10 Signs You Should See a Dentist Soon

Why small symptoms are worth checking

Most dental problems do not clear up by themselves. A small cavity does not heal, and early gum disease does not reverse without cleaning. What starts as mild sensitivity or occasional bleeding can become an infection or a lost tooth. Treating a problem early is usually simpler, needs fewer visits and keeps more of the natural tooth.

The ten signs below are common reasons to book a visit. They are a guide, not a diagnosis. Only an examination, often with an X-ray, shows what is happening.

1. Toothache that lasts

Pain that lasts more than a day or two, wakes you at night or gets worse when you eat or drink is a reason to be seen. Common causes are deep decay, a cracked tooth or an infection at the root. If the pain stops suddenly, the problem has not necessarily gone. The nerve inside the tooth may have died.

2. Gums that bleed or look swollen

Healthy gums do not bleed regularly when you brush. Red, puffy or tender gums, or gums that are pulling back, usually point to gingivitis or gum disease. Caught early, gum disease can be reversed with professional cleaning and better home care. Left alone, it can damage the bone that holds the teeth.

3. Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet

A brief twinge now and then is common. Sharp or lingering pain after hot or cold drinks can mean decay, worn enamel, receding gums or a crack. The cause decides the treatment, so it helps to find out rather than guess.

4. Bad breath that does not go away

Most bad breath comes from the mouth rather than the stomach. Gum disease, decay, a coated tongue and infection are the usual causes. If brushing, cleaning between the teeth and cleaning the tongue do not help, have it checked.

5. A loose adult tooth

Adult teeth should not move. A loose tooth can mean advanced gum disease, bone loss, an injury or an infection. The sooner it is seen, the better the chance of keeping it.

6. Swelling of the face, jaw or gums

A swelling, with or without a pimple-like bump on the gum, can mean a dental abscess, which is a pocket of pus from infection. See a dentist the same day. If the swelling comes with fever, or you have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth, or the swelling spreads towards the eye or neck, go to a hospital emergency department now.

7. A cracked or broken tooth

Even a small crack can let bacteria reach the inside of the tooth. A crack may not always be painful at first, but it can worsen. If a whole tooth is knocked out, see a dentist immediately. Keep the tooth moist, handle it by the crown and avoid scrubbing the root.

8. A mouth sore that is not healing

Most mouth ulcers heal within 1 to 2 weeks. See a dentist or doctor if one lasts longer than about 3 weeks, keeps coming back in the same place, bleeds, or looks unusual. White or red patches that do not rub off also need to be checked. Tobacco and betel quid or paan users should be especially alert, because persistent sores can occasionally be an early sign of oral cancer, and early detection makes a large difference.

9. Jaw pain, clicking or difficulty opening

Pain in front of the ear, a clicking jaw, or a mouth that opens less than before can come from the jaw joint or from grinding and clenching. A dentist can check your bite and the muscles, and may suggest a night guard or other measures. Sudden inability to close or open the mouth needs prompt attention.

10. A lost filling or crown

A missing filling or crown leaves the tooth open to decay, sensitivity and breakage. It is rarely an emergency if there is no pain, but do not wait for months. Keep the crown if it came off in one piece, as it can sometimes be refitted. Avoid chewing on that side until you are seen.

What counts as urgent

Contact a dentist the same day for severe pain, a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth with pain or sharp edges, bleeding in the mouth that does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm pressure, or a swelling in the gum. For more on this, read about a dental emergency.

Go to hospital immediately for swelling of the face or neck with fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a blow to the head or jaw with possible fracture, or bleeding you cannot control.

Why regular check-ups help

A routine check-up lets a dentist find cavities and gum disease before they hurt, and check the soft tissues of the mouth. How often you need one depends on your risk. Many adults are advised every 6 to 12 months, but your dentist may suggest a different interval. Cleaning twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning between the teeth once a day, remain the basis of prevention.