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3 Surprising Signs It's Time To See A Dentist

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It's typically recommended that people see a dentist every six months, or at least annually, for a good checkup and cleaning of their teeth and gums. Between these visits, there may be times when it's obvious that you need to see a dentist, such as when you chip or break a tooth, but there are other symptoms of needed dental work that you may be overlooking. You might also be surprised at the services a dentist can offer you when it comes to your overall health and not just your oral health. Note the following.

1. When you snore incessantly

Snoring can be caused by many things, but one common cause is fatty tissue in the upper palate, which is the roof of the mouth near the back. This excess tissue vibrates and causes you to snore when you sleep and are breathing deeply. Snoring is actually very harmful to your health, as it can interrupt your sleep patterns and also interfere with the sleep of a bedmate. It can also dry your throat and cause damage to throat tissue.

A dentist can easily remove this excess tissue with a scalpel or even a laser, and, in turn, your airways are open. You can breathe more easily during sleep, get your rest, and protect the tissue of your mouth and throat as well.

2. If you notice your teeth and jaw hurt every morning

Pain around your teeth and the hinge of your jaw is a sure sign of grinding your teeth every night. When you clench your jaw during sleep, teeth begin to grind against each other. This pressure causes pain along the teeth themselves but also the jaw, since your muscles are clamped throughout the night.

A dentist can examine your teeth for signs of grinding and fit you with a mouth guard that keeps your teeth protected at night. This can allow your jaw to relax and will also protect your teeth from erosion that is caused by grinding.

3. If you have severe and chronic bad breath

Everyone gets bad breath on occasion, but severe and chronic bad breath is often caused by an oral infection, infected tonsils, wisdom teeth that were never removed and which might be missed with a toothbrush, poor oral hygiene, as well as other health conditions. If you have chronic bad breath, don't be embarrassed; see a dentist for a thorough exam, as he or she may be able to address the health condition and not only correct the problem with your breath but also protect your overall oral health.

Contact a dentist in your local area for more information. 


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