We all know we should be seeing our dentist every six months, but sometimes life just gets in the way! Preventive healthcare isn’t always possible, but it’s one of the most effective ways we can take care of ourselves. In addition to your twice-a-year cleaning and checkup, you should be paying your dentist a visit if you’re experiencing any kind of pain or discomfort. 

Keep reading for a short list of common tooth problems—aka, when you should give your dentist a call!

The Most Common Tooth Problems

Most of the time, you know when something’s wrong. Our bodies are great at letting us know! Sometimes, however, we brush things off because we don’t want to deal with them. But the reality is, brushing off toothaches, pain in your gums, etc. can lead to much larger problems. Keep an eye out for these common tooth problems, and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can if you experience them!

#1: Toothache

While this one’s pretty self explanatory, it’s worth mentioning. Sensitivity or outright pain in your teeth not only affects your quality of life: It could be a sign of a more serious problem. It could be a cavity, a damaged filling, or a result of grinding your teeth at night. Only your dentist can determine the true cause and recommend a solution. 

#2: Moving Teeth

If you’re an adult, noticing your teeth shifting or loosening could be a bad sign. While teeth naturally shift over time, it’s important to get things checked out if you’re noticing large gaps or loose teeth. This could be a sign of gum problems or bone loss. 

#3: Bleeding Gums

If you notice blood in your sink after brushing your teeth, it’s time to see your dentist. If you’ve just recently started flossing, blood might not be any cause for alarm—but if it persists you should get things checked out just in case. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, a serious condition that can eventually lead to tooth loss. 

#4: Dry Mouth

If you feel like your mouth is constantly dry no matter how much water you drink, or you feel like you’re always having bad breath, it’s time to address the issue. Not only is living with bad breath not fun, but saliva production is an important step in your body’s oral health routine! It flushes out food particles and harmful bacteria, so if your mouth isn’t producing enough, your dentist can find a solution. 

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. LeCroy

At LeCroy Dental, we make sure you feel as comfortable as possible. We know going to the dentist can be scary, especially if you’re experiencing one of the issues mentioned above. But with the right dentist, it doesn’t have to be! 

Get in touch with our office today to schedule a stress-free appointment. We look forward to seeing you!