So it’s been a while since you visited the dentist.
Whatever your reason, know this: the telltale signs that you need a checkup are often not as obvious as you think.
You may not be cracking mirrors like Shrek whenever you brush your teeth, but taking action now rather than later can help you avoid a hefty bill, or worse… a mouth like an ogre.
Bad Breath
Sometimes there’s only so much a breath mint, or in Shrek’s case, Tic Tacs can do.
And sure, it probably doesn’t help that Shrek’s favourite snack is an onion.
But food is not the only culprit of bad breath.
Beyond poor oral hygiene, Halitosis (the medical name for bad breath) can also be caused by more serious issues such as gum disease, tooth decay or even medical conditions.
If your loved ones or friends are leaning away from you when you’re talking to them, it just might be time to see your dentist.
Sensitive Teeth
Just like Shrek our teeth are tough, but under certain conditions they can be very sensitive.
Feeling a sharp or lingering pain after eating or drinking?
Worn tooth enamel or tooth erosion from acidic or hot and cold foods and drinks can all impact the sensitivity of your pearly whites.
Using an overly-abrasive toothpaste? This can dissolve your enamel to expose the tooth’s inner layer of dentin (the bony tissue forming most of a tooth).
Similarly, a worn filling and a crack in a tooth can also contribute to sensitivity and potentially lead to a root canal procedure – bad news for your bank account.
If you are experiencing pain when eating or drinking, don’t delay. Consult your dentist as soon as you can and avoid an ogre-sized problem.
Sore Jaw
Unlike Shrek, you haven’t been fighting off swarms of village people from entering your swamp, so what’s going on with your jaw?
You could be grinding your teeth in your sleep, or worse you could have an early symptom of tooth decay.
Left untreated, this bacteria can create a cavity burrowing to the root of your tooth, increasing your chances of an abscessed tooth (a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection). Yuck!
If you have a sore jaw, don’t ignore it. An early visit to the dentist could save you a world of pain.
Bleeding Gums
It’s estimated that gum disease affects around 20 per cent of Australians and is one of the most common causes of tooth loss.
You could be brushing too hard, or it could be a signal of receding gums, decay or infection.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
At Aim Dental Group, we are here to put your mind at ease, no matter how small or big your issue may be.
Preventative care is key to a healthy mouth so if you’ve failed the Shrek test, then please call us on 1300 AIM DENTAL to see how we can help.