12 Reasons to Visit the Dentist Right Away

12 Reasons to Visit the Dentist Right Away

12 reasons to visit the dentist right away

In this post, we review a list of 12 reasons to visit your dentist right away instead of waiting for your next annual appointment.

We hope that you are keeping up the habit of visiting your dentist at least once a year for an annual check-up.

There are so many dental problems that can be prevented by finding them early, especially serious issues like gum disease and oral cancer that can be treated if discovered as soon as possible.

In case you find your self wondering if it is necessary to see a dentist now or wait till your annual exam, here is a list of signs that we think should cause you to visit the dentist right away.

 

Reasons to visit a dentist right away

  • Pain or swelling
  • Gums are puffy or bleeding
  • You’re hiding your smile
  • You’ve recently had work done
  • Ongoing medical issues
  • You are pregnant
  • Trouble eating
  • Dry mouth
  • Tobacco use
  • Jaw pain
  • Spots or sores
  • Annual check-up time

 

TMJ Headache Treatment PlanoPain or swelling

If you are suffering from pain or swelling, there is no reason to put off that visit that may be scheduled for a month or longer away. Make that visit right away. Toothaches, swelling, and pain are all symptoms of issues that you should have treated right away. The sooner the better. You can end that pain and also improve your long-term health.

Related: Causes of toothaches

 

Gums are puffy or bleeding

If your gums are puffy or bleeding when you brush, it’s time to visit the dentist. These are signs of gum disease and the sooner you can have it treated the sooner you can stop the damage. It can’t always be reversed but you can keep it from causing more serious damage.

Related: What are the types of gum disease

 

You’re hiding your smile

If you are hiding your smile, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to get some work done to address the issue. Don’t hide your smile, get it fixed and start feeling great again.

 

Tooth ExtractionYou’ve recently had work done

If you have recently had fillings, crowns, dental implants or dentures, you need to follow up with your dentist as recommended for a follow up so they can make sure everything has worked out the way it should.

 

Ongoing medical issues

Your dental health can tie in with your overall health and each may influence each other. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or an eating disorder, or undergoing medical treatments, you should make sure your dentist is a partner in your treatment and health. Symptoms of other health issues can show in your mouth or your gums could point to other potential health issues.

 

You are pregnant

If you weren’t sure, it IS safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. It is recommended you do so because pregnancy can make some dental issues worse. Make sure you schedule an appointment so that you will have one less thing to worry about.

 

Trouble eating

If you are having trouble eating or drinking, do yourself a favor and schedule an appointment with your dentist. Stop living with discomfort and don’t take a chance that you’ll make your issues worse by waiting.

 

Dry mouth

Sometimes dry mouth can be a symptom of another medical issue. It can also be a side effect of medications you are taking. Check with your dentist and get to the cause of this so you can find a solution.

Related: What causes dry mouth?

 

Tobacco useTobacco use

Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can affect your dental and physical health. If you are a regular tobacco user, you should have an oral cancer screening in Plano to check for any early signs or oral cancer so it can be addressed as soon as possible.

 

Jaw pain

It is time to visit the dentist if you are having jaw pain or popping when you are opening and closing your mouth, waking up in the morning or chewing. These could be symptoms of TMJ and your dentist can help you find a TMJ treatment in Plano that can work for you and ease your TMJ pain. Another reason to schedule an appointment could be an uneven bite.

Related: TMJ headache treatment

 

Spots or sores

If you notice a spot or a sore in your mouth that isn’t normally there and it lasts for a week or longer, you should see your dentist about it. Different types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis. These can all vary in their seriousness and have different causes. Mouth sores can be the symptom of a disease or disorder. They can also be an infection from bacteria, a virus or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling.

 

Annual check-up time

Have you had your annual dental check-up in Plano, TX? We sure hope so! It’s simple to schedule and will help keep your mouth healthy and contributes to your overall physical health.

 


Plano Dentist David WilhiteDavid Wilhite is a Plano, Texas Dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry with over 30 years experience in general and pediatric dentistry.

Let us help you create a beautiful smile!

Contact us online or call (972) 964-3774


Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

The month of April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Why are oral cancer screenings important?

Although many people are under the impression that oral cancer is rare, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 50,00 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2018.

Another misconception is that only smokers and tobacco users will get oral cancer, but this is not true. Alcohol users and people who have contracted HPV virus are also at risk, as are people with a genetic predisposition, whether people smoke or not.

Early detection of oral cancer, while it is small, isolated and hasn’t spread, allows for more treatment options and a much higher chance of survival. This is why we offer and strongly recommend oral cancer screenings.

