3 Signs You Need to See the Dentist

Feb 01, 2017

While all dentists recommend that their patients visit their office at least twice a year for routine exams and cleanings, unfortunately, quite a few patients don’t actually return until the next year or return at all. In fact, many may wait until they experience a significant dental problem that they can no longer avoid. However, regular dental visits are important because it allows the dentist to monitor your dental health and detect any potential problems—such as tooth decay and gum disease—that can be prevented with a professional cleaning or other preventative treatment.

Outside of these routine visits, you should also schedule an appointment with the dentist if you suddenly experience any dental problems. Not sure when it’s time to call the dentist? Here are 3 signs you should book that extra appointment:

1. Toothache

A toothache—which involves sensations of pain in the tooth, mouth, or jaw—is a common symptom patients experience when there is a dental complication at hand. A toothache is normally a sign of cavity growth, but can also be an early sign of gum disease. In other cases, a toothache could mean that you have an abscess or impacted tooth; this is usually common with wisdom teeth.

2.Bleeding or Sore Gums

Bleeding or sore gums can sometimes occur as a result of brushing too hard or starting to floss regularly. However, it’s especially important that you call your dentist if you’re experiencing continuous bleeding or soreness in the gums because this is can be a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. The dentist will be able to perform preventative measures to keep the gum disease from advancing and causing more damage to the gums and teeth.

3. Jaw Pain

If you’re experiencing pain in your jaw or a popping or clicking noise or sensation, it’s important to see the dentist so that they can diagnose the source of the pain. There are a number of causes for jaw pain and popping/clicking, including sinus problems, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, and TMJ. The dentist will be able to pinpoint the correct source and offer the appropriate treatment to resolve the problem.

Please don’t hesitate to call our office if you experience any of the above symptoms in between regular appointments. We want to make sure that your dental and oral health stays at its best!