Have you been neglectful of your oral health, slacking on oral hygiene and maintaining visits with your dentist? If so, the clock is ticking. It’s just a matter of time before the problems start to catch up with you. Thus, preventive dentistry exists because of the awareness that issues are bound to arise with your oral health. This is due to the fact that your consumption of food (which is necessary for your survival) attracts bacteria to your mouth. And as these critters grow, they can silently cause havoc over time. That’s why your dentist in Pittsburgh says you may start seeing warning signs that it’s time to go in for a visit. Learn what some of them are and how your local professional can help you out.
7 Reasons that You Need to See Your Dentist
If you have any of the following situations going on, then you need to visit your dentist immediately:
- Pain – If you notice pain around your mouth, face or neck, you need to be seen as soon as possible. This could be a sign of advanced tooth decay.
- Bleeding Gums – Gums that are easy to bleed may be a sign that you have the early stages of gum disease. It’s imperative that you visit your dentist before the problem mushrooms.
- Previous Dental Work – If you’ve had restorative dental work done in the past, you want to make sure that a local professional inspects it on a regular basis to make sure that it has not failed.
- Ongoing Medical Issues – If you have an ongoing condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease or an eating disorder, you want to make sure to keep your oral expert in the loop so that he can watch for signs of the illness worsening.
- You’re Pregnant – if you’re pregnant, it’s important that you remain under a dentist’s care because your oral health can be compromised. This is because the gestating fetus will extract nutrients from you to ensure that it gets what it needs.
- Trouble Eating – If you’re having trouble eating, it’s a sign that you need to see your dentist immediately. Healthy teeth should not cause you discomfort when you bite and chew.
- Dry Mouth – If you have an excessively dry mouth, it could be the result of a medication that you’re taking or indicate that you have an undiagnosed medical condition. This also makes your mouth a prime breeding ground for bacteria to grow. These are reasons that you should immediately contact your dentist.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is the route that you want to take before finding yourself in any of the above situations. Therefore, it amounts to you being proactive. That means that before a problem strikes, you are already under the expert care of your dentist and able to feel secure.
The cornerstone of preventive care is the semi-annual visit where your dentist will thoroughly clean and examine your mouth, teeth and gums. He will also check your face, jaw and neck areas for any signs of other health issues like oral cancer.
To get on the right track, just reach out to your local professional and schedule your first appointment and get on the road to excellent oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1980. He would later go on to receive Fellowship and Mastership awards from the Academy of General Dentistry. A member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Voller practices at Voller Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.