When it comes to dental visits, most of us know that keeping our regular dental checkup at least twice a year is the recommendation. Most of us also know bleeding gums are not normal and are a sign that we need some extra help with our dental care routine. We also know that tooth pain usually indicates major problems that need professional attention as soon as possible. And almost everyone should know that broken and damaged teeth need to be repaired by an expert dental team. However, there are other lesser known signs and factors that can necessitate additional dental care and an extra trip to the dental chair.  Here are 6 to consider…

You Recently Gave Up Tobacco Products.

First of all, good job and congratulations! Quitting tobacco is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health, including your dental wellbeing. A dentist checkup following your kicking of the habit is a great chance for your dentist to do a full mouth examination. They will check for things like gum disease, tooth decay, and signs of oral cancer. Jumping on any issues your tobacco used caused sooner rather than later can save you time and money and help you avoid painful procedures down the road. It can also help save your teeth!

You Have Type I or Type II Diabetes.

Patients with either kind of Diabetes have a much higher risk for dental issues and they generally see a much higher occurrence of gingivitis and periodontitis when compared to peers without Diabetes. In fact, current studies are focused on the relationship between these conditions to determine if diabetes causes dental problems or if advanced dental issues can make you more prone to developing diabetes down the road. Healthy glucose levels and good oral hygiene is a must and routine dental checkups can help you and your dentist stay on top of your needs.

You Are Pregnant or Just Had a Baby.

To say that an expecting mother goes through some major shifts in hormone levels during pregnancy would be an understatement. These fluctuations can have a major impact on your oral health. Many pregnant women discover where they once had healthy gums they now have sensitive gums that bleed easily and their normally healthy teeth may begin to suffer. This isn’t anything to be alarmed about so long as you keep your dental checkups routine to ensure you are staying on top of your dental needs so you and your baby can have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

You Wake Up With Headaches.

If you finish the day feeling good when your head hits the pillow at night, but are waking with headaches, or your wake in the middle of the night with a headache or sore jaw, you could be unknowingly suffering from bruxism. This condition is commonly referred to as teeth grinding or teeth clenching. Jaw misalignment, TMJ, or grinding are conditions that can affect your overall dental heath and should be discussed at your dental checkups. Your dentist can offer suggestions and solutions and also monitor your teeth and gums to ensure severe damage is not being done.

You Have a Recent Diagnosis of GERD.

GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux disease- also commonly known as acid reflux can cause stomach acids to bubble up from the stomach. Most of the time it causes a burning sensation in the throat but in severe cases, it can reach the mouth where it causes a bad taste. This contact with corrosive stomach acid can result in extreme tooth erosion and many other issues with your overall oral health. Routine dental checkups will look for signs of erosion but if you know you have GERD your dental team may want to do more routine checks to monitor your teeth.

You Have Bad Breath and Bad Taste.

Bad breath happens to everyone now and then and usually is caused by something we ate or drank or simply because we haven’t brushed all day. However, frequent, persistent bad breath and a lingering bad taste that won’t go away may be a sign of something more serious. Uncontrolled bacteria growth, infections, periodontal disease, cancer, and other serious problems can all have bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth as a major warning sign. Your dentist can diagnose the cause and offer treatment options at your dental checkups.

You Have Mouth Sores That Won’t Heal.

The final indication that you may need some extra dental checkups is when you have mouth sores that just won’t heal. There can be several reasons for this, ranging from minor to potentially deadly.  In most cases, it is because you are biting yourself in your sleep due to teeth grinding, or you have ill-fitting dentures or braces. But in more severe cases, sore that won’t heal can be an indication or oral cancer or major infections that need immediate care and treatment. This is not something to keep from your dentist in any situation.

Schedule Your Dentist Visit Today

Of course, this list is not all-inclusive, so if you ever have concerns about your teeth or gums or have questions about your dental care routine, talk to your dentist. If you are in need of a dentist to help with known dental problems you are facing or you simply want a new dentist for yourself and your family, we here at Comfort Care Family Dental are ready to help. Call us today and we’ll get your consultation visit scheduled and help you get the dental checkups you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

Comfort Care Family Dental P.C.

1001 E Chicago Ave #143, Naperville, IL 60540

(630) 369-0111

http://www.comfortcaredentists.com