How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

5 Signs That You Need to Call Your Dentist

Not sure how often you should be seeing your dentist? Although we always recommend not going longer than 6 months, here are five signs that it might be time for you to schedule an appointment sooner.

1. You Have Bad Breath That Doesn't Go Away After Brushing Your Teeth

If bad breath continues to be an issue for you even after brushing your teeth, it could be a sign that you’re suffering from halitosis. Halitosis is bad breath that doesn’t go away no matter how often someone brushes their teeth, and it is caused by a buildup of bacteria or food particles along the gumline or tongue. It's important to get bad breath checked out, as untreated halitosis can be a symptom of underlying medical and/or dental health conditions. The good news is that there are treatments available—from regular mouthwash to advanced tongue-scrappers—that can help reduce bad breath and restore your fresh breath. Visit your dentist or doctor if bad breath persists despite brushing and keeping up with your oral hygiene habits.

2. Your Gums Always Bleed When You Brush or Floss

If you notice that your gums always bleed when you brush or floss, it's important to take this as a sign that something may be wrong. Gum bleeding can be caused by many different conditions - from minor irritation to more serious problems such as gum disease. Even though gums are quite resilient, if they are constantly irritated, they can become inflamed and infected over time. If your gums continue to bleed, it is important to visit your dentist right away so that they can assess the cause and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Taking care of your dental health now can help you avoid bigger issues down the road!

3. You're Experiencing Tooth Pain or Sensitivity

If you're experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, the first step is to evaluate your oral hygiene habits. Are you brushing twice a day and flossing? If not, introducing these two helpful habits can go a long way in improving your dental health. Proper oral hygiene helps remove plaque that can cause cavities and gum disease. If after evaluating your dental care practices you are still having issues with sensitive teeth, it's time to visit the dentist. Don't let fear keep you from getting a checkup; modern dentistry has come a long way in making visits quick and pain-free. A dentist can examine your teeth and gums to accurately pinpoint the source of your tooth pain and suggest appropriate treatment options. Tackling tooth sensitivity early on helps make sure that potential problems don't develop into something more serious down the line.

4. You Notice Tooth Yellowing or Discoloration

If you've noticed that your teeth have become more yellow or discolored, there can be many causes to this change in color. Coffee, tea, and wine, natural aging, smoking, and even certain medications like antibiotics can all contribute to the yellowing of your teeth. Unfortunately, over time these pigments accumulate on the enamel surface and begin to darken and discolor your teeth. Thankfully though, with a bit of elbow grease and some help from the professionals, it's possible to restore your teeth back to their sparkling white state. Regular visits for a proper cleaning combined with a whitening treatment can help you reverse any signs of yellowing or discoloration and keep your smile gleaming.

5. You Have Gaps in Your Teeth Where Food Gets Stuck

Having gaps in your teeth where food can easily get stuck can make eating a messy task. In order to prevent extra sanitation issues, you may want to look into traveling with items such as small toothpicks or dental flossers. With the right tools, it can be easy to remove any food particles stuck between teeth and gum lines and keep your smile looking nice. If the gaps are severe enough, you may consider talking to your dentist about braces or other dental treatments to help reduce the size of the gaps so that food does not get trapped in them as easily. Regardless of what route you take for fixing them, just remember that having those gaps doesn't have to be an issue when it comes to enjoying your meal!

See Your Long Beach Dentist Every 6 Months

If you have any of these 5 signs – bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, yellowing or discoloring teeth, gaps in your teeth where food gets stuck, or it has been more than 6 months since you last visited a dentist – it is important to schedule an appointment right away.

Contact Dentist of Long Beach today and get on the path towards a healthier smile. With experienced doctors and staff who specialize in preventive dentistry, our team will give your teeth the care they need.