- You Have Some Pain : Pain / Swelling in your mouth or around your facial area can mean a lot of things, but be sure to get in touch with your dentist if you experience pain.
- Your Gums Are Acting Up : If your gums are puffy or tend to bleed when you brush or floss, or you have a family history of gum disease, it’s time to make an appointment.
- You Try to Hide your SMILE : Don’t be shy about talking to your dentist whether you’re self-conscious about a missing tooth or hoping for a brighter smile.
- You’ve Previously Had Work Done : If you have fillings, crowns, dental implants or dentures, see your dentist regularly to make sure everything is in great shape.
- Ongoing Medical Issues : Make your dentist part of your team if you have any medical condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders or are HIV positive.
- You are Pregnant : It’s always safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. In fact, pregnancy can make some dental problems worse, so don’t miss your regular checkup.
- Having Trouble Eating : Difficulty chewing or swallowing is not something you need to get used to. Try eating soft or liquefied foods until you can see your dentist.
- Dry Mouth : Always feeling parched could be the sign of a medical issue or a medication side effect.
- You have been using Tobacco : From bad breath to oral cancer, cigarettes and chewing tobacco are harmful to your overall and dental health.
- Jaw Pain : If your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up. See a dentist also if you have an uneven bite.
- Mouth Has Spots and Sores : If there’s something that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth, your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling.
- It’s Time For Your Checkup : Even if you don’t have any symptoms listed above, regular checkups are important because they can help prevent problems from developing and treat existing symptoms before they become more advanced.