I’m not experiencing pain: Could I still have dental issues?

dental exam RockwallMany dental problems do not cause you to experience discomfort until they have progressed to a point where they are quite serious. To determine if your child has problems he can’t see or feel, a regular visit is important to ensure his continued oral health.

Signs You Could Have Dental Problems

If you assume discomfort is the first symptom of a serious issue in your mouth, chances are good that you will wait far too long to see the pediatric dentist. The best way to ensure problems are detected when they are still minor and easy to treat is to see your dentist regularly. However, there are some symptoms that can indicate you have an issue that are easily noticed and do not involve discomfort. These include:

  • Bleeding when you brush or floss. This can indicate the early stages of gum disease.
  • A shiny or dark look to your gums. This is also a symptom of gum inflammation.
  • Extreme sensitivity to cold. This could indicate gum disease, decay, or other issues.

Dentists can look at these issues in depth and determine the root cause of your symptoms. They use tools you don’t have access to, such as dental instruments, digital photography, and X-rays to look at not only your teeth but your gums, tooth roots, and the facial bones that support your teeth. In this way, they can determine if problems are developing and arrange for you to receive treatment before the problems become overly serious.

The Importance of Regular Dental Care

The best way to avoid dental problems is through regular dental care. This includes everyday brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to the dentist. Most dentists recommend that you have a general check-up and cleaning about every six months. This check-up includes not only examining your teeth for cavities or gum disease, but also includes a scan for oral cancer—another oral health issue that can progress without any immediately noticeable symptoms. So be sure to take good care of your mouth and visit our dentists. Your teeth and gums will thank you, and it could even save your life.