Times You Should Visit Your Dentist between Your 6 Month Appointments

Under optimum conditions you visit your dentist twice a year. It is important to have regular dental appointments because your teeth face a lot of stress. Visiting regularly helps you to keep your teeth in good shape.

When you regularly see your dentist, you catch problems when they can be easily and cheaply treated. If you wait it can only be more invasive and more expensive.

But sometimes when you go to the dentist he or she suggests it's too bad you didn't get there earlier, there would have been more options. So how do you know if you should go in between your six-month appointments?

Know the Early Warning Signs

Problems with your mouth typically have an early warning sign before the problem gets out of control. Remember that not only does your dentist treat your teeth, but also your gums, your lips, your cheeks, and your tongue.

There are a lot of bacteria in your mouth and it is the kind of environment that encourages growth. Any area of your mouth can invite bacteria that can cause an infection. But regardless of the part of your mouth, there are signs that can tip you off that something isn't right.

What Are the Signs?

If you have pain in your tooth it could be that it is infected. You should make an appointment with your dentist even if it goes away. You may have fought off the infection, but the cause is still there.

If you see white spots on your teeth these are the beginnings of cavities. The sooner you get to the dentist, the cheaper it will be to take care of it.

When you brush your teeth if your gums bleed, you are either brushing too hard, or you are developing gingivitis or gum disease. If it only happens occasionally it is probably fine, but if it happens regularly, or increases in frequency, contact our office.