How to Tell If You Should See a Dentist Before Your Next Regular Checkup
An annual checkup from the dentist or a visit every six months can often be all you need to ensure that your teeth and mouth stay healthy and protected against cavities and gum disease. However, there may be times when it's good to visit a dentist in between your regular checkups, either for emergency treatment or to check problems that may be serious. Note a few times when you want to visit a dental clinic or get an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, even before your next regular checkup.
1. Toothaches
You might have a toothache from grinding your teeth at night, clenching your jaw, or eating something sharp and abrasive such as certain seeds. In these cases the toothache may simply recede. However, if you see that the gum line around the toothache is swelling, or if you have a fever, this can signal an infection in that area. If your face or cheek seem to swell in that area. this too can mean an infection under the gum line. Note that if the pain is very severe and doesn't go away soon, you don't want to ignore it but have it checked out as soon as possible.
2. Bleeding gums
A small bit of blood when you floss can happen if you apply too much pressure. This is often nothing to be concerned about, but if you don't know the source of the bleeding, it's good to visit a dentist as soon as possible. If a tooth also seems loose or you notice pus forming around the area that is bleeding, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. This can be a severe infection or abscess that should be treated quickly, otherwise you may face the risk of losing the tooth.
3. Cuts inside the mouth
Biting your cheek happens to just about everyone and this type of injury often clears up on its own, but if you notice that you seem to have consistent cuts or sores inside the cheeks or on the roof of the mouth, it's good to see a dentist. Your teeth may be severely misaligned so that they cut the skin inside your mouth when you chew or because the upper jaw is not resting properly on the lower jaw. Ignoring this problem can mean the added risk of oral infections as germs and bacteria can rest inside those cuts and open skin.
For more info, contact a local dentist.