6 Signs You Need to See a Dentist

We offer high-quality dental care to every patient, and we’ll work on your oral health to ensure you have a perfect smile and feel good about yourself.

We recommend getting a checkup and cleaning twice a year for most people. Regular visits to the dentist will keep you from waiting for serious issues to arise before making your appointment. Waiting until you’re in pain or have another problem isn’t any fun.

However, there are a few signs to watch out for. If you experience any of these, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center.

1. Swelling or Tooth Pain

Continuous toothaches or sharp tooth pains signal deeper issues, and typically it gets worse if left untreated. Any swelling or pain in the cheeks indicates an infected root that requires a dentist’s attention. You might be tempted to rush to the nearest chemist to buy painkillers; however, it would be best to visit your dentist. A dentist visit will relieve the pain and prevent further infection.

2. White Spots on Gums or Teeth

White spots on teeth indicate tooth decay. So, be sure to visit your dentist upon noticing any spots to prevent cavities and other infections—white spots on gums signal an infection. Infected teeth or roots might not ache; instead, you might encounter a “pimple” on your gums. Don’t pop or try to scrape that spot; instead, visit your dentist immediately.

3. Gum Issues

Swollen, sore, or inflamed gums indicate gum disease. Mild gum diseases are generally treatable and reversible but with excellent dental treatment and extra attention to oral hygiene at home. Severe gum pain shows a buildup of bacteria, infection, or plaque below your gum line. This calls for expert deep cleaning along with scaling to restore the health of your gum.

4. Sensitive Teeth

Sensitivity to hot and cold can be treated using sensitive toothpaste. But if you suffer from severe sensitivity, particularly to hot and cold, it reveals a serious issue. This kind of sensitivity requires a dental checkup to get rid of it completely.

5. Dry Mouth

A healthy mouth is well lubricated. The saliva in your mouth helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids that plaque may produce. Dry mouth can be a side effect of patients taking several antibiotics or suffering from other health problems. Chronic dry mouth could be a sign of illness like gum disease. A dentist can help determine what is causing your dry mouth and recommend proper treatment.

6. Headaches

A variety of difficult things can cause a headache. However, consider visiting your dentist if you wake up with a headache and stiffness or pain in jaws or bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth). Bruxism can lead to increased sensitivity, TMD (temporomandibular disorder), and worn-down or broken teeth.

St. Louis Dentist

While there are many reasons to see a dentist, the above signs should not be ignored. Therefore, let dentists at the Dental Anesthesia Center help you. We offer high-quality dental care to every patient, and we’ll work on your oral health to ensure you have a great smile and feel good about yourself!