Nearly everyone knows they should see their dentist at least twice a year for oral health exams and teeth cleaning, but not everyone follows through. We all have busy lives, and sometimes it takes a warning sign for us to take our oral health more seriously.
Unfortunately, pain and discomfort in your mouth are usually signs that something’s already amiss. In many cases, however, seeing a dentist soon after noticing these signs can help you get treatment covered under your dental insurance plan. Waiting too long, however, can mean allowing these problems to fester and develop into worse oral health risks that require much more costly and severe treatments.
Read below about some of the warning signs you need to know to avoid paying out of pocket for future dental care costs.
1. You Have a Toothache
Pain is nature’s way of telling us something’s wrong. When it comes to a toothache, it can be a sign of an infected root that needs can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. “Waiting out” toothaches can eventually lead to the death of the root. This can require a costly root canal or tooth extraction procedure to protect your other teeth and jawbone against infection.
2. Your Gums Are Inflamed, Sore, or Swollen
Gum disease is often signaled by inflamed, sore, or swollen gums. This is caused by a film of plaque, or bacteria, that develops over teeth that aren’t regularly brushed or flossed. Gum disease, like gingivitis, happens when bacteria make their way under the gumline, which is what causes inflammation, soreness, and swelling. In and of itself, this isn’t catastrophic – but it’s certainly a sign that you need to rethink your oral health habits and are overdue for a professional cleaning.
When left untreated, gum disease can progress into more serious diseases – such as periodontitis – that destroy gums and bone that support teeth, leading to tooth loss and creating the risk for more serious infections.
3. Your Mouth Experience Trauma
Any kind of impact or trauma to your mouth could cause significant damage to your teeth, gums, as well as the bone in your jaw and skull that support them. After experiencing trauma, immediately seek medical help and quickly follow it up with an emergency visit to the dentist.
Noticeable effects of trauma such as chipped, cracked, broken, or extricated teeth and bleeding should be addressed without delay. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible is crucial for fixing repairable teeth and preventing infection from spreading throughout the mouth. Even if damage isn’t obvious, a dentist can perform a thorough exam to identify small fractures in teeth, internal damage, and damage beneath the gumline. These are issues that can be addressed and fixed now, preventing costly remediation or extraction procedures in the future.
4. Your Teeth or Gums Have White Spots
One of the first signs of decay is noticeable white spots on your gums and teeth. This is a warning sign, so it’s not necessarily indicative of a serious issue – but intervention from your dentist is likely necessary to prevent further decay. In particular, white spots on your gums are almost assuredly the result of an infection. Resist the urge to pop or meddle with these white spots and immediately set up an appointment with your dentist.
5. Tooth Sensitivity to Temperature
Some people are just born with naturally sensitive teeth, but if you are noticing that your teeth’s tolerance for hot and cold temperatures isn’t normal, go see a dentist. You’ll likely be prescribed or recommended a special toothpaste designed for people with sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by enamel erosion, which is itself caused by a number of factors such as teeth grinding, aggressive brushing, acidic foods, acid reflux disease, and more. Gum disease can also cause tooth sensitivity, which is why it’s important you don’t ignore what your mouth is trying to tell you!
6. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can sometimes occur in patients taken antibiotics, but those who chronically experience dry mouth, there may be consequences for their overall oral health. Your mouth is an environment naturally kept moist by enzyme-rich saliva. Any conditions or ailments that cause dramatic change to this environment, such as dry mouth, can leave your teeth and gums at a greater risk of bacterial infection.
Seeing your dentist helps because you can get an expert’s advice on home remedies that can work or get a prescription for a special mouthwash that can counteract the effects of dry mouth.
7. Head, Neck & Jaw Pain
Pain and tension that you’re experiencing in your head, neck, and jaw (including headaches) can be a sign that you’re clenching or grinding your teeth. This is a condition that people can unconsciously develop while they’re under stress or if they have an anxiety disorder, and it may occur at night while they’re asleep
Teeth grinding and clenching can wear down your teeth’s enamel and dentin, increasing discomfort from sensitivity as well as the risk of infection. A dentist can examine your teeth and recommend remediation to repair any damage that’s been done or fit you for a mouthguard to protect your teeth against grinding and clenching while you’re asleep.
Are You Getting the Most out of Your Dental Insurance?
Having an individual dental insurance plan can help you get access to preventative oral health care that can help you avoid more costly and uncomfortable procedures in the future. If you’re looking for a new plan to help you, your family, or even your employees get better access to dental health care, turn to Insurance Specialists, Inc.!
Schedule a consultation with one of our representatives today by calling (888) 451-0883 or by contacting us online.