Most people know they should be seeing their dentist at least twice a year, but the reality can often be entirely different. Many people, while knowing this, still prefer only to visit a dentist when they notice a problem with their oral health. While there is no time like the present to start taking better care of your oral health with regular visits, there are also a few things that could mean you need to make an appointment sooner rather than later.

If you notice any of these five things below, go and see your dentist.

Tooth Pain

Your teeth don’t hurt for no reason. Even if you can eradicate the pain with medication or it goes away on its own, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem. If you feel any tooth pain at all, book in to see your dentist.

Swollen or Inflamed Gums

If you notice that your gums are appearing swollen, they’re more red than usual, or they’re tender to touch, then it’s best to see a dentist sooner rather than later. Often, inflamed gums can be a sign that plaque has accumulated within your gum line, or something more serious is happening such as periodontitis or gingivitis.

Sensitivity

Some people have naturally sensitive teeth, but if you notice that this sensitivity goes far beyond what you typically experience, then seeing a dentist is a good idea. This sensitivity might become more evident as you eat hot or cold food, or even when you’re outside in the cold weather. Typically, sensitivity is a sign of a cavity, and the sooner you have that cavity filled, the better the chances of it not developing into something less manageable.

Headaches

Typically when you get a headache, you take pain medication and get on with your day. However, if you find that you’re waking up with a headache more often than not, a trip to the dentist could be in order. Headaches you wake up with can often be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep. By visiting your dentist, you can find out whether a nightguard – not dissimilar from a mouthguard – can help relieve the headaches and solve the problem.

Bad Breath

If you’re talking to someone and they take a step back, you might have a severe problem on your hands. Bad breath is not only unpleasant for those around you, but it’s a sign that something’s happening in your mouth that potentially shouldn’t be. In fact, bad breath can often be a sign of gingivitis.

If you don’t take action, gingivitis can then lead to periodontitis or even tooth loss. Bad breath can quickly lead to a serious problem that’s not easy to rectify. Therefore, as soon as you notice a funny taste in your mouth or your social situations have become less comfortable, book in to see your dentist.

Staying on top of your oral health can not only save you a significant amount of money, but it can also ensure your general health remains in check as well. A trip to the dentist twice per year can be all it takes to keep your mouth and teeth in excellent condition.