When to Visit Your Dentist
You know that you should be seen by your Bethlehem dentist every six months for your regular professional cleaning. These visits are an important part of maintaining your dental wellness. They help to keep your teeth clean and free from gingivitis. Additionally, going to the dentist allows your dentist to conduct a quick examination of your teeth and gums so that any oral health concerns can be recognized and treated in their earliest stages. However, are there signs that tell you when to see your dentist?
There are some other signs that might be pointing toward it being the right time to make an appointment to be seen in our dentist office in Bethlehem, GA.
Toothache or swelling around the tooth
Anyone who is familiar with the pain of toothache knows just how miserable it can be. It can be tempting to just wait it out and see if it resolves on its own. However, the reality is that any sharp or continuous pain in a tooth is typically a sign that there is a deeper problem. If left untreated, the pain will get worse. Swelling may accompany the toothache, particularly around the tooth and the cheeks. This is most often a sign that you have an infection. Your emergency dentist in Bethlehem, GA will need to see you, evaluate the health of the tooth and gum, and determine the right course of treatment.
Inflammation on the gums
If your gums are sore, swollen, and red, this is a strong indicator that you have gum disease. If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, this is another sign of gum inflammation. In its earliest stages, gum disease can be treatable and often reversible. However, severe gum disease will require additional treatment. Your dentist may use an intraoral camera to show you exactly what they’re seeing. This will help you better understand the severity of your dental problems.
A professional dental cleaning and scaling will help to restore the health of your gums. Maintaining your regular six-month checkups and professional cleanings can go a long way towards preventing and managing gum disease.
An injury or blow to the mouth
If you have had any type of trauma to your mouth, you will need to make an appointment to see your Bethlehem dental care experts. Trauma to the mouth and the teeth can often result in damage that is below the surface of the tooth and is not visible to the naked eye. It’s important to visit your trusted family dentistry in Bethlehem GA. If there is severe pain, this is your cue to visit an emergency dentist Bethlehem families can trust. Pain could mean that the damage has reached the nerve.
Seeing white spots on gums and teeth
Seeing white spots on teeth is one of the very first signs that there is decay on the tooth. White spots on the gums are also typically a sign of decay and infection. A visit to our gentle family dentistry Bethlehem patients rely on will address the decay and infection with the right treatment approach.
Don’t try to touch or remove white spots on gums. The infection may be within the root of the tooth. Your dentist will need to examine the area and take X-rays.
Sensitivity to temperature changes
Seeing your dentist near Bethlehem when you experience any type of sensitivity to hot or cold is important. While some patients may naturally have teeth that are more on the sensitive side, extreme discomfort, and pain to hot and cold could be pointing to a deeper issue. Decay or concerns with your gums or roots being exposed could be behind your sensitivity.
When to Visit Your Bethlehem Dentist
When you’re looking for a trustworthy dentist near Bethlehem GA, know that you can rely on us to meet your dental wellness needs. Whether you’re looking for a Bethlehem family dental office to meet the needs of each member of your family or you’re interested in dental implants Winder GA area patients can rely on us to be available when you need us.