According to the American Dental Association, you should visit your dentist at least once or twice a year for regular check-ups. Routine dental visits ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy, and they can tell you about any warning signs of dental issues before they progress. You may need to schedule additional appointments in between check-ups for treatments.
A busy and demanding life can make you miss your dental visits and forget to book another one. However, there are certain signs and symptoms that indicate you need a dental visit. If you think it has been too long since your last dental visit, it probably has been. Visit a dentist in Vista, CA today.
Signs you should schedule a dental appointment
- Pain, swelling, or redness.
If you experience any pain, swelling, or unusual redness in your teeth or gums, you should consult with a dentist without hesitation. Jaw pain can cause tightness, soreness, and immobility and should be addressed before it progresses further. If you have a tooth that aches or is visibly damaged, it should also be treated as soon as possible. Whatever your discomfort symptoms are, they should be looked into.
- Bleeding gums.
Some people do not think of bleeding gums as much of a big deal. Healthy gums do not bleed, so if yours are bleeding, there is a problem that should be addressed. Bleeding gums are formed by plaque accumulation and are often a sign of gum disease. Visit your dentist if you experience the following:
- Puffy or inflamed gums.
- Swollen gums.
- Red gums.
- Your gums have pus inside.
- Your gums are beginning to recede.
- Persistent bad breath.
Dealing with people when you have bad breath can be embarrassing. It can be frustrating when your bad breath persists, even with regular brushing. A normal and healthy mouth has sufficient amounts of saliva production, which washes away small food particles and neutralizes the acids in the amount. Bad breath could be a sign that you have a dry mouth. However, there might be other reasons for halitosis. Going to a dentist can help you determine the issue.
- You have not been to the dentist for more than six months.
It is recommended for everyone to visit the dentist for routine check-ups at least twice a year, once every six months. If it has been more than six months since you have been to the dental clinic, you need to catch up on your dental appointments to ensure the health and well-being of your teeth and gums.