3 Things You Need To Know About Caring For Your Teeth To Avoid Problems

Going to the dentist is incredibly important. Many people think that their oral health only affects their mouth, but in reality it can affect your entire well-being if you don't take care of your teeth. Here are some signs that you should see the dentist.

1. You Feel A Groove Or Hole In Your Tooth

A cavity is when your teeth become soft and eventually get holes and grooves in them. Generally, a cavity will start inside the tooth, so you can't see or feel it without an x-ray. But in other cases you will actually feel a groove or a little hole with your tongue when you rub it over the tooth. This means that the cavity is close to the surface and the longer you ignore it, the worse the problem will get. This is why you should call a dentist the moment you notice any problem with your tooth.

2. You Feel Pain In your Mouth

Many people think that pain is bad because it is uncomfortable. But what pain really is is a signal that something is wrong with your body. When you feel pain, you should take that as a serious sign that something is wrong. If you have pain in your mouth, you need to have the dentist look at the tooth right away. It could mean that you have a cavity close to the root, and if you don't take care of it, it could mean that you need a root canal.

In addition, you should talk to the dentist about pain in your gums as well. There are many diseases of the gums, including cancer, which is why you need to see the dentist often so that they can detect any problems early. Pain in your gums could be a sign that you need treatment for a disease.

3. It Has Been Longer Than 6 Months

As a general rule you should see the dentist twice a year. This will allow you to get cleanings and to catch cavities and problems before they become too severe. If you have gone longer than 6 months, you should see your dentist. If you have dental insurance, it will probably pay for cleaning and a check-up twice a year, so going isn't even expensive for you. If you don't have insurance, a checkup is affordable and can save you money in the long run because it can prevent you from having major dental work.

By doing these things you can keep you teeth healthy. For more information, contact local professionals like Gentle Dental Family Care.