Amelia Grant

Even though regular dental check-ups are essential for proper oral health, many people tend to neglect them. But you should understand that many oral issues can cause minor symptoms that can progress and cause severe complications. In this article, we have gathered eight weighty reasons to visit a dentist you shouldn’t ignore.

1. You have bad breath

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of bad breath (halitosis). The most common of them are:

- Smelly foods

- Poor oral hygiene 

- Digestive problems

- Oral issues

- Smoking

- Certain medications

If halitosis is persistent and caused by oral issues, it is essential to make an appointment with a dentist. Timely treatment of dental conditions can help you get rid of bad breath and prevent the development of other symptoms. 

2. Your gums are bleeding

It is important to understand that healthy gums shouldn’t bleed. So if you have noticed that your gums are bleeding (during tooth brushing, chewing crunchy foods, etc.), it is better to undergo a dental exam. The point is that gum bleeding is one of the most common causes of developing gum disease. If left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis that can result in tooth loss and many other severe complications. 

3. You experience a toothache

If you have ever experienced a toothache, then you probably know how significantly it can affect your daily routine. Due to the fact that a toothache can be caused by various conditions, it is better to avoid self-treatment. The most common causes of a toothache include:

- Tooth decay

- Gum recession

- Enamel erosion

- Dental abscess

- Tooth fracture

- Chipped tooth

All these conditions should be examined and treated only by a professional dentist.

4. You have an unpleasant taste in the mouth

If you experience an unpleasant taste in the mouth that is accompanied by toothache and gum swelling, it can be a sign of a dental abscess. This condition occurs when the infection penetrates the tooth and leads to the development of a sac with pus. If left untreated, this sac can rupture and pus may spread throughout your jaw. 

5. You have broken a tooth

If you have chipped a tip of the tooth, you may not experience any severe symptoms. In this case, you may need to visit a dentist to restore the missing part of the tooth to prevent tooth decay. But if you have fractured a significant part of the tooth, it can result in a severe toothache. A dentist will ease your pain and seal a crack, attach the broken part of the tooth, or install a dental crown. 

6. You experience teeth sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity is a condition in which a tooth reacts with sudden pain to hot or cold foods and drinks, air, sugar, or acids. There are a lot of factors that can lead to tooth sensitivity. For example, aggressive tooth brushing can lead to enamel wear and increased sensitivity. Tooth decay, gum recessions, dental abscess, enamel erosion can also make your teeth sensitive. 

7. You have white patches in the mouth

White patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and palate can be a sign of oral thrush. This condition occurs because of Candida fungi overgrowth. Although Candida is a normal organism in the mouth, it can overgrow and cause white patches, redness, soreness, light bleeding, and even loss of taste. 

8. You have lost a tooth

If you have lost a tooth, it is better to get a dental implant as soon as possible. The point is that the neighboring teeth can shift and cause facial asymmetry and problems with oral hygiene. A dental implant can prevent teeth misalignment and improve the appearance of your smile.