For information on oral cancer screenings in Plano, TX with Dr. Wilhite, CALL: (972) 964-3774

 

We Recommend Screenings

In Dr. Wilhite’s decades of experience, he has unfortunately seen patients suffer from oral cancers. What gives us hope though, is that new oral cancer screening methods now allow for earlier detection of abnormalities than was ever possible before.

Our office provides oral cancer screenings in Plano, and we recommend them to all adults over the age of 18. An oral cancer screening is affordable, fast, simple, and painless. They save lives.

 

oral cancer screening patient of David WilhiteAbout Oral Cancer Screenings

The most effective way to control oral cancer is through early diagnosis followed by timely and appropriate treatments. Because over 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, the vast majority of oral cancers are diagnosed from surface lesions.

Although there is no standard routine screening test for oral cancers, many pre-cancers in the mouth can be found early during screening exams by a dentist. Sometimes people will experience symptoms in the mouth that will send them to a dentist or doctor for an examination.

Unfortunately, oral cancers don’t always cause symptoms until they have grown or spread. Sometimes they cause symptoms such as a toothache or ear pain that can be mistaken for a dental issue when it is actually an oral cancer issue.

Related: Oral Cancer Symptoms

By having regular oral cancer screenings, you will be able to detect issues much sooner. You can schedule a screening every six months along with your routine dental check-ups to ensure you are examined regularly.

Please schedule your oral cancer screening this month. Recommend that your friends and family get oral cancer screenings. Save a life!

 


Are you ready to schedule your oral cancer screening in Plano, Texas area?

Plano Dentist David WilhiteContact us today to set up your examination. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience and can detect oral cancer issues. He will be able to identify possible issues and recommend further treatments if needed.

We can also talk about affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the care you need.

Call us at (972) 964-3774

David Wilhite is a Plano Texas Dentist who has helped thousands of patients with a wide variety of dental health issues from general to cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign clear bracesTMJ treatmentdental implants and full mouth restorations.


 

 

 

Oral Cancer Symptoms – The Signs You Must Watch For

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Oral cancer is cancer that can develop in any part of the mouth. It is common enough that it affects over 200,000 people in the United States each year.

Although it can be fatal, oral cancer is often treatable if detected early enough. That is why we always recommend oral cancer screenings every year for our patients. If detected soon enough, treatment is available.

Want to schedule an oral cancer screening in Plano, TX? Call (972) 964-3774

Because it is treatable, it becomes important to detect it as early as possible. Your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening using the latest available technology. Using the OralID device, your dentist can check your mouth for signs of oral cancer and find them sooner than previous screenings could. The screening takes just a few minutes and is entirely painless.

In between screenings, you should be on the lookout for oral cancer symptoms.

If you find any of these symptoms, follow up with your dentist or doctor to schedule a screening and evaluation. 

 

Oral Cancer Screening PlanoOral Cancer Symptoms

  • Persistent ores, swelling, lumps, bumps, or thick patches anywhere in or around your mouth or throat that don’t heal
  • A mouth sore that bleeds
  • Areas of red or white patches in your mouth or lips
  • Persistent mouth pain
  • Thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth
  • Painful swallowing or feeling of lump in throat
  • A sore throat that does not go away
  • Unexplained numbness or pain in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
  • Pain in one of your ears but without any loss of hearing
  • Hoarseness or change in voice
  • Trouble moving your jaw or tongue
  • Dentures that no longer fit normally
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Excessive weight loss
  • Pain in tongue
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Ear pain

 

Why We Recommend Oral Cancer ScreeningsThese are the most common warning signs of oral cancer. Only a medical professional can provide a diagnosis.

Tobacco usage, in any form, increased the risk of oral cancer. Nearly 90% of people with oral cancer are tobacco users. Heavy use of alcohol also increases a person’s chances of developing oral cancer.

By limiting these lifestyle choices, you can significantly lower your risk of developing oral cancer.

 


Ready to schedule your oral cancer screening in Plano, Texas area?

Plano Dentist David WilhiteContact us today to set up your examination. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience and can detect oral cancer issues. He will be able to identify possible issues and recommend further treatments if needed.

We can also talk about affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the care you need.

Call us at (972) 964-3774

David Wilhite is a Plano Texas Dentist who has helped thousands of patients with a wide variety of dental health issues from general to cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign clear bracesTMJ treatmentdental implants and full mouth restorations.


Additional oral cancer resources

Mouth cancer – Mayo Clinic
Early Signs Of Mouth Cancer – Colgate
Oral cancer symptoms – Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Oral Cancer – Web MC