Some people put off going to the dentist, even if it’s painfully obvious they need have dental work done. Visiting a Dental Clinic in St Peter MN is the best way to maintain good oral health and to keep your smile looking its best. There are many reasons why it may be time to schedule an appointment.
Frequent Toothaches
A healthy smile doesn’t hurt. If a person begins to experience frequent toothaches, it’s time to have their smile evaluated at a Dental Clinic in St Peter MN. In many instances, sensitive teeth are to blame. However, toothaches may also be the first sign of deep tooth decay.
Constant Bad Breath
Everyone deals with bad breath from time to time. Drinking coffee, eating garlic and post nasal drip are all common culprits. In most cases, bad breath is quickly remedied with a quick brushing or by sucking on a mint. If nothing seems to work, however, bad breath may be a symptom of gum disease.
Jaw Pain
A healthy jaw opens and closes with ease. If a person begins to feel dull, aching pain around their jaw, a trip to their dentist is in order. There are many reasons why a person may experience jaw pain. Muscle tension, caused by stress, is usually the most common explanation.
Some jaw pain, however, may be caused by a misaligned bite. The dentist may need to reshape a few teeth to correct the patient’s bite. Damage to the actual joint is a more serious cause of jaw pain, but it is also less common.
It’s Been Over a Year
Anyone who hasn’t seen their dentist in over a year should schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience. Even if they are not personally experiencing any problems with their teeth, a dentist may be able to find tiny problems before they get out of hand.
During an annual exam, the dentist will take x-rays to look for cavities and to view the health of each tooth. They will also inspect the gum tissue for signs of inflammation and disease. Oral cancer screenings are commonly performed at this time.
Request an appointment with your dentist if you’ve been experiencing frequent toothaches, chronic bad breath or jaw pain. It’s also wise to schedule an exam if you are overdue for your annual checkup.