Top Reasons To See Your Denver Dentist

Whether you’re searching for a top rated dentist or simply putting off your next checkup, there are a lot of reasons to schedule an upcoming appointment at your local Denver dentist. After all, it is easy to get sidetracked and forget to schedule a needed appointment. Worse yet, some patients almost get used to the nagging pain of a toothache and put off treatment. Instead of pushing those issues off for another year, why not learn more about some common reasons to see your Denver dentist below? Then you can contact Grace & Leedy Family Dentistry to get an appointment in the books before another month goes by!

You Are Experiencing Pain / Toothaches

The first and most important reason to see your dentist involves tooth pain. Now your teeth will ache from time to time due to allergies, illness, exposure to hot or cold, or other normal circumstances. Believe it or not an occasional ache or sensitivity is pretty natural. However what is not natural is a continued ache, especially if the pain is moderate to severe. This is usually an indication that something is wrong, and the longer you wait to treat it, the worse it could get. For example, a cavity might create a dull toothache, but left untreated, that cavity could turn to an abscess, which will cause even more pain and require more substantial dental treatment. Don’t wait to see your Denver dentist if you’re experiencing significant or long lasting toothaches! 

Your Gums Bleed Often

Bleeding or swollen gums are an important reason to get to the dentist as soon as possible. Of course gums can bleed for a variety of reasons, from brushing and flossing too hard to more severe reasons like damage to a tooth. However the most common reason that gums become swollen and bleed regularly has to do with gingivitis and gum disease. You see even if you brush and floss regularly, it can be hard to remove plaque and tartar from hard to reach areas like between your teeth and below the gum line. Only a dental hygienist can ensure all hard to reach plaque is regularly removed. Those that have not been in for a dental cleaning in a while could have a buildup of plaque that then becomes tartar, a substance that is much harder to remove. The longer tartar remains on your teeth, the more likely it will lead to symptoms of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. Red, swollen and bleeding gums are a good indicator you may be experiencing gingivitis. If left untreated, this will progress to gum disease, which can lead to receding gums and even tooth loss. So if your gums look red and swollen and bleed often, it’s time to schedule an appointment today!

You’re Thinking About Orthodontics

The first step to correcting an under or overbite or straightening teeth with orthodontics begins at your local Denver dentist. In many cases, your dentist may even recommend orthodontic treatment after a checkup. Better yet, many dentist offices are able to perform all the necessary procedures and provide all the necessary equipment (braces, Invisalign, etc.) right in the same office you receive cleanings and checkups. You may even want to ask if the office is planning an open house to answer all your orthodontic questions and to receive basic pricing information. Orthodontics often require careful planning for patients, but it all starts with a simple evaluation and a question and answer session with your Denver dentist.

You Smoke

It’s no secret that smoking will drastically impact your oral health as well as your overall health. However those that smoke regularly risk more and more substantial damage to their teeth and gums the longer they smoke. The road to recovery starts with a simple step, and it won’t happen overnight, but a quality Denver dentist can help you form a plan to stop smoking and improve your dental health. In conjunction with your healthcare provider, you can learn a lot about the impact of smoking, and how patients recover after smoking, that will set you back on course for better oral health.

You’re Embarrassed About Your Smile

It’s very common for patients to come into the dentist’s office concerned about the appearance of their smile. Treatment of this, also known as cosmetic dentistry, is a big part of the services that Denver dentists offer. Of course, oral health issues always take precedence over cosmetic issues. So if you come to an appointment wanting to try teeth whitening treatments but also need fillings, well the fillings will always come first. The whitening will have to wait for a future appointment. This said there is a lot a dentist can do to improve your smile from simple procedures to those that are more involved. Cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants and dentures are just some of the options dentists have available to them when it comes to cosmetic issues. However first thing is first, come in for a checkup and your Denver dentist will be able to assess potential cosmetic solutions with you.

You’re Experiencing Medical Issues Or You’re Pregnant

At times medical issues can necessitate a visit to the dentist as well. Those that have recently been prescribed certain medications may need to check in on the status of their oral health. This is because certain medications can cause dry mouth, so much so that it may even contribute to tooth decay. A dentist will work with your doctor to find the best solution to preserve your oral health while also ensuring your medical treatment goes smoothly. Secondly, pregnancy can have a significant impact on oral health. Studies have shown that the oral health of a pregnant woman can impact the overall health of the baby, even before it is conceived. Because of this, we recommend that every pregnant woman schedule a checkup with their dentist soon after the pregnancy has been confirmed. 

It Has Been A While

Finally, for many of our patients there are no pressing or painful reasons they should visit the dentist. They are usually just a little overdue for a checkup. Remember even if you’re brushing and flossing habits are solid, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard to reach places (read more in Fighting Plaque And Tartar Buildup). So if anything, this article should serve as a reminder to get back into your Denver dentist’s office for a cleaning and checkup so you can avoid any of the more severe issues listed above. As always, if you have any questions or are ready to schedule an appointment, contact Grace & Leedy today to get started.