There are lots of reasons that you might need to see a dentist. From emergency care to routine visits, your dentists can offer you access to a variety of services that will support your long-term well-being. You cannot be healthy without healthy teeth and gums, so working with a skilled dental care team is key.
The right dental clinic in Aiea, HI, will ensure that you have access to all of the dental care services that you have been looking for. Whether you need a dental care team that can work on adults’ dental needs as well as being kid-friendly, or you just need to get set up for your own needs, you should be sure to do your research. Working with a skilled and experienced dentist and oral healthcare team can make a big impact on your overall health each year.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Knowing when to head to the dentist can be important. Lots of people wait too long to go see a dentist. You don’t have to be suffering from wounds related to a fall or accident to need to see the dentist as soon as possible. These are some good reasons to seek dental care right away.
1. When You Are in Pain
There are various reasons that you might be experiencing oral pain. Maybe you have suffered a facial injury, or perhaps you have a filling that has come loose. Maybe you are not quite sure why your teeth or gums hurt, but you are having trouble eating or sleeping due to your discomfort.
When you are struggling with oral pain, you need to be seen by a dentist rapidly. Waiting around while you are in pain, hoping that things will get better on their own, is never a good idea. There are many serious conditions that can be the root of your oral pain, so make sure that you reach out to your dentist as soon as possible if you are in pain.
If you have suffered a facial injury, be sure you go to the ER first. They will need to take a look at your injuries before you can head to the dentist to have your teeth and gums checked out.
2. When You Need a Cleaning
You should get your teeth cleaned at least once each year. Even small children need to start seeing the dentist by the time they are one year old. Cleanings are a critical part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and you shouldn’t push this necessary oral healthcare service to the bottom of your list.
If you have not gotten connected with a dental care office to get access to your standard annual cleanings, it’s never too late! Be sure to check out the reviews for the offices that you are thinking of scheduling with, and make sure that you reach out and see if they offer the services that you need. You don’t want to have to go to one dental care team for your standard care and another for more specialized services if you need them. Getting an annual dental cleaning is important, even if you don’t have any ongoing oral health issues and take good care of your teeth at home.
3. When You Have Cracked or Broken Teeth
It can sometimes be hard to tell that you have cracked or chipped a tooth. You might not be aware that there is an issue of this kind going on until you start to experience pain. Teeth can break or crack for many different reasons, but this is always a good reason to schedule an emergency dental visit.
When your teeth are damaged in this way, the nerve is often exposed. Left untreated, the damaged tooth could die. Time is of the essence if you think you have damaged a tooth. For teeth that have been knocked out, be sure that you don’t touch the root of the tooth, put it in some milk, or even tuck it back into your mouth between your cheek and gum. Never store a knocked-out tooth in plain water, and try to avoid allowing it to dry out too much.
4. Your Gums Hurt or Bleed Easily
Problems with your gums shouldn’t be ignored anymore than issues with your teeth. You should head to the dentist as soon as you can if you are dealing with gums that bleed a lot or that hurt all the time. Abscesses, gum disease, and various other conditions can cause these symptoms. The sooner you get treatment for these health issues, the better.
Your gums have a lot to do with the long-term health of your teeth. When your gums aren’t healthy, your teeth aren’t healthy. Don’t ignore warning signs that there are issues with your gums. The sooner that the problem is addressed, the sooner that your pain will be resolved and the healthier your teeth will be.
Seeing a Dentist Right Away Can Save You From Major Oral Health Issues
Far too many people wait for days or weeks to get in to see a dentist when they are dealing with oral pain, bleeding, or other serious symptoms. You shouldn’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you are in pain, if you think you have broken a tooth, or if a filling or bridge in your mouth has failed. Any time you ignore pain and other issues, you are more likely to be opening the door for major tooth health issues down the road.
Caring for your teeth on a routine basis is just as important as being sure to head to the dentist on an emergency basis. Don’t neglect your annual dental appointment to get your teeth cleaned and checked out by your dental care team. These services help to prevent cavities and other issues and also ensure that your teeth are healthy. Even if you hadn’t noticed anything in particular going on with your oral well-being that concerns you, an annual cleaning is a must.
