The average person should be aiming to come in for a dental check-up twice a year, but not all of us are the same (the world would be a dull place if we were!) Some people may benefit from coming in for check-ups more regularly, particularly if they’re prone to cavities. There are also a few reasons why you might want to attend between check-ups, and knowing what these are could save you from needing more involved treatment in the future.
You’re pregnant
As many as 70% of women develop inflammation of the gums or the early stages of gum disease, gingivitis. This is down to the fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy, which trigger an inflammatory reaction, increasing the risk of gum disease.
If you’ve recently discovered you’re pregnant, please book an appointment with the hygienist, so we can keep an eye on the health of your gums and remove any plaque or tartar that’s present.
You have toothache or swelling
Transient toothache, sensitivity or gum pain is usually nothing to worry about, especially if it’s generally occurring after consuming hot or cold food and drink, or you’ve caught your gum on something whilst eating. However, toothache accompanied by swelling, or severe gum pain and gum inflammation might indicate a reason to contact us.
We treat many people in the Norwich area who require emergency dental care due to an abscess or toothache that might have occurred after trauma. Equally, if you’ve had niggling dental pain for a while now and you can feel it gradually getting worse, it’s probably time to make an appointment with your dentist in Norwich, here at Corner House Dental. It could be that the tooth requires root canal treatment, which can serve as a tooth-saving treatment in cases where teeth are close to dying.
The earlier you come in to see us, the more options we have at our disposal for salvaging your tooth.
Tender or bleeding gums
The occasional bit of bleeding when you floss might be down to gum irritation. However, if you’re finding it’s happening often enough for you to notice, you should make an appointment with the hygienist right away. Long-term gum tenderness and gums that bleed when you brush or floss probably mean you’re experiencing the first signs of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Without intervention from the hygienist and changes to your lifestyle, you could see this transition onto advanced gum disease – periodontitis.
A hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that might be suffocating your gums, and advise you on how to make small lifestyle changes that will make a big difference to your oral hygiene. For example, cutting down on acidic foods, learning how to floss correctly, and adopting a more gentle approach to brushing are all things your hygienist might suggest in the interests of your oral health.
More significant lifestyle changes might be to stop smoking. As smoking cuts off the blood supply to your gums, it’s not always possible to see the emerging signs of gum disease. This means we may miss early signs and progression may occur, requiring more intensive treatment down the line. If you’re looking to stop smoking, we can provide you with the help and support to quit or refer you to professional services in Norwich, who have helped thousands of people kick the habit.
You have a dry mouth
Saliva is the clear liquid created by multiple glands in your mouth and it has several important roles when it comes to your oral health. Saliva allows you to:
- Effectively chew and swallow.
- Fights germs in your mouth.
- Contains proteins and minerals that shield your tooth enamel and prevent decay and disease.
- Keep your mouth moist and comfortable.
When your saliva production is compromised, this can have negative long-term effects on your oral health. Taking certain medications, smoking, drinking alcohol and having blocked salivary glands can all cause a dry mouth, putting you at risk of problems. The latter issue can cause severe discomfort in cases when a salivary gland stone blocks the salivary glands – this can even cause swelling on one side of the face, which necessities emergency care.
If you think you might have a dry mouth and you’re looking for a dentist in Norwich, come in and see us, so we can tackle the problem and stablise your oral health as soon as possible.
Your jaw pops or aches
If you’ve been experiencing jaw popping, clicking or jaw pain, it’s a good idea to get it investigated before it becomes a real day-to-day hindrance.
Such symptoms are characteristic of a condition called TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). This particular joint is complex, connecting the lower jaw to the temporal bones, giving it the freedom to move from side to side and back to front with fluidity. As TMJ disorders are often caused by tooth grinding and clenching, it’s important to see a dentist, who can come up with solutions to prevent the actions that lead to TMJ disorders. It might be that your grinding and clenching is a result of misalignment, requiring orthodontic treatment, or it could be that you’re unknowingly clenching in your sleep and need a custom-made mouth guard or splint to stop this from happening.
Once treated, TMJ disorders and resulting tooth wear and jaw, head and neck pain can be reversed.
You’re unhappy with your smile
It’s never been a better time to address aesthetic problems with your teeth than now, with the amazing technology that’s available. Today, cosmetic dentistry is synonymous with artistry, especially here at Corner House Dental. We love using the state-of-the-art technology at our disposal, to produce made-to-measure restorations that won’t just stand the test of time, but that will make you want to show off your smile.
We offer cosmetic and restorative treatments including tooth bonding, veneers, crowns and dental implants here in Norwich.
How do I find a reputable dentist near me? Contact a dentist in Norwich
Looking for a reputable dentist in Norwich? Corner House Dental has been serving the people of Norwich for over 70 years, and we see ourselves as custodians of the building – we’re dedicated to upholding the legacy of quality that’s been established here. Contact a dentist in Norwich today, by getting in touch with us at Corner House Dental.
