We know that it is essential to visit a family dentist twice a year for a thorough dental examination. If you observe any signs of oral problems, however, make an appointment to see your dentist immediately. It is crucial to receive treatment for an issue before it can spread and become worse. What symptoms constitute seeing your dentist in between regular visits? This blog will outline ten of the most common reasons to call your dentist for an appointment.

1. One of the most common reasons to call your dentist is a toothache. This symptom can be a sign of tooth decay or a needed root canal.  A toothache can escalate pretty quickly for some people, so it is vital to visit your dentist when it starts to avoid more painful symptoms, and/or costlier treatment. 

2. Bad breath is another symptom that if it persists, you should call your dentist. If this becomes chronic, it could be a sign of an infection. Your dentist will be able to determine the cause and start treating it right away. 

3. One of the first signs of an infection or a decaying tooth is sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids. Your dentist will do a thorough examination to find the cause and present treatment options to treat the tooth immediately.

4. If you notice that a tooth is chipped or cracked, it is crucial to have it examined. If the tooth is not treated, bacteria can invade the exposure and cause an infection.  If left untreated, this could cause further issues, and a root canal or tooth removal may be indicated.

5. There are times that you may experience bleeding gums, especially when flossing or brushing your teeth. If the bleeding persists, however, make an appointment to see the dentist because you may have gum disease.  If left untreated, this can progress and cause bone loss around your teeth.

6. If you experience jaw pain and/or headaches, this can be from the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). When the jaw joint is inflamed or injured, these symptoms can arise. Your dentist can treat the TMJ to help alleviate the symptoms and find the root cause.

7. Many patients have crowns and/or fillings.  If the restoration falls off or becomes loose, that means a trip to the dentist. Make an immediate appointment so your dentist can diagnose the issue and treat the tooth with more conservative options.  

8. When a child loses a tooth, this is usually part of the growing process.  When an adult loses a tooth, this is a cause of concern. There are many reasons an adult can lose a tooth, such as an infection or accident. Your dentist will diagnose the cause to prevent future tooth loss and discuss treatment options.

9. If you are looking in the mirror and notice that one of your teeth is longer than the others, this can be due to the gum pulling away from your tooth.   Your dentist can examine the area and present options for preventing further issues and correcting the problem.

10. Tooth discoloration is another reason to visit the dentist. If your tooth appears black or gray, it could be infected. Schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately to diagnose and treat the tooth.

Maintaining your dental health by scheduling regular visits with your dentist can help to prevent any of the ten issues listed in this blog. Visit Dr. Abrams and his team at Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry for your biannual checkups to minimize these dental problems from occurring. When concerns do arise, Dr. Abrams and his team are here to help you as well. Contact us at 615-595-6111 or fill out our contact form here. We look forward to seeing you in our office soon!