Do you know how often you should see a dentist? If you don’t, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, 60% of Americans don’t know how often they should see a dentist for a routine visit.
There are a few different factors that can affect how often you need to see a dentist. Your age, overall health, and whether you have any underlying oral health conditions can all influence how often you need to see a dentist. You can usually get by with seeing a dentist every six months, but there are some signs that you may need to see a dentist more often.
If you’re not sure how often you should be seeing a dentist, here are a few signs that it might be time for a visit:
1. You Have Bad Breath
A bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing your teeth and tongue could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can cause inflammation of the gums.
2. Your Teeth Are Yellow or Stained
If your teeth are yellow or stained, poor oral hygiene could be a sign. When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause the enamel on your teeth to break down, leading to staining.
3. You Have Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay. When the enamel on your teeth starts to break down, it can expose the inner layers of your teeth, making them sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
4. You Have Pain in Your Mouth
If you have pain in your mouth, it could be a sign of an infection or tooth decay. If you have an infection, it’s essential to see a dentist immediately so it can be treated before it spreads.
5. You Have a Bump on Your Gums
If you have a bump on your gums, it could be a sign of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a severe gum disease that can damage the tissues and bones that support your teeth.
6. You Have Trouble Chewing or Swallowing
If you have trouble chewing or swallowing, it could indicate an underlying oral health condition. If you have trouble chewing, it could be a sign of TMJ. TMJ is a condition that affects the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. If you have trouble swallowing, it could be a sign of GERD.
7. You Have Jaw Pain
If you have jaw pain, it could be a sign of TMJ or tooth decay. If you have TMJ, seeing a dentist to treat the joint before it gets worse is essential.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to see a dentist so that they can diagnose and treat the underlying condition.