Dental care is important at any age. Your dental care goes beyond brushing and flossing each day, as it should also include regular visits to your local dentist. Whether you need general dentistry, endodontics, or a cosmetic dentist, here are four signs you need to see a dental professional.

1. Pain

If you're experiencing pain in your teeth, it can be due to a cavity or a crack. Maybe you bit down too hard on something or have a deep cavity at the root. Pain can also happen due to advanced gum disease, which can show up in painful, bleeding, and swollen gums. Painful teeth and gums can keep you up at night and are usually a sign of a deeper issue.

2. Discoloration

Have your teeth become so discolored you're afraid to smile anymore? According to WebFX, a digital marketing solutions provider, the dental industry will have a valuation of over $63 billion by 2029. One of the reasons for such a high valuation in this industry is due to its many technical advances, particularly regarding whitening. Did you know in one hour, a cosmetic dentist can whiten your teeth as much as eight shades lighter than before, according to WebMD? On your lunch break, you could go from having a stained cigarette smile to having a megawatt smile to compete with any Hollywood star.

3. Damage

If you've experienced dental trauma or extreme decay that has led to chips or cracks, visit a local cosmetic dentist or endodontist who can help. A cosmetic dentist can help you by applying veneers, which are porcelain shells that go over your natural teeth. If you have more extensive damage, you may need a dental crown to cover the damaged part.

4. Missing Teeth

You don't have to live with a missing tooth or several of them. Your dentist may be able to give you restorative care by way of dental implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and look and act like natural ones.

As you can see, your dentist can help you with many issues with your teeth and gums. Whether you have superficial stains affecting your confidence level or have something extreme like damaged or missing teeth, your dentist can help you. If you need general dental exams, teeth whitening, or other restorative care, contact Athens Dental Services Inc today for a consultation.