Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
The American Dental Association recommends that you see the dentist for a checkup and get your teeth cleaned every six months. In some cases, individuals may require more frequent visits to manage gum disease or other oral health concerns. But in general, twice a year visits are enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums. What happens during these visits is an integral part of keeping your oral health in check. Even if you’re diligent with your at-home oral hygiene routine, you still should see the dentist every six months. So, today on the blog, our family dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares five reasons to schedule your year-end dental checkup now.
Swollen Gums
Inflammation is never a good sign. Regardless of where it occurs in the body, it’s a sign that your body’s immune system is kicked into high gear to fight an invader. When it comes to swollen gums, that commonly signals gum disease, an active oral infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly. Therefore, if you notice that your gums are puffy or swollen, schedule an appointment with our Okemos dentist for a checkup. The sooner you address the issue, the less likely you are to suffer from the devastating consequences of gum disease.
Bleeding Gums
Most people would be quite alarmed if they started bleeding from somewhere on their body, although nearly half of adults in America have gum disease, which often results in bleeding gums. Unfortunately, many people with gum disease seem unconcerned about their condition. Bleeding gums may occur when you brush or floss your teeth, which explains why you may see “pink in the sink” after brushing. You should not ignore this symptom as it could be an early sign of gum disease. Depending on the severity of your condition, it may be possible to reverse it with good oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings, although later stages of gum disease are not curable but can be managed.
Bad Breath
Everyone gets bad breath from time to time either from eating something garlicy or loaded with onions or upon waking up. But chronic bad breath that lingers after you brush your teeth could also be a sign of oral disease like cavities (tooth decay) or gum disease. Oral bacteria responsible for these oral disease decay and erode oral tissue like teeth, gums, and jawbone, which harbor even more bacteria, leading to chronic bad breath. Therefore, if you notice that your bad breath never really goes away, it’s time to schedule your year-end dental checkup to find a treatment for you.
Tooth Discoloration
Stains can develop on your teeth from the foods and beverages you consume, but also collect from plaque buildup, a byproduct of oral bacteria. If not removed, plaque not only stains your teeth but hardens and becomes tartar. Tartar can make your teeth look dingy and increases your risk of gum disease and cavities. So, if you notice that your teeth look dingy, it’s time for your next dental checkup.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth enamel is quite durable and strong, although it can wear thin over time and due to over consumption of sugar and acidic foods and beverages. When this occurs, you may experience tooth sensitivity. However, teeth can also experience a zing of pain if they are cracked, have a cavity, or if previous dental work is failing (like a leaky or loose crown or filling). Therefore, if you experience tooth sensitivity, do not ignore it because it could signal an issue that needs to be fixed right away before it worsens.
Family Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Dr. Tenaglia welcomes patients of all ages and provides care ranging from routine checkups and cleanings, as well as restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She also treats the mouth using a whole-body approach as she specializes in TMJ treatment and helps patients manage sleep apnea and stop snoring. If you experience any of the symptoms above or it’s been longer than six months since you last visited the dentist, contact Tenaglia Smiles today by calling (517) 347-6733.