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Your biannual dental appointment may not be something that you look forward to, but it’s one of the most important to keep. Life gets busy, and between getting the kids to practice, balancing a job and trying to stay active, it’s easy to let some important things slip up. But it’s crucial to see the dentist at least twice per year, or even more often if certain problems come up.
Today, the API Laval team is here to discuss the 5 warning signs that it’s time to see the dentist.
1. See The Dentist If Your Gums Are Bleeding
We’re always amazed here at API Laval that our patients don’t treat bleeding gums like a serious health concern. Bleeding gums signify an onset of severe oral health problems, and you should have your dentist address them immediately.
Why do my gums bleed?
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. When you allow plaque to remain on the teeth and gumline, bacteria can infect the delicate gum tissue and cause it to become swollen or inflamed. This makes the gums tender and can cause them to bleed while brushing or eating hard foods.
- Reaction to medications: The American Dental Association recognizes that certain blood thinners have the potential to cause the gums to bleed. Blood thinning medications reduce the blood’s ability to clot, which can lead to bleeding gums. Let your dentist know about your experience and any medications that you’re on.
- Poor flossing habits: You may notice bleeding if you begin flossing after a few days of neglecting to do so. While the bleeding should clear up within a week of regular flossing, we recommend that our Sandcreek patients floss every day to avoid bloody gums altogether.
- Incorrect toothbrush use: Switching from a soft-bristled brush to a hard brush may irritate your gum tissue and cause them to bleed. Try to remember to choose a soft brush and ask our dentist about the best toothbrush for your needs at your next dental appointment.
Do not ignore bleeding gums, Make an appointment with your Laval, QC dentist right away to avoid long-term damage to your smile.
2. See The Dentist If You’re In Pain
Chances are that you want to see the dentist anyway if you have a toothache. Toothaches are more than minor inconveniences—they can become a crisis. They can distract you from your work, school or family, and oftentimes they signify a severe health issue.
Why do I have a toothache?
- Gum disease
- Tooth grinding
- Infection
- Tooth decay
- Bad bite or malocclusion
When your mouth is in pain, it’s trying to let you know that something isn’t right. And a lot of the time, the condition won’t go away on its own. Keep your oral health problems at bay by visiting your dentist as soon as you notice that something doesn’t feel right.
3. See The Dentist If You Have Ongoing Medical Problems
Certain medical conditions or diseases can wreak havoc on your dental health. Each organ system in your body is intricately connected, and if one part is not functioning properly, other parts can experience adverse side-effects.
If you have any of these conditions, see your dentist immediately to discuss treatment options:
- Anemia/iron deficiency: When your body is anemic, it’s not producing enough red blood cells. This can cause your gums to look pale or white.
- Diabetes: Diabetes patients have a higher prevalence of tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth or difficulty recovering from dental injuries.
- Thyroid disorders: Thyroid complications can inhibit your body’s ability to heal, making it easier for your gums to develop gum disease.
- Anorexia or bulimia: Patients struggling with anorexia and bulimia don’t get enough vitamins and minerals to keep their teeth and gums strong. Additionally, patients with bulimia who vomit regularly expose their teeth to corrosive acids, which can cause tooth decay.
It’s important to regularly monitor your health and perform self-checkups. If you notice that your teeth or gums have changed after developing a medical condition, make an appointment with your dentist to prevent other serious problems from occurring.
4. See The Dentist If You Drink Coffee Or Alcohol
Most coffee drinkers know that their favorite early morning beverage can stain your pearly whites, but did you know that alcohol can also discolor your teeth?
Tinted liquids like soda, red wine and coffee have dark pigment in their chemical makeup. This pigment can get lodged into the microscopic cracks and ridges of your teeth. If you don’t take the proper cleaning steps, your teeth can end up with permanent stains.
Make an appointment with your dentist if you notice that your enamel has yellow or brown stains and you regularly drink coffee or alcohol. You can discuss tips for preventing tooth discoloration or talk about your different whitening options.
5. See The Dentist If You Have Headaches
It may come as a surprise to you, but headaches and oral health are closely related. If you wake up with a headache in the morning or throughout the night, may be grinding your teeth at night. This not only causes a throbbing headache but can lead to tooth and jaw problems down the line.
Your sinuses and dental health are also interconnected. When your sinuses become inflamed due to sinusitis, your upper teeth and jaw can ache. Recurrent sinusitis can cause you to breathe through your mouth, which may dry it out and allow bacteria to grow more quickly.
Make An Appointment With API Laval
When you experience a health issue, your physician should not be the only one that you call. Your dental health is a vitally important component of your overall body wellness. Regular dental checkups can help prevent long-term health problems and keep your teeth healthy and strong. Make an appointment with API Laval to take charge of your dental care and maintain optimum health!