Fear comes in a lot of forms. Clowns, puppets, heights, water, spiders….there are endless amounts of fears in the world. But there’s one fear that many people have that is fairly common. The dentist.

Yes, many Australians are afraid of the dentist.

The drills, the probing of teeth, the scraping of gums, often times you bleed - there are many reasons to be afraid of the dentist. But for the most part, if you take care of your mouth, you won’t experience any of these things when you visit.

When you visit a dentist in Prahran, there’s usually a reason. We’ve written down 7 great reasons that you should visit a dentist - even if you’re afraid to.

Mouth Pain

This is the most obvious reason to visit a dentist.

Living with mouth pain isn’t very fun and no one should have to suffer through it. If you have pain or swelling in your mouth, face, or neck, you need to book a dentist visit. These indicate that something very wrong is going on with your teeth - including cavities, disease, or abscesses.

You’ve Had Dental Work Done

Perhaps you’ve visited a dentist in order to have a filling, or some dentures made, or a retainer put in place. These are great reasons to make a return visit to a dentist. Nothing lasts forever and considering all of the different foods and beverages that pass through our mouths it’s an obvious conclusion that the previous dental work may need updating eventually.

Tooth Sensitivity

A common problem that people have is with sensitive teeth.

Whether you’re sensitive to hot or cold, you probably have some kind of tooth decay going on. You don’t need to microwave your ice cream just because of a cavity. Come to see a dentist to have your teeth checked, cleaned, and filled.

Swollen Gums

Swollen gums will make themselves aware when you floss your teeth for the first time in a while. If you see pink in the sink after brushing, this is cause for alarm. Swollen and bleeding gums suggest that plaque has built up on the gum line and that gum disease is present. These are easy to reverse. Simply brush and floss regularly!

Bad Breath

We all have a friend that has despicable breath.

With that said, have you checked your own recently? Take a spoon, scrape your tongue, and give the spoon a smell. It probably doesn’t smell very good. Bad breath - or halitosis - can be caused by diet, smoking, or gum disease. Another cause is that you don’t brush your tongue (all the way to the back) and your cheeks. Visit a dentist is your breath is bothering you.

White Spots on Teeth

When you experience white spots on your teeth, it’s a sign that your enamel is wearing down. Your teeth are deteriorating. If you catch it soon enough, the process can be reversed. Some of the causes for white spots on your teeth are dry mouth, eating acidic foods, acid reflux, and having poor hygiene while wearing braces.

Jaw Issues

Do you hear a popping sound when you open your mouth? Is it difficult to open your mouth? You may have a problem with your jaw. Jaw issues can cause an uneven bite as well. If you’re at all concerned with your jaw and how it sits in your mouth, visit a dentist.

The Dentist Isn’t as Scary as Mouth Disease

Even if the drilling sound gives you chills, poor mouth health can be a lot scarier than anything the dentist does to you. Having a regular checkup and visiting if you’re concerned about your breath, teeth, gums, or anything else mouth related can help prevent serious problems down the road. So be sure to keep up with your brushing and flossing, and make a stop at your local dentist.