Dental checkups are something that we were all forced to do every six months, but as we grow up, we tend to forget how important these checkups are. No matter how busy we are, we should always make time for a dentist; otherwise, we might regret our mistake later when we suffer the consequences.

If you’ve not visited a dentist for a while now you may probably have some symptoms that point to poor dental health. If you’re experiencing any of the signs below, then it is essential to visit a dentist ASAP!

1. Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums never bleed. Will your skin ever bleed if you scratch it? Obviously not and if it does, it means there is something wrong. Similarly, if your gums bleed then it means that there is inflammation and if left untreated, it can cause significant problems like bone loss and gum recession. A tooth paste will not solve bleeding gum problem and a dentist’s help is warranted in this case.

2. Toothache

Tooth pain is an obvious sign that something is wrong. When toothache hits, you’ll do everything to have it treated as soon as possible. If the toothache persists for a couple of days, it means that there is a serious issue and you must see a dentist. It could be a sign of decay, a gum disease or an infection. Treatment is essential otherwise the problems may worsen leading to loss of teeth.

3. Bad Breath

Bad breath could be because of that onion you had in your dinner or it could mean that bacteria are taking over your gums. Sometimes bad breath can also be a sign of other health issues like sinusitis, tooth decay, throat infections or gum disease. So, if someone comments on your bad breath, set an appointment with a dentist to have the problem resolved.

4. Sensitive Teeth

The nerves in teeth only perceive pain. If you experience sensitivity or pain from sweets or hot and cold things then it indicates a problem. Defective fillings or cavities are common causes of sensitive teeth. If eating cold or hot things makes you uncomfortable, you must schedule an appointment with a dentist right away. A thorough cleaning may just be enough to eliminate the problem.

5. White Spots on Teeth

If you notice white spots on your teeth then it is a sign of dental decay. In dental decay, the enamel starts dissolving because of acid produced by bacteria. Visit to a dentist is critical in this case to prevent the problem from escalating.

6. Mouth Sores

Having a mouth sore or ulcer every once in a while is normal but it should clear up in just a few days. If you notice that several days have passed and the sores are not healing then you must visit a dentist to determine the cause of the problem.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Philip Younts DDS.