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It is advised to see your dentist twice a year in order to stay on top of your oral health. At the visit the dentist checks your teeth and mouth and ensures that there are no new cavities or other dental problems. They will clean your teeth professionally to reduce risk of gum disease, and give fluoride treatments to help reduce the risk of tooth decay. They will also do a treatment plan and book appointments to carry out any fillings or other treatments that are diagnosed during your routine check.

There are other instances though that you may not be able to wait until your routine dental check up and will need to visit your dentist in Manningham sooner.

Some of these reasons are outlined below:

1. Toothache

Pain in your mouth, including toothache, should not be ignored. A toothache is a sign that there is underlying disease that needs to be addressed. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to find and treat the cause of your pain.

2. Inflamed gums

Bleeding and inflamed gums are a sign of gum disease; gingivitis or periodontitis. If your gums are swollen or bleeding, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist.

3. Sensitivity to hot and cold

If you are experiencing temperature sensitivity every time you eat, it is best to have your tooth examined by your dentist as this could be a sign of tooth decay or even a dental infection. The sooner the tooth is treated, the less likely the problem would become more serious.

4. You have a dry mouth

A dry mouth (xerostomia) can be a sign of a medical issue or a medication side effect. It can also put you at higher risk of tooth decay as there is less saliva in the mouth to buffer plaque acids. Visit your dentist in Manningham if you find you are experiencing a dry mouth.

5. You are having jaw pain

A sore jaw, especially upon waking up first thing in the morning, can be a sign that you are clenching and grinding your teeth. Your dentist can give you exercises and make you a night guard for you to wear at night to help you.

6. Changes of colour or spots/sores in the mouth

Any changes to your oral soft tissues need to be investigated. Whilst sometimes not serious, causes of spots and sores can be symptoms of a systemic disease, infection, viruses, bacteria or fungal infections, or they can even be as a result of irritation caused by dentures, braces or broken teeth. They can sometimes be a manifestation of a more serious problem such as oral cancer. If there are any changes in the soft tissues of your mouth, visit your dentist for an examination.

7. Bad breath/ Halitosis

Bad breath (halitosis) can be a sign of gum disease. Whilst it may be a result of more systemic causes, it is best to visit your dentist to see if you have gum disease and have the appropriate treatment. Regular checks and cleans can reduce the likelihood of gum disease and help prevent it from becoming more advanced or serious.

8. If you use any type of tobacco

Tobacco use can be detrimental to your oral health. It can lead to the staining of your teeth, bad breath, gum and bone disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and to even more serious conditions such as oral cancer. If you are a smoker or use any time of tobacco, it is imperative to visit your dentist in Manningham regularly.

Lincoln Dental clinicians are the right experts to look after you. Located in Manningham and Forest Hill, our patients travel from near or far, Doncaster and beyond, as they know we are the right professionals for all of their dental needs.