Almost all of us, at some point, have been nervous about going to the dentist. Children, especially, can be terrified of the process that includes being vulnerable, hearing strange noises, and being prodded. That said, dental care is something that we all have to do if we want to keep our teeth for life.
Regular dental visits are easy to skip because of busyness, money, or fear. However, if your teeth or gums are hurting, you notice changes, or you have lost enough teeth to warrant dentures, it’s time to go to the dentist. Sometimes, you just need the help of a dentist to get your oral hygiene up to scratch, and brushing and flossing might not be the answer. You need more help than that and we’ve got four reasons to see a dentist.
Appearance
You want to do better for your smile, right? You need to interact socially with those around you, and, if you’re ashamed of your smile, it’s much harder to do that. Feeling good about your smile can happen more easily if you know your teeth are clean and healthy. Your dentist can advise you on any treatments that will improve not only the health of your teeth and gums but their appearance. Whether you need simple routine support or more complicated procedures like dental implants, braces, dentures, or other corrective surgery, it all starts with trusting your dental professional to advise you.
You Suspect Infection
If you are worried about a gum infection, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can help you with any issues with your gums that can lead to serious complications or tooth loss. Some early signs of gum disease are pain, bleeding, sensitivity, receding gumlines, and bad breath. Remember, infections can sneak up on you and go undetected for a long time before actual symptoms appear. Regular dental checks can help you discover any issues before they get worse.
You Have Tooth Pain
A toothache is no picnic and can be one of the most painful, distracting events of your life. You think that’s bad, pain of an abscess can be unbearable. Hopefully, things don’t get that far. Your dentist can help you to both prevent and treat any problems that have progressed. Even if you’re afraid, I recommend going sooner than later.
Maintain Your Health
Your teeth and gums are more than just the avenue for food processing. They are living and an integral part of our bodies. Just as their care can contribute to greater health, the opposite can happen when they are ignored. Ongoing infections can cause other systemic issues, including chronic pain, heart problems, and cognitive disorders. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know that…most people don’t. I recommend doing some research about this topic before you see your dentist next. That way you will be armed with the knowledge to make good decisions where your oral is concerned.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.