Visiting the dentist regularly for an oral exam and teeth cleaning is an effective way to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent many serious oral health issues. Even if you’re not due for your next dental checkup yet, a severe toothache, swollen gums, or other symptoms are signs that you should see the dentist right away.
If you have developed an oral health problem, Dr. Paul Dunkling and Dr. Greg Penney, the skilled dentists at Dunkling and Penney Dentistry in Jericho, and Burlington, VT, can diagnose and treat the problem and restore your oral health.
Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Making time for periodic dental checkups is one of the best steps you can take toward achieving better oral health. Dental checkups typically include an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. During the oral exam, the dentist inspects the teeth and gums looking for potential oral health issues. If there are any, the dentist can recommend the right method of treatment. Seeing the dentist regularly makes it possible to diagnose and treat problems before they have a chance to become worse.
Another important component of a dental checkup is a professional teeth cleaning. Dental professionals have the training, skills, and tools to perform a more thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums than most people can achieve at home on their own. For example, professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar buildup, which is hardened plaque. Brushing and flossing are no match for tartar. If it’s not removed from the teeth, gum disease can set in and tooth loss might eventually follow.
Signs You Need to See a Dentist
Whether you see the dentist frequently or only once in a while, there are several signs you need to see a dentist promptly. Many symptoms are signs of an oral health problem. Left untreated, the problem could become more serious and lead to additional oral health issues. Five signs you need to see the dentist at our offices in Jericho, and Burlington, VT, include:
- A persistent or severe toothache
- Bumps, sores, or lesions in the mouth
- Gums that are inflamed, red, or bleed easily after brushing
- Chronic tooth sensitivity to foods and beverages that are hot, cold, or sweet
- Persistent bad breath even after brushing, which could be a sign of halitosis
It’s always wise to see a dentist regularly to maintain optimal oral health and prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems. You should also see a dentist right away if you are experiencing certain oral health symptoms, as a severe toothache or inflamed gums.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dunkling or Dr. Penney, our experienced dentists, call Dunkling and Penney Dentistry in Burlington, VT, at (802) 863-3479. We also have an office in Jericho, VT, that can be reached at (802) 899-3973.