Signs that it Might Be Time to Schedule a Dental Checkup

Most of us know that we should be visiting the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup. We know that tooth pain means we should visit the dentist as soon as possible and that bleeding gums may point to gum disease. But other, less apparent signals point to the need for a dental checkup.

Signs that Point to the Need for a Dental Checkup

Below are a few common signs and symptoms that signal the time for a dentist visit:

• Pregnancy – Major shifts in hormones can wreak havoc with your oral health. Many pregnant women experience swollen, red, or bleeding gum tissue. Plan on visiting the dentist around the second trimester to discuss any of your dental concerns. 
• Diabetes – People with diabetes (both type I and II) are at a higher risk of gum disease and periodontitis. In fact, diabetes and gum disease seem to go hand-in-hand, so make sure your glucose levels are in check, and your oral health is maintained.
• Acid Reflux – Acid reflux and GERD can cause stomach acid to rise into the esophagus and into the mouth, which can eat away at the tooth enamel, eventually causing erosion. Visiting Auburn Family Dental can allow us to put an action plan in place to save the teeth and limit the damage to the enamel. 
• Headaches – If you frequently wake up with headaches, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth at night. These headaches may also go along with jaw pain or clicking and popping of the jaw. Wearing a nightguard to bed can reduce these symptoms. 
• Quit Tobacco – Quitting tobacco is a very healthy choice for your oral and overall health! Scheduling a dentist appointment with Dr. Behnaz Raisdana after you quit can allow her to check for signs of gum disease or oral cancer. 
• Bad Taste in Your Mouth – A bad taste or odor in the mouth can be a sign of a more severe condition, like an infection in the saliva gland. Persistent bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth or uncontrolled bacteria. Your dentist can let you know if you need to make lifestyle changes. 

This list is not entirely inclusive, so if you have any concerns at all with your teeth, mouth, gums, or jaw, it’s important to make an appointment with Dr. Raisdana at Auburn Family Dental! Our general dental office is located here in Wichita, KS.