In the busyness of life, oral health can easily take the back burner. So long as you’re brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, everything should be fine, right? Wrong. Regular dental visits include thorough cleanings and dental exams that ensure patients aren’t suffering from cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, TMJ disorder, and other oral health problems. Without attending these appointments, you may be suffering from one of these issues without even noticing it. Many of these also lead to overall health problems.
If it has been more than six months since you visited the dentist, call today to schedule a dental cleaning and exam appointment. Also, call to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing any of these oral health problems:
1. Bleeding gums
Did you know that gum disease affects nearly half of all American adults? Bleeding gums are one of the first signs that patients notice, and it shouldn’t be “brushed” off. Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, diabetes, and several other health issues. The best thing a person can do when they notice bleeding gums is to schedule an appointment with their dentist.
In many cases, a regular dental cleaning will rid the mouth of the bad bacteria and eliminate the disease. However, moderate to severe gum disease may not be reversible.
2. Chronic bad breath
While funky morning breath is normal, constant bad breath isn’t. It’s actually a sign that something is wrong. Before contacting your dentist, do a recap of everything you have eaten recently. Garlic, onion, and some dairy products can make your breath smell bad for days, but don’t require a trip to the dentist.
If this isn’t the case, you may have gum disease or a cavity that should be treated right away.
3. A toothache that doesn’t go away
Sometimes, tooth pain is caused by lodged food particles, growing pains, and chewing something really crunchy. In these cases, the pain usually subsides after brushing, flossing, and/or taking pain medication.
When a toothache lasts more than a day and isn’t quelled by those practices, it’s time to visit your local dentist. These toothaches may result from a cavity, gum disease, an abscess, or an injury.
4. Jaw pain (TMJ disorder)
Patients who suffer from recurring jaw pain are often living with undiagnosed TMJ disorder. Sadly, this disorder affects so many other areas of a person’s life. In addition to jaw pain, patients with TMJ disorder usually experience the following symptoms:
- Dull headaches
- Neck, face, shoulders, and lower back pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Popping of the jaw joints
- Lockjaw
- Earaches
- Ringing in the ears
One visit to a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorder can make all the difference! This dentist may recommend an oral appliance, trigger point injections, physical therapy, medication, or a combination of these treatments.
5. Sleep apnea
Yes, a dentist can treat sleep apnea! Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airflow to the lungs is blocked by the muscles that surround the tongue and throat. Dentists who specialize in sleep medicine, offer unique solutions to this problem that don’t always include a loud and uncomfortable CPAP machine.
If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to receive treatment today.
Contact Our Sacramento Dentist Today
Dr. Timothy Mickiewicz is uniquely gifted in these dental specialties (TMJ disorder and sleep apnea). Contact our office today at (916) 469-9178 to schedule your initial consultation.
