10 Jun 2016 Myth #2: Cavities hurt, so if my teeth don’t hurt I don’t need to go to the dentist
Many people believe that they don’t need to go to the dentist if their teeth don’t hurt. The trouble is that cavities only begin to hurt when they expose sensitive nerves.
Cavities can progress for several weeks, or even months, before they begin to approach these nerves, which means that you could have cavities right now and not even know it.
Pain is a symptom that lets you know when to go to dentist, but pain should not be the number one deciding factor in the frequency of dentist appointments. So, how do you know when to go to dentist?
Teeth Cleaning
A healthy frequency of dentist appointments is about two per year, whether or not you have a cavity. Every six months you should have a teeth cleaning and a check up to prevent cavities from forming, catch and fill cavities before they become painful, and prevent cavities from turning into a more serious condition.
If You Feel Anything Unusual
Feeling holes, cracks, or abnormalities in your teeth is a sign that you should make an appointment with your dentist, even if your teeth don’t hurt. These abnormalities could be an indication that you have a cavity or a damaged tooth that could become a serious issue if left untreated.
Gum Discoloration
Your gums can be an indicator of the overall health of your mouth. Your gums should be light pink and firm. If you notice your gums are darker than normal, or if you experience bleeding gums every time you brush your teeth or floss, this could be a sign that you should make a dentist appointment as soon as possible. Gum health is just as important as the health of your teeth.
Loose Adult Teeth
Adult teeth are permanent teeth, but taking a hit to the mouth or chewing on hard foods can damage your teeth beneath the gum line. Sometimes other factors can cause adult teeth to become loose as well. If your adult teeth feel loose, then you should make a dentist appointment right away to avoid further damage and to address any other underlying problem associated with loose adult teeth.
Sudden Tooth Darkening
Sometimes teeth suddenly darken before pain sets in. This can be a sign that your tooth is infected or that there are other problems with your tooth. Having a dentist check teeth that are suddenly changing color can prevent serious conditions from developing.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is vital that you go see a dentist immediately. However, having regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and visiting the dentist to check on abnormalities can keep you healthy and prevent tooth pain from occurring. Make an appointment for a check up today!