Although we at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre know that going to the dentist isn’t always the most fun thing to do, your body may be telling you that you need to go. Aesthetic Dentistry Centre, the Plano, TX dental office of Dr. Mark Sowell, 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. It has been a while since your last exam
Most dentists suggest having dental exams every six months. This allows them the opportunity to check your smile for cavities, remove hardened plaque from teeth, and catch any minor issues before they become more serious. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, it might be time to schedule an appointment.
2. You have pain in your mouth
Pain is the body’s way of letting you know when there is a problem. Pain in your mouth is not normal, and could be an indication of a problem in the teeth or jaw bone. It’s important not to ignore mouth pain, because many dental problems can lead to problems in other parts of the body.
3. You have a constant bad taste in your mouth
If you feel like there is a bad taste in your mouth that just won’t go away even after brushing, you may be suffering from advanced tooth decay. Oral bacteria produce foul-smelling acids from digestive food particles in your mouth. These can cause bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. Tooth decay should be addressed in its early stages to avoid gingivitis, infection, or even loss of teeth and jaw bone tissue.
4. You feel a tingling sensation when you eat sweet food or brush your teeth
Cavities don’t always cause outright pain immediately. An early indicator that you have a cavity may be sensitivity to temperature or sweet foods. If you feel a tingling sensation when eating sweet food or brushing your teeth, see a dentist immediately, because it could mean you have a cavity.
5. Your teeth are discolored
If your teeth are significantly discolored or you see that you have yellow deposits along the gum line, you should schedule an appointment to see Dr. Sowell or your area dentist. Discolored teeth can be a sign of an issue inside the teeth. However, it can also happen naturally over time when we eat highly-pigmented foods. Yellow deposits along the gums indicate hardened plaque, called tartar, that needs to be removed to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
6. You have cosmetic dentistry questions
If you have been wondering about teeth whitening, dentures, implants, or fixing crooked teeth? Your dentist will be able to answer any these and any other questions you may have about your cosmetic goals. Dr. Sowell or your area dentist can design a unique treatment plan to help you have the fresh, healthy looking smile you’ve .
7. You are missing one or more teeth
Teeth can be lost for a variety of reasons and it is not always necessarily a result of poor oral hygiene. No matter the reason, missing teeth should be replaced to preserve your oral health even if you aren’t concerned about aesthetics. Your dentist can talk to you about tooth replacement options such as implants, bridges, or even dentures.
Plano, TX Dental Care
Dr. Sowell’s practice offers comprehensive, affordable, and experienced dental care to patients of all ages. We pride ourselves on helping our patients keep their smiles healthy with customized treatment plans based on their unique needs. To meet with Dr. Sowell, schedule a complimentary consultation online or call us at (972) 382-6855 today!