10 Signs You Need to Visit a Dentist: Don’t Ignore These Symptoms
At Ateeth Dental Care, we encourage our valued patients to keep up with their routine dental exams and cleanings to maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. However, there are times when you may require additional care. The following are signs you need to see your trusted dentist in Reston, VA.
#1 Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is the primary reason people visit the dentist outside their regular dental exams and cleanings. Whether occasional or persistent, it can indicate tooth decay, gum disease, fracture, or infection, requiring immediate care to avoid complications.
#2 Puffy or Bleeding Gums
Puffy gums that bleed when you brush and floss may be signs of early gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The earlier gum disease is treated, the better the outcomes for your smile.
#3 Increased Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures can result from tooth decay, gum disease, teeth grinding, tooth enamel wear, receding gums, or other oral health problems. Treating the underlying causes of tooth sensitivity will restore your pain-free smile and help prevent complications down the road.
#4 Damaged Dental Work
A lost crown or a damaged filling can provide harmful bacteria with an entryway into the inside of the tooth, and if not replaced or repaired can lead to pain and infection. That’s why it’s important to have your restoration repaired as soon as possible.
#5 Jaw Problems
Jaw problems can result from chronic joint changes, malocclusion, muscular strain, advanced gum disease, infections, injury, or teeth grinding. Contact us for an evaluation if you have an uneven bite or painful jaw popping when you chew or open and close your mouth.
#6 Persistent Bad Breath
An occasional brush with bad breath can result from consuming foods rich in onions or garlic. Persistent bad breath, however, is sometimes a sign of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems, so it’s essential to seek prompt care.
#7 Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can sometimes result from dehydration or certain medications. Aside from being an annoyance, it can elevate the risk of cavities and other oral health problems, so it’s important to schedule a visit to your dentist to safeguard your smile.
#8 Loose or Shifting Teeth
Loose or shifting teeth are usually due to advanced periodontal disease. It’s critical to schedule an appointment to maintain your gum health and prevent further damage to your gums, bone, and tissues supporting your teeth.
#9 Trauma
An accidental blow to the face or a chipped or broken tooth requires immediate care. Our team will provide emergency care to alleviate your discomfort, save the damaged tooth, and restore your healthy smile.
#10 White Spots on Your Teeth
White spots on your teeth are often tell-tale signs of early tooth decay. The good news is that early treatment can sometimes halt or even reverse the decay process before a cavity ever forms.
Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles
Tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems are often preventable with a good oral hygiene routine. We encourage our valued patients to brush at least twice daily and floss every day to remove plaque and food debris. We also recommend steering clear of sugary foods and beverages and opting for healthier options like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Aside from home oral hygiene practices, it’s important to keep up with your routine dental exams and professional cleanings twice a year or more frequently if needed. Dr. Sri and her team are proponents of prevention and early detection to help keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.
Comprehensive Dental Services Near Me in Reston, VA
At Ateeth Dental Care, our approach to dentistry goes beyond caring for your smile. Dr. Sri and her patient-centered team focus on the connection between your oral and overall health to provide you with comprehensive, conservative care. If you have any concerns between your regular dental visits, we are a phone call away.
We look forward to providing you with care that not only meets but goes above and beyond your expectations. We invite you to call 571-446-4060 or visit us online to book an appointment today!