Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

You’ve probably heard the benefits of visiting the dentist once every six months, or twice a year, for a check-up that includes a professional dental cleaning and an oral examination. We’re living in unprecedented stressful times, and you might have slipped in maintaining your schedule of regular dental visits. You might be tempted to think that you’re not experiencing any dental problems, giving you the false sense of security, that dental visits aren’t necessary right now. This can be a mistake. Your oral health might be compromised, and you don’t even know it. That’s why, in this article, the dentists at Hamilton Dental Care share seven signs that you need to schedule an appointment with your Bloomsburg dentist.

• Facial pain and/or swelling – There’s no such thing as a pain you can ignore. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right and requires attention. New or sudden pain in the mouth could be the sign of various dental problems that could potentially be life-threatening, such as an oral infection that could spread to the brain or heart.
• Bleeding gums – When you brush your teeth, do you ever notice some pink in the sink? Noticing blood when brushing or flossing is never normal and could be a sign you should see your experienced dentist in Bloomsburg for an appointment soon. Gums that are red, bleeding or puffy can all be signs of gum disease—a potentially serious condition stemming from a bacterial infection of your gums.
• Pregnancy – If you’re pregnant, you need to take special care to maintain your oral health. While expecting, hormone fluctuations could increase your risk of gum disease. This is why we have a specific guide for dental care during pregnancy for our patients while going through this exciting time. Remember, too, that research has linked poor oral hygiene during pregnancy to both low birth weight and premature birth.
• Heightened sensitivity – Are you wincing when you take that first sip of hot coffee in the morning or when you eat a bite of ice cream for an afternoon treat? Tooth sensitivity can be a sign that your enamel—the protective outer layer of your tooth structure—is deteriorating or that you have receding gums. Worn enamel or receding gums exposes the sensitive dentin layer, which is more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
• Dry mouth – Saliva is a natural way to keep your mouth lubricated and help fight against threats to your oral health. If you have dry mouth, it throws off the pH balance in your mouth, making you more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque, the two building blocks of tooth decay.
• Bad breath – We all have stinky-smelling breath from time to time, but persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can signal a wide variety of issues ranging from gum disease to dry mouth, acid reflux, or a sinus infection. Using mouthwash or mints will just conceal the odor but do nothing to prevent the cause. That’s why you should schedule an appointment with your Bloomsburg family dentist.
• Mouth sores – Ouch! You’re eating and bite your tongue or cheek. It doesn’t feel good, but in a few days, the sore subsides. … or does it? Lingering mouth sores can be a sign of a more serious condition. If you have a persistent mouth sore or oral ulcer that doesn’t seem to heal, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Comprehensive Dental Care in Bloomsburg

You’re diligent about brushing and flossing, but at-home oral care only can accomplish so much. Regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining good oral health, which is a vital component of overall health. If you’ve let your schedule of dental appointments lapse, now is a great time to get back on track with Hamilton Dental Care. Make an appointment today by calling (570) 387-0533 if you’re located in the areas of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA or contact us today.