Your oral health is important. And as a part of taking care of your teeth, you should visit your dentist approximately every six months. Usually, when the time for your appointment draws nearer, you can tell your teeth are in need of a good cleaning. But there are some things you shouldn’t wait to call and schedule an appointment over.
Changes in Your Gums
If you start to notice changes in your gums, don’t ignore them and wait until your next appointment. If your gums have started bleeding suddenly, this could be a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Gum disease can worsen quickly if not taken care of in a timely manner. You should also contact your dentist if your gums have swelled, you notice a change in color, your gums have begun to recede or you see pus.
Temperature Sensitivity
If your teeth have suddenly become sensitive to significant temperature changes, this could be a sign of a few different issues.
For one, it could mean that your gums have receded to the point of exposing the root of your tooth. It could also mean that decay has destroyed your enamel and exposed the dentin, which contains hollow channels leading to the root.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can signal a number of different issues. You might be suffering from bruxism, or the clenching and grinding of your teeth. You could have a cavity.
Or you might have a dental abscess, an infection in or near the root of your tooth that can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. You may also be suffering from temporomandibular disorder, which refers to pain in the jaw and the hinge that connects your upper and lower jaw.
Changes in Your Mouth
Don’t wait to contact our office if you have noticed a change in your mouth. This can include spots that haven’t gone away after two weeks, discolored patches, or lumps.
These can be signs of serious conditions, including oral cancer, which can be fatal if not treated early.
