When to Call Your Huntington Beach Dentist

March 4, 2023

woman thinking about her dental healthEveryone has busy lives and full schedules. Often we can forget about dental visits or postpone dental procedures because they don’t take priority. However, unlike some  medical issues, dental problems don’t resolve on their own. 

Decay won’t go away. Cracks won’t heal. Gum disease only progresses. Regular visits to your Huntington Beach dentist, Dr. Cellars, is key to achieving and maintaining good oral health, while also preventing potential dental issues. Ignoring toothaches, bad breath, chronic headaches, and other dental problems could lead to a spiral that ends with serious health issues, like dementia, heart disease, or diabetes.  

Dr. Jason Cellars and our team at Seacliff Dental have solutions for your dental health issues. We provide gentle dental care, centered around your needs. The following instances are times when you should call the dentist.

Routine Preventative Care

Can’t remember when your last dental appointment was? If so, it’s definitely time to contact your dentist. Regular dental checkups can save you time and money, while preventing further discomfort and deterring future dental issues. 

The American Dental Association and other health agencies agree: you should visit the dentist every six months.

A routine dental appointment usually includes:

  • Comprehensive oral exam: teeth, gums, other soft tissues, head, neck, jaw joints

  • Dental cleaning

  • Dental x-rays as needed

  • Fluoride treatment 

  • Cavity screening

  • Oral cancer screening 

Tooth Sensitivity

Does eating ice cream hurt your teeth? Does a sip of hot tea send jolts of pain through your teeth? Sensitive teeth occur for many different reasons, and treatment is possible.

The natural, white protective layer we see on our teeth is called enamel. If you have enamel damage, the sensitive dentin beneath the enamel may need more protection.

Causes of tooth sensitivity:

  • Cavities

  • Chipped Teeth

  • Cracked (Fractured) Teeth

  • Enamel Erosion

  • Internal Infection

  • Impaction

  • Gum (Periodontal) Disease

  • Loose Fillings

Contact your Huntington Beach dentist immediately for treatment to reduce or alleviate tooth sensitivity, so you can eat and drink without pain. 

Bleeding or Swollen Gums

If you regularly experience bleeding or swollen gums, you may have periodontal disease. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease can prevent further decay. Schedule your appointment with your dentist or call them right away.

Toothaches

Never ignore a toothache. Tooth pain is your body’s early warning sign for dental health issues. Common causes of toothaches include:

  • Cracks or fractures in the tooth

  • Swollen gums or periodontal disease 

  • Failed restorations

  • Bruxism (grinding teeth)

Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis)

If consistently practicing good oral hygiene hasn’t cured your bad breath, Dr. Pathak can help. Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can indicate a bigger health issue. Many conditions manifest as halitosis, including: 

  • Diabetes

  • Periodontal Disease

  • Dry Mouth

  • Acid Reflux

  • Chronic Sinus Issues

Pregnancy

Hormone changes during pregnancy can increase the level of acidity in your mouth. Due to the increased acidity, you may become susceptible to periodontal issues and tooth decay.

Contact your Huntington Beach dentist, Dr. Pahtak, once you confirm your pregnancy. They will help you maintain strong oral health throughout each trimester. 

Damaged or Lost Teeth

Your mouth needs a full set of strong teeth to function properly and remain healthy. Even one missing or broken tooth can upset the balance of your oral health. In fact, studies show that if you lose one tooth and don’t replace it, you’re likely to lose additional teeth. Furthermore, your remaining, healthy teeth will shift out of place to compensate for lost teeth. This can alter your bite, or occlusion, and lead to TMJ disorder and orthodontic problems.

If you call us when you incur tooth damage or loss, Dr. Pathak will provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the best treatment to restore your mouth. 

Jaw Pain and Headaches

Consistent jaw pain and headaches can signify more serious issues, including:

  • Sinus Problems

  • Injuries

  • Arthritis

  • Toothaches

  • Bruxism

  • Periodontal Disease

  • Infections

  • TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder

In Huntington Beach, dentist Dr. Pathak will relieve your discomfort and improve your smile. 

Snoring

Constant snoring can indicate sleep apnea, a disorder that causes you to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. Sleep apnea is associated with many health concerns, ranging from symptoms of sleep deprivation to cardiac problems. Dr. Pathak can help you with diagnosis of sleep apnea and, if you suffer from the most common form (obstructive), he can help. A simple, comfortable oral appliance worn during sleep will reduce snoring and sleep apnea, as well as the irritating symptoms.

Don’t wait. Call your Huntington Beach dentist today.

The longer you dismiss a dental issue, the more expensive and difficult your treatments can become. When you call Dr. Jason Cellars and our team at Seacliff Dental in Huntington Beach, CA, you’ll receive swift, effective, and gentle dental care. We will work with you to find a solution to your dental health concerns. Contact us online or call us today at 714-848-4247. 

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