When to See a Dentist: 5 Obvious Signs

Have you ever dreaded going to our Washington, MI, dentist because you were worried about what he’d say with regards to your dental issue(s)? Though it can feel nerve-wracking, seeing a professional is the best course of action when it comes to your smile concerns.

Here are 5 instances where Dr. Lesinski strongly suggests you come in for a checkup.

It’s Important to See Our Dentist if You:

1. See or Feel a Cavity (or One in the Making)

It’s not unusual for small cavities to fly under the radar and go undetected. Typically, it isn’t until the cavity grows larger that patients notice the telltale symptoms and need treatment.

Common cavity symptoms include:

• Tooth pain that occurs randomly
• Tooth sensitivity, especially with hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• White, brown, or black stains on teeth
• Pain after biting down

As soon as you experience any of the above symptoms, call our Washington dental office. Dr. Lesinski can examine your teeth and place a tooth-colored filling if necessary. In certain cases where the tooth decay covers a large area of the tooth itself, Dr. Lesinski may recommend a dental crown instead.

2. Have a Toothache That Won’t Let Up

You shouldn’t have a toothache for a prolonged period. Tooth pain that exists for a while can often indicate something is wrong and needs attention. Think of it like your mouth waving a red flag - it’s best to take notice before larger consequences arise.

There are ways you can soothe the discomfort at home before seeing Dr. Lesinski. Try rinsing out your mouth with warm water and using floss to remove any trapped pieces of food. If that doesn’t do the trick, place a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling and take pain relievers as necessary while you wait to be seen.

3. Are Suffering From Gum Pain or Sensitivity

Gums that are red, inflamed, sensitive, or bleeding may point to some form of gum disease. Of course, other factors like vitamin deficiencies, tobacco use, and pregnancy can also cause swollen or irritated gums.

Regardless, the best thing to do is to seek treatment from Dr. Lesinski. For more advanced stages of gum disease, like periodontitis, we’ll need to perform the scaling and root planing procedure to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.

4. Have Loose or Shifting Teeth

Unless you have braces or are wearing clear aligners, your teeth shouldn’t shift beyond their normal level of movement. They also shouldn’t feel actively loose. If either of these happen, it’s important to let Dr. Lesinski know so he can take a closer look.

Upon examination and basic questioning, we may find that you grind your teeth, and that bruxism is also causing them to shift. To help with this common condition and protect your teeth, we can create a custom-fitted night guard to wear while you sleep.

Loose or shifting teeth can also be caused by gum disease. Dr. Lesinski can examine your gums and if gum disease is detected, we can recommend next steps to manage your condition.

5. Haven’t Had a Teeth Cleaning Recently

Dr. Lesinski recommends that patients visit our office for a routine teeth cleaning every 6 months. If we need you to see us sooner, we’ll be sure to let you know ahead of time so you’re aware. Regular checkups allow Dr. Lesinski to not only remove plaque but to check for any arising problems as well.

We’re Here for You

You should never push dental problems aside and expect them to go away on their own. Even if something turns out to be minor, it’s still in your best interest to receive a professional opinion and checkup from our family dentist in Washington, MI. Contact us online or call Washington Family Dental today at (586) 752-4545 to request an appointment.