Seeing your dentist isn’t always your top priority. You may be busy with work, family, vacations or all kinds of things, but your body may be telling you it’s time to see a dentist. Baltimore, MD dentist Byron C. Desbordes provides comprehensive dentistry for all ages, offering everything from routine office visits to complex dental procedures. So how will you know when it’s time to see the dentist?
1. It has been a while since your last exam
Most dentists recommend their patients have dental exams every six months. This allows them to check for cavities, remove plaque and tartar from teeth, and put a stop to any minor issues before they become more complicated. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, now might be the time to schedule an appointment.
2. You have pain in your mouth
Pain is your body’s way of telling you when something is wrong. Pain in your teeth or mouth is not normal, and could be a sign of a problem in the teeth or jaw bone. It’s important not to let mouth pain go untreated, because many dental problems can lead to issues in other parts of the body. There is research showing links between gum disease and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease.
3. You have a constant bad taste in your mouth
If you feel like there is always bad taste in your mouth that just won’t go away even after brushing or using mouthwash, you may have advanced tooth decay. Oral bacteria produce foul-smelling acids during their digestive processes which can cause bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. Tooth decay needs to be successfully treated in its early stages to avoid gingivitis, infection, or even tooth loss.
4. You feel a tingling sensation when you eat sweet food or brush your teeth
Cavities don’t always cause pain right away. An early sign that you might have a cavity that needs to be addressed may be sensitivity to temperature or sweet food. If you feel a tingling sensation when eating sweet food or brushing your teeth, see a dentist as soon as possible, because it could be an indication of a cavity.
5. Your teeth are discolored
If your teeth are significantly discolored or have yellow deposits along the gum line, see your dentist. Discolored teeth can be an indication of a problem inside the teeth, but it also happens naturally over time as we eat highly-pigmented foods. Yellow deposits along the gums indicate tartar — a hardened form of plaque — that can only be removed by a dental hygienist with special tools to avoid tooth decay.
6. You have cosmetic dentistry questions
You may have been wondering about teeth whitening, dentures, implants, or fixing crooked teeth. Dr. Desbordes or your area dentist will be able to answer any questions you have about your cosmetic goals and design a unique treatment plan to help you refresh your smile.
7. You are missing one or more teeth
Tooth loss can occur for many reasons and is not always a result of poor oral hygiene. Regardless of the reason, missing teeth should be replaced to preserve your oral health to avoid loss of bone tissue and/or shifting teeth. Your dentist can discuss tooth replacement options such as implants, bridges, or even dentures with you.
Baltimore, MD Dental Care
Dr. Desbordes’s practice offers comprehensive, affordable, and experienced dental care to patients of all ages. We can help you have a healthy smile that you can be confident in with customized treatment plans based on your unique needs. To consult with Dr. Desbordes, schedule a consultation online or call us at (410) 216-4023 today!