Seeing the dentist every six months provides preventive care that keeps your mouth healthy. Routine appointments can help identify cavities, gingivitis, and other dental issues before they worsen into costly, painful problems. If it’s been over six months since your last visit, your mouth may send any of the following signs telling you to schedule a dental appointment.

When Do You Need To See a Dentist?

1. Tooth Sensitivity & Pain

Tooth pain can present in many forms—perhaps you feel sharp, shooting pain when you eat hot or cold foods, or step out into a chilly breeze. Some lingering tooth pain doesn’t always have a trigger. Cavities, enamel erosion, and tooth infections are common causes for tooth pain.

2. Bleeding, Inflamed Gums

Healthy gums look pink and rarely bleed in reaction to brushing or flossing. Neglected gums become red and inflamed as bacteria build up, causing bleeding, which can indicate gingivitis. Aggressive brushing and flossing habits can also cause bleeding and inflammation. Your dentist will determine the cause of your issue to create a treatment plan, such as brushing gently with a soft-bristled implement or using anti-tartar mouthwash to prevent gingivitis from turning into gum disease.

3. Mouth Sores Or Bumps

Any sore or bump in your mouth that does not go away requires professional attention. It could be an abscess, or pocket of pus surrounding an infected tooth that needs draining and a root canal. Sores can also be virus-related, such as canker and cold sores, or from yeast infections and chronic tobacco use. Oral cancer causes mouth sores as well.

4. Loose Teeth

When you notice loose teeth after an injury or because of serious gum recession, don’t wait to see a dentist. Loose teeth cannot withstand pressure from eating and talking for long and will eventually fall out. If teeth are loose from gum recession, there could be a bigger issue to treat, such as gum disease.

5. Headaches & Jaw Pain

Waking up with jaw and head pain could mean you are grinding your teeth as you sleep. Known as bruxism, it can also be a daytime problem that wears down the enamel, causing sensitivity. Headaches and jaw pain can also signal Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ, as well as bite misalignments. 

Whether you’re experiencing any of these issues, contact Shurett Dental Group in Conyers, GA. Dr. Mark Shurett and his team are proud to offer family and restorative dentistry services using the latest industry equipment and techniques to keep their community smiling. Call (770) 860-8760 today to schedule an appointment or visit the dentist online for patient information.