SANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA
The American Dental Association recommends that each person see their dentist every six months for a checkup. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, many people lapsed in their regular regimen of dental care. One study in 2022 found that one-third of respondents had not been to the dentist at all since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. We all get busy and it can be easy to let your routine lapse. That being said, here are five warning signs that you are overdue for a dental checkup and need to make an appointment with your family dentist in Scotts Valley as soon as possible.
Sign 1: Swollen gums
The buildup of bacteria and tartar throw off the natural balance in your mouth. As a response to this, your gums may become inflamed. This inflammation often occurs without a person consciously realizing that it is happening. You will know it, however, if you notice your gums are suddenly red.
Sign 2: Bleeding gums
When you brush your teeth and rinse, do you ever notice a little pink in the sink? Your gums may bleed when you roughly chew a piece of meat or brush and floss. Seeing blood from any part of your body is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. In this case, bleeding gums can mean you could be at risk for gum disease, a chronic ailment that stems from a bacterial infection in the gum tissue.
Sign 3: Bad breath
Just because you cannot smell your own breath, that does not mean that other people do not notice it. Bad breath can be a turn-off in both your professional and social interactions. A dental cleaning removes all the bacteria and plaque from your mouth, as well as any food particles from poor brushing, to leave your mouth clean and your breath smelling fresh.
Sign 4: Discoloration
These days, you have so many options available to you to whiten your teeth, ranging from toothpaste and store-bought kits to professional dental whitening treatments. No matter what whitening product or procedure that you choose, the effects will fade eventually with time. Regular dental cleanings each six months will help keep your teeth free of new stains.
Sign 5: Heightened sensitivity
You go to enjoy some of your favorite flavor of ice cream and then you feel it, this sudden intense zing of sensitivity that can make it difficult to swallow the bite. This sensitivity can occur with hot or cold foods and it may be a sign that your tooth enamel is deteriorating, or that something more serious might be happening in your mouth.
Family dentistry in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley in California
If you are experiencing any of the five symptoms listed above, and it has been more than six months since you had your last dental cleaning, then now is the time to get back on track with a regular regimen of professional dental care. Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry offers dentistry for every member of your family, of any age. We also are accepting new patients. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for a checkup, call (831) 438-4411 or complete our online contact form.
