15 signs that YOU should (possibly) see a dentist!

We’d like to think that all of you diligently booked in for your six monthly dental check-up – which is highly recommended.

Regular check-ups help detect any oral health problems nice and early, so that treatment is simple and much more affordable. It must be said that a check-up can prevent some problems occurring in the first place. But of course, it’s not a perfect world and sometimes the months – or even years slip by, without ever so much as stepping foot inside a dental clinic!

Here are a few signs that you should stop what you’re doing and get to a dentist soon:

• Your gums are starting to bleed, or they’re getting puffy. Look out the bleeding especially when you’re brushing or flossing your teeth, as this could be a sign of gum disease.
• You’re noticing clicking or popping sound in your jaw and or it sometimes painful when you are opening and closing your mouth.
• You have a sore in your mouth that appears to be hanging around and not clearing up.
• You’ve been experiencing difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Your mouth is often dry.
• You are pregnant.
• Your teeth are becoming sensitive, and you’re avoiding eating or drinking extremely cold or hot food/drinks.
• You’ve recently chipped a tooth.
• You have been fighting an eating disorder, causing a build-up of acid in your mouth.
• You’re undergoing medical treatment such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or even hormone replacement therapy.
• You have an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or feel that you are starting to suffer from bad breath too much of the time.
• You have a filling that have come loose or that has popped out.
• You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay.
• You simply don’t like the way your smile looks and feel that some cosmetic improvements could do you the world of good.
• You have toothache.

Free from all of the above? Don’t let this slide you into a false sense of security.

We’re not trying to be scaremongers here, but frankly, regular visits to the dentist are so vital for your dental health. More so, many people fail to realise that dental health plays a large impact on your overall health. Dental decay and infections can put an immense strain on your body’s immune system, so it certainly pays to look after your teeth.

How often should I see a dentist then?

We usually recommend six monthly check-ups are people; however, every individual is different, and this is something best discussed with your family dentist. Some new research* reveals that possibly only once yearly check -ups are required. NB: this is for adults only as children unquestionably require more regular visits – and those orthodontics quite often require three monthly checkups. However, please note that if you are a candidate for gum disease more regular checkups may be required. If you haven’t frequented our clinics lately, make an appointment & drop in for a quick checkup.

Besides, we’d love to see you; your body (and your wallet) could thank you for it!

Call Dentistry Plus Joondalup: (08) 6147 5067; Dentistry Plus Leeming: (08) 6147 5087; Dentistry Plus Maddington: (08) 6323 5199 or Dentistry Plus Leederville: (08) 6147 5099