5 Signs You Need to See the Dentist

Many adults dislike visiting the dentist, but there are some symptoms that you just can't ignore. Here are five signs that you should schedule an appointment with your dentist:

Bleeding Gums:

Bleeding gums may be a result of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. They're also a common sign of inflammation, which can lead to a variety of issues, including:

• Bone loss

• Gum recession

• Abscesses

Your gums may bleed from aggressive brushing, but you should always get bleeding gums checked out by a dentist to make sure nothing's wrong. If you floss for the first time after neglecting to for a while, your gums may bleed as well. This should clear up after a week of flossing regularly, though.

Red or Swollen Gums

“If your gums are healthy, they should be pink and firm, and they shouldn't hurt when you eat or brush your teeth,” notes Smile on Chicago, a dentist in Chicago. Redness, swelling, and tenderness in the gums is usually a sign of severe inflammation. It's especially common for your gums to swell up around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Pay careful attention to your wisdom teeth to make sure plaque doesn't accumulate under the gum flap.

Sensitive Teeth:

If you feel pain or sensitivity from cold or hot foods and drinks, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Sensitivity or discomfort may be caused by a cavity or plaque buildup. If plaque buildup is the only issue, a thorough cleaning at your dentist's office can solve the problem.

Bad Breath:

Bad breath is a sign of a number of health issues, including:

• Poor diet

• Acid reflux

• Dry mouth

• Chronic sinus infection

• Diabetes

• Medication side effects

• Gum disease

Although most of these issues aren't actually related to dental health, your dentist can help you narrow down the potential causes of your bad breath to figure out what's wrong. You may be tempted to just cover up your bad breath with gum or mints, but this won't solve the cause of the problem.

Jaw Pain:

If you frequently experience jaw pain, it could be a sign of a serious issue. Teeth grinding, abscessed teeth, a misaligned bite, and TMJ disorder can all cause jaw pain. The sooner you see your dentist for treatment, the sooner you can get rid of the jaw pain.