When to Visit Your Dentist

Keeping a beautiful smile and healthy gums takes daily dental brushing and flossing with regular professional dental cleanings. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months. Regular dental visits are important for the routine maintenance of your healthy teeth and gums. Having regular dental visits help maintain oral hygiene and prevent many dental diseases. During routine exams, your dentist will check for signs of oral problems, such as gum disease and cavities to help catch early symptoms so your dentist can treat oral issues before it can become more serious. If your teeth and gums need additional care, your dentist may need to see you for more frequent visits. There are some signs that indicate you may need to see a dentist more than twice a year.

Reasons to See a Dentist

1. Having pain or swelling in your mouth, face, or neck can indicate various dental and oral concerns.
2. Gums are red and puffy or inflamed, they bleed when you regularly brush or floss, or you have a family history of gum disease. Experiencing these issues and having a medical history of this makes it especially important to visit our dentist more often than twice a year.
3. If you are self-conscious about missing a tooth or would like a brighter smile, talk to your dentist. Your dentist may have recommendations to help you have a brighter and radiant smile.
4. Having dental work done such as fillings, crowns, dental implants or dentures in the past as part of your dental history make it essential to visit your dentist more than regularly to make sure that everything is still in great shape.
5. You should see your dentist more than routine if you have medical issues or conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or are HIV positive. Additionally, if you are undergoing certain medical treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy.
6. Pregnancy can worsen dental problems, so it’s important to not miss your regular check ups and see your dentist if any dental concerns come up. It’s safe to go and see your dentist while you are pregnant.
7. Experiencing issues with chewing or swallowing is not normal and you should see your dentist as soon as you can.
8. Having a dry mouth can be a sign of a medical concern or a side effect of a medication. Seeing your dentist can help you determine what to do.
9. If you have bad breath due to oral cancer, cigarettes, or chewing tobacco, see your dentist.
10. Make an appointment to see your dentist if you experience your jaws popping or pain when opening and closing your jaws first thing in the morning.
11. If your mouth just does not feel right or has spots and sores, then it’s time to see your dentist.

If you experience any of these things, then it’s time to make an appointment to see your dentist even if it is not time for your 6 months regular check up. Keeping up with your oral and dental health is important. Give California Dental Group a call at (800) 407-0161 to set up a time to meet with our dental health professionals today.