Perhaps you’re the type who only visits our office if you suspect something is wrong. Or maybe you’re between appointments and yet, something is telling you to give us a call before the 6-month mark. Whatever the case, if you are having a problem with your mouth, don’t put off seeking professional help. One unassailable dental truth is this: the sooner you visit the dentist with an issue, the easier, less invasive, and less expensive the treatment will be.
At Carmichael Dental Care in Montgomery, AL, we will conduct a thorough examination, diagnose the problem, and get you back on the road to good oral health. Call us at 334-600-1423 or reach out via our online form.
Here are 5 signs that you need to visit the dentist:
- Sensitivity to Hot and/or Cold – If drinking your morning coffee or afternoon iced tea has suddenly become more painful than enjoyable, call us right away. There are a number of underlying issues that can lead to temperature sensitivity in teeth. For example, it may be caused by tooth decay, a filling that’s come loose, or gum recession that’s led to exposure of the tooth root.
- Jiggly or Loose Teeth – If you’re an adult, your teeth should not be loose or jiggly. If they are, there is a problem. Probably the most common cause of loose teeth is gum disease, or periodontitis. When your gums weaken and recede, they are no longer able to secure the teeth in place. Osteoporosis may also lead to loose teeth, as may certain medications. Higher-than-usual levels of estrogen and progesterone sometimes cause loose teeth in pregnant women, but these changes tend to reverse post-pregnancy.
- Bleeding Gums – If you’ve noticed blood from your mouth after brushing or flossing, you need to visit the dentist ASAP. It could be due to gum disease or an infection, improper flossing or brushing, pregnancy hormonal changes, or other reasons.
- Persistent Bad Breath – Most people have the occasional bout of bad breath, or halitosis. But if you are unable to get rid of yours, despite a good diet, not smoking, and excellent oral health habits, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Chronic bad breath may be a symptom of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, diabetes, or a liver or kidney problem.
- Chronic Jaw Pain – Chronic jaw pain can become almost incapacitating if it affects your ability to open and close your mouth. This kind of pain may indicate you have a TMJ disorder, a condition that also causes headaches and other uncomfortable symptoms. We can make you a custom mouthguard that keeps your jaw relaxed while you sleep, giving your temporomandibular joints (jaw joints) a chance to heal.
Whether you are having a problem with your oral health or you just need to visit the dentist for your regularly scheduled cleaning and examination, the dedicated staff at Carmichael Dental Care are here to help. Call our office in Montgomery, AL at 334-600-1423 for an appointment.