If you can’t recall and are drawing a blank, a safe wager is that you should go see someone. Your mouth and your teeth are not things you’d want to be neglecting, and having any possible problem taken care of in advance can reap dividends down the road in the form of prevented headaches.
Whether you are one of the conscientious tooth-brushers and flossers or have been putting off that appointment for months (years), take note of the warning signals that your gums and teeth require a professional. On this site, we outline the most common signs that suggest that it is time to drop by and visit a dentist in Adelaide.
Here’s a sneak preview of the number one symptom that will send you running to a dental pro — and why you’ll save not only your smile but possibly your entire health as well.
1. Toothache or Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is your mouth’s way of telling you it’s flying a red flag. It may begin as an ache, or when you drink and consume something sweet, hot, or cold, shock you with a jolt up through the jaw. Either pain or sensitivity can indicate decay, a cracked tooth, enamel worn away, or infection.
Don’t let it get out of control. A visit to your trusted Adelaide dentist can diagnose the cause of the problem and ease the pain before things get out of control.
2. Bleeding or Swollen Gums
Pink in the sink when brushing? Bleeding gums are not normal. They’re usually a sign of gingivitis — the initial stage of gum disease. Untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, which destroys the bone structure that holds your teeth in place and can lead to losing them.
Sore and inflamed gums also need to be checked. While inflamed gums may indicate over-brushing, persistent swelling indicates that something is wrong that needs to be rectified by a professional.
3. Persistent Bad Breath
Bad breath is something normal — we all have garlic breath or morning breath at some point. But if you find yourself having a persistent stench even after you brush, floss, and use mouthwash, something’s amiss.
Bad breath (halitosis) may be a sign of gum disease, dry mouth, or a cavity. A trip to the dentist will diagnose the issue and bring freshness to your breath and your confidence.
4. You Have Dental Restorations
If you have dental restorations that are like fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, or dental implants, you must visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups so that all these workpieces are in good health. Chewing and other forces, looseness, or getting damaged will be the cause of trouble unless inspected.
At Walsh Dental, we will be in a position to ensure everything is in good order and operational, providing a warranty and prevention against future issues.
5. Clicking or Pain in Jaw
Does your jaw click on yawning or chewing? Do you wake with a headache or jaw ache? You can have nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Either may cause long-term harm if left uncured. Accurate diagnosis may ascertain the cause and prescribe the right therapy, i.e., stress-control methods or a night guard.
6. Your Teeth Look Different
Alterations in the looks of your teeth — such as dark spots, yellowing, or apparent cracks to the eye — may indicate decay, staining, or other destructive impairment. Even subtle alterations may be indications of larger issues.
Your dentist can check if these changes are structural or cosmetic and recommend the appropriate treatment plan — from fillings to veneers to teeth whitening — to restore your smile.
7. Dry Mouth
Saliva cleans food and acid out of your mouth. You might have a dry mouth that is caused by a side effect of a medication, dehydration, or a disease.
Dry mouth over a long time leads to gum disease and tooth decay. A dentist will be able to tell you why you’ve got it and how you can prevent your mouth from getting dry.
8. You Haven’t Been in Over Six Months
Even if you don’t think anything’s wrong, having regular dental visits is a good idea. The Australian Dental Association suggests that you visit your dentist every six months to be cleaned up and checked out.
Regular checkups catch trouble early on — most often before you experience symptoms. Preventative care of the mouth is always more affordable and less painful than fixing severe problems.
9. You Have a Medical Condition That Impacts Oral Health
Some health conditions — including diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases — directly impact your oral health. Either the conditions themselves or their treatments can cause dry mouth, swelling, or increased risk of infection.
You must visit your dentist more frequently if you have a chronic condition so that your teeth and gums can be maintained in the best possible state. Walsh Dental provides individualized care to medically complicated patients.
10. You’re Having a Baby
Hormonal fluctuations that accompany pregnancy can lead to further gum disease and tooth loss. If you are pregnant or expect to be in the coming weeks, now is a good time to visit for an exam.
Healthy gums and teeth can also benefit your overall health and that of your baby. There was evidence that gum disease may cause preterm labor, so don’t skip a visit to the dentist while pregnant.
Why Adelaide Dental Care Matters
Adelaide has plenty of good stuff too — lovely weather, great food, and healthy, active individuals. No matter how wonderful the lifestyle, though, your teeth require proper maintenance.
The finest Adelaide dentists can make your family and you have healthy smiles all year round. Whether it is your child’s first visit or your regular one, having a good, reliable professional is what matters.
That’s where Walsh Dental comes in. At the very center of Adelaide, Walsh Dental is famous for its friendly service, state-of-the-art technology, and patient-focused philosophy. Their professional team listens to you, learning about your requirements and designing a customized treatment plan that aligns with your life and goals.
When in Doubt, Check It Out
Dental problems rarely improve on their own. Keeping you waiting until you are in bad pain or otherwise badly injuring yourself is most likely to produce a more involved, more costly problem to correct. It is due to this reason that preventive care is very crucial.
If you’re unsure about whether you need an examination, ask yourself these questions and relate them to your situation:
- Has it been more than six months since my last dental checkup?
- Do I experience any pain, bleeding, or other abnormal changes in my mouth?
- Do I have any medical conditions that influence my oral health?
- Have I undergone any dental treatment that needs to be checked on?
If you said “yes” to either of them, it’s time to come back.
Making Your Next Visit Easy
Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Friendly staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and a relaxed environment make keeping teeth healthy easy at Walsh Dental.
If you’re waiting for a checkup, in pain, or just need a second opinion, their staff is available to assist you through every step of the process.
Final Thoughts
Good oral health is the key to a healthy life in general. From keeping your teeth from decaying and sickness to boosting self-confidence and general well-being, regular dental examinations are good for you in more ways than concern your smile.
So, is it time for a checkup? If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve described, or it’s been too long, don’t wait. Listen to your instincts — and listen to an experienced dentist in Adelaide to assist you with your best smile.
For gentle, professional dental care in Adelaide, make your next appointment at Walsh Dental — where your comfort and well-being are always the number one priority.