiting the dentist, the more likely you are to develop uncomfortable and expensive tooth problems.

The warning indicators are easy to identify in this regard, so keep a lookout for the following:

#1. Unbearable toothaches

An infection that enters the “pulp chamber” of the tooth through deep cavities and decay may result in tooth pain. Additionally, teeth grinding has been linked to it.

If you have tooth pain, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Many people grind their teeth at night without realising it.

#2. Chronic foul breath

Bad breath, often known as halitosis, is one of the most prevalent issues a dentist will encounter.

While bacteria thrive under the gum line or at the back of your throat, other causes of bad breath can be more significant sinus or stomach issues.

#3. Teeth sensitivity

Your life can get severely disrupted if you haven’t had a dental cleaning in a long time. The worrying symptom of tooth sensitivity is a recommendation for scheduling a dental cleaning.

Your former favourite treats will eventually seem like palatable torment. All cold desserts will appear unpleasant and unpalatable.

#4. Gum bleeding

Your gums are probably sensitive if you haven’t seen a dentist. Because of this, you can suffer minor bleeding as the dentist starts flossing your teeth.

Even if this could make you feel uneasy, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in trouble. When gums are not acclimated to the pressure of floss moving between teeth, they frequently bleed.

You can lessen the likelihood of bleeding by routinely flossing your teeth at home.

Gum bleeding may also occasionally be a symptom of periodontal disease. This is why visiting the dentist frequently is crucial to avoid potential long-term issues.

#5. Discoloured teeth

Discoloured teeth might indicate a problem inside the teeth, but they can also develop spontaneously over time due to eating certain meals with a lot of pigment or food dye.

Hardened plaque, or tartar, forms yellow deposits along the gum line and must be cleaned to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

You should make a dental appointment if the gum line has yellow deposits or your teeth are stained.

#6. Crooked or shifting teeth

Shifting teeth frequently results from periodontal gum disease, in which bone loss can develop undetected. Because the problem takes time to manifest, many individuals end up with the worst cases of this gum disease, as symptoms usually arise when it’s too late.

To that end, it is best to see your dentist regularly to catch tooth problems like this early. After all, the earlier the detection, the better the odds of saving the tooth.

#7. Jaw pain

Jaw pain is more than a minor discomfort; it can often lead to recurring headaches. This connection is common with conditions like TMJ disorders or teeth grinding.

When strained jaw muscles, the tension can radiate, triggering headaches that standard pain relief may not resolve. Ignoring these signs can result in long-term problems, including chewing difficulties or migraines.

Seeking professional help is crucial. Your Wodonga dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like night guards, jaw exercises, or corrective procedures, which can provide long-term relief and prevent further complications.

Don’t let jaw pain disrupt your daily life—check it early.

Dental Care at Wodonga

Do not put off visiting your dentist until you have a problem. Take the best care of your smile and leave the rest to the professionals.

Prime Care Dental is committed to providing a caring and happy experience for all our patients. We promise to deliver comprehensive dental care that is both easy and inexpensive.

Call us at (02) 6024 1516 or make an appointment online.

Visit us at 340 Beechworth Rd in Wodonga.