Many people believe dental visits are only necessary when an emergency occurs. As a result, nearly 50% of the American population skipped dental visits in 2021. This bleak situation creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to cause dental problems. If you haven’t visited your dentist in Whittier, NC, in a while, try asking yourself some questions to determine if it’s time to give them a call.
Not remembering the last time you saw your dentist is a red flag. The golden rule of dental visits is to schedule them at least once every six months. A professional should give you an oral examination and cleaning to rid your smile of any potential issues like tooth decay. If you check your schedule and see no signs of previous dental check-ups, you should book an appointment right away.
If you cannot tell when you last visited your dentist, you can look at your teeth in the mirror and find out if a professional should check them out. Since your pearly whites are porous substances, many harmful or tarnishing substances stick to them when they absorb nutrients. When time passes, and your dentist doesn’t clean your teeth, your smile becomes yellow and worn-out, increasing your chances of getting cavities. Even when you can get a white smile by learning how to properly care for your teeth at home, stains, spots, or unappealing shades are signs a dental visit is long overdue.
Your gums can also give away if it’s high time you see your dentist. Lack of proper oral habits, such as overbrushing or using a hard-bristle toothbrush, can cause plaque and tartar build-ups around your teeth, making your gums recede, swell, and bleed. Not only does this situation produce tooth sensitivity, but it also exposes your tooth pulp and root to dangerous substances. You can prevent this condition, known as gum disease, by visiting your dentist more often and learning the best way to keep your smile healthy and clean.
Sometimes, even the most attractive smiles and gums hide excruciating tooth pain and ask for a dentist visit. When your teeth have been exposed to harmful bacteria, they erode tooth enamel and reach more sensitive tissue, causing discomfort and soreness. If you pay no mind to this issue, you give bacteria a free pass to wreak more havoc in your mouth and cause more severe dental problems. You should book an appointment as soon as your teeth itch or hurt.
Finally, your breath is a noticeable indicator your oral health is at risk, and you require a dentist visit. When bacteria accumulate around your teeth and gums, especially those from certain foods, they produce foul odors that will affect your confidence and distance you from others. Give your breath a whiff, and call a dental professional when it’s not fresh.
Your teeth, gums, and tongue can easily tell you if your smile could use the expert hands of a dentist, and leaving them unattended can risk your oral and overall health. If, after answering some questions, you realize only a professional can save your teeth, our team has you covered. Contact us today to book an appointment and get the smile you deserve!
