When You Should Call Your Dentist for a Dental Checkup

Dental Checkup Huntsville, AL

When was your last dental checkup? Read on to learn about the importance of sticking to regular dental appointments. The American Dental Association recommends getting a dental checkup at least two times per year. These visits are crucial to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, two of the most common issues dentists treat.

A dental checkup also gives the dentist a chance to notice abnormalities in a person’s mouth, like symptoms of gum disease or abnormal growths. Early detection of dental issues is crucial since issues like gum disease can be reversed in their early stages.

Reasons to visit your dentist for a dental checkup

Here are some signs you might be due for a dental checkup:

Toothache

Toothaches are nature’s way of letting you know something is wrong in your mouth. While there are countless over-the-counter products that help to alleviate the pain caused by tooth pain, the only way to permanently bring it to an end is to address the root cause.

A dentist can perform tests to pinpoint the cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatments.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums are one of the symptoms of gum disease. A person’s gum bleeding once in a while is not a significant issue, but gum tissues that bleed every time you brush might be infected. Gum disease is the bacterial infection of gum tissues, and it occurs in two main stages. Gingivitis is the first stage, and it can be reversed with improved oral hygiene and regular teeth cleanings.

If left untreated, gingivitis evolves into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. The infection is chronic at this point, so it can only be managed with treatments. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It causes permanent damage to the gum and bone structures that keep teeth in place. Other symptoms of gum disease include tender and inflamed gums.

Abnormal growth in the mouth or lips

Abnormal growths in or around a person’s mouth might be a sign of oral cancer, so it is best to check it out immediately. Dentists perform oral cancer screens as part of their dental checkups, and samples of any abnormal tissues are taken and sent to a lab.

Discolored teeth

A dental checkup can include cosmetic treatments that address issues like stained and discolored teeth. Dentists have many ways to improve the shade of a patient’s teeth, like teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding, and crowns.

Any other aesthetic issues detected during the checkup, like eroded teeth, can also be addressed during the appointment.

Loose restoration

A dental restoration becoming loose means it is no longer providing the protection it was placed there for. It means acids and bacteria are free to attack the tooth underneath. A loose restoration generally counts as a dental emergency since it requires immediate treatment.

Make your dental health a priority

Regular dental checkups help keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing your risk of developing issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Call or visit our Huntsville dental clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.angelafennell.com or call Angela S. Fennell DMD, PC at (256) 660-3089 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in Huntsville, AL.

Related Posts

What To Expect During A Dental Checkup

No one should be immune from needing a dental checkup every six months. These appointments have many benefits for people of all ages. You should stay on top of your oral health by seeing the dentist regularly. If you have gotten off track and have not had an examination in a long time, you should…

What A Dentist Looks At During Your Dental Check-up

When you visit the dentist for your annual dental check-up, what are they looking at? It's important to know because it can help guide your oral health care decisions. During a dental exam, dentists look at many different things to get an accurate picture of your overall oral health. The following is a list of…

7 Tips To Avoid Dental Cavities

Dental cavities and gum diseases are the most widespread diseases among humans. Thankfully, they can be prevented easily. Dental cavities begin when the tooth enamel degrades, causing holes in the tooth.If neglected, the cavities worsen, and the tooth's structure becomes unstable. The infection can extend to the gums, tooth root, and jawbone. In worse cases,…

We Conduct Dental Exams In Huntsville

As a provider of dental exams in Huntsville, we are passionate about the oral health of our patients and the lifetime of their teeth.  Other areas of your body may not require regular medical care unless there is a problem.  Other than routine screenings, most people can go years without visiting their doctor.  Your oral…

Related Posts

Signs You May Need A Root Canal: When To See A Dentist

Signs You May Need A Root Canal: When To See A Dentist

A root canal cleans out infection from the interior of a tooth, but dentists will attempt other options, such as dental fillings, when possible. Therefore, it can be hard for patients to know when they may need a root canal or whether a problem can be solved in another way. The signs that you may…

Things To Know About Implant Supported Dentures

4 Things To Know About Implant Supported Dentures

Learning more about your options for getting new dentures is necessary, as you need to make a choice that works for you. This requires thinking about your current lifestyle and how denture care will fit in. Denture care is very important, as when you take proper care of your dentures, they can last many years.Finding…