We get it: going to the dentist isn’t always the most fun thing to do, but your body may be telling you it’s time to see a dentist. Dr. Benjamin Stevens of Beautiful Smiles in the Greenwood/Indianapolis, IN area offers comprehensive dentistry for all ages, ranging from routine office visits to complex dental concerns. So when might it be time to see a dentist?
1. You have pain in your mouth
Pain is the body’s way of letting you know when something is wrong. Pain when you chew is not normal, and could be a warning of a problem in the teeth or jaw bone. It’s important not to let mouth pain go untreated, because many dental problems can lead to or indicate problems in other parts of the body.
2. You have a constant bad taste in your mouth
If you have a constant bad taste in your mouth and, even after brushing, it just won’t go away you may have advanced tooth decay. Oral bacteria produce foul-smelling waste when they digest the plaque in our mouths. This waste causes bad breath and can give you a bad taste in your mouth. Tooth decay needs to be resolved in its early stages to avoid gingivitis, infection, or even tooth loss.
3. You feel a tingling sensation when you eat sweet food or brush your teeth
Cavities do not immediately cause pain. A sensitivity to temperature or sweet feed may be early indicators that you have a cavity. If you experience a tingling sensation whenever you eat sweet food or brush your teeth, see Dr. Van Gurp or your area dentist, because it could be that you have a cavity.
4. Your teeth are discolored
If your teeth are noticeably discolored or have yellow deposits along the gum line, you should schedule a dental examination. Discolored teeth can be a sign of an infection or even a medical ailment, but it also happens naturally over time — especially if we eat certain foods with high pigmentation or artificial coloring. The aforementioned yellow deposits along the gum line are hardened plaque, known in dental terminology as tartar, that needs to be removed to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
5. You have cosmetic dentistry questions
Have you been wondering about teeth whitening, dentures, implants, or fixing crooked teeth? Your dentist will be able to answer any questions you have about your cosmetic goals and design a unique treatment plan to help you refresh your smile.
6. You are missing one or more teeth
Teeth can be lost in many ways and for many reasons and it is not necessarily due to poor oral hygiene. Missing teeth should be replaced as early as possible to prevent deterioration of your jaw bone and gum tissue and shifting of your teeth and bite. Dr. Stevens or your area dentist can review with you your options for replacement such as implants, bridges, or even dentures.
7. It has been a while since your last exam
Most dentists strongly suggest their patients have dental exams every six months. This gives them regular opportunities to remove hardened plaque from teeth, check for cavities and any other issues before they become worse. So if you haven’t seen the dentist in at least 6 months, it might be time to schedule an examination.
Greenwood, IN Dental Care
Dr. Stevens’s practice offers comprehensive, affordable, and experienced dental care to patients of all ages. We can help keep your smile healthy with customized treatment plans based on your unique needs. To consult with Dr. Stevens, schedule a consultation online or call us at (317) 886-4512 today!
