If you are like me, you may not be the biggest fan of going to the dentist. I don’t know about you, but I’m always a little intimidated when sitting in that chair. But it’s important to go because dental problems can lead to serious health problems down the road.
You may not like the idea of a visit to the Wicker Park dentist, but it is important for your health. Dental problems are often caused by bacteria that forms in plaque and tartar on teeth. This can result in bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease and more serious oral conditions such as heart disease. If you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, that’s a great start, but that doesn’t mean you will never have the need to visit a dentist.
In this blog post we are going to discuss some of the reasons you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
The most important reason to schedule an appointment with your dentist is if you are experiencing a dental emergency. Dental emergencies can vary in severity, pain, and treatment. It is important to note that being more proactive and seeking treatment sooner will often result in less pain and smaller dental bills.
So, how do you know if you are experiencing a dental emergency? That’s a good question. Here are a few things to look for:
Cracked, Broken, or Loose Tooth
These may seem obvious, but they can actually be repaired in many cases if you get in to see your dentist quickly enough. So, don’t put it off.
Bleeding or Aching Gums
Bleeding gums are NOT normal and should be cared for swiftly. Minor bleeding may just mean that you need to do a better job or brushing and flossing, but major bleeding is often a sign that there is something more serious. It is often gum disease or periodontal disease. You want to treat this quickly because if it isn’t treated fast enough the effects can become irreversible.
Severe Toothache
Tooth pain and sensitivity is not uncommon, but if you are experiencing more severe pain that is a bad sign. You should get in and see your dentist right away. You may need a root canal or a tooth extraction in severe circumstances.
Sudden Unexpected Headaches
Teeth problems and headaches can be closely related. So, you may want to get in and seek professional help from a dentist or a doctor if you begin to experience sudden headaches.
Filling or Dental Crown Falls Out
If you have a filling or dental crown come loose you want to get to a dentist right away. Not only can they put it back in and alleviate any pain or discomfort you may be feeling from it, but this can help to prevent it from becoming re-infected or needing more severe treatment such as a root canal.
Wisdom Teeth Erupting
If you never had your wisdom teeth removed, they could come in at any time in your adulthood. If you start experiencing pain from wisdom teeth, you will want to get in and see a dentist right away. Wisdom teeth can create all sorts of problems if they are not treated quickly.
Lastly, if you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 6 months, you should really try and get in to see your dentist right away. Regular dental appointments help to keep your dental health tip top in addition to proper dental hygiene. Getting on top of and staying on top of your dental health will save you time, money, and a lot of pain!