Signs That You Should See a Dentist

By Joseph Luke, DDS, MS

Joseph T. Luke, DDS

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Signs That You Should See a Dentist

It is estimated that nearly a third of Americans failed to see a dentist in the last 12 months.

Routine dental visits are important because they can help spot oral health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many oral problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.

The American Dental Association offers these 15 signs you should see a dentist

1. Your teeth aresensitiveto hot or cold

2. Your gums are puffy and/or they bleedwhen you brush or floss

3. You havefillings,crowns, dentalimplants, or dentures

4. You don't like the way your smile or teeth look

5. You have persistentbad breathor bad taste in your mouth

6. You arepregnant

7. You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck

8. You have difficulty chewing or swallowing

9. You have a family history ofgum diseaseortooth decay

10. You have a medical condition such asdiabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or are HIV positive

11. Your mouth is oftendry

12. Yousmokeor use other tobacco products

13. You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy

14. Yourjawsometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite

15. You have aspot or sorethat doesn't look or feel right in your mouth and it isn't going away

If you have one or more of these signs, you should see your dentist at least once a year.