Like most people, you are aware that routine dental visits twice a year are the foundation of maintaining a clean and healthy mouth and a key component in identifying possible oral health problems before they become major issues. But how can you tell if you need to get checked out by your dentist in between your regular bi-annual visits? 

If you are experiencing new sensitivity in any part of your mouth, notice new inflammation, or start having problems with your dental appliance, you might be wondering if you should make a new appointment or wait for your six-month check-up. Listed below are a few issues that you need to be aware of when it comes to determining whether or not you should schedule an extra appointment with your dental professional. 

New Sensitivity or Pain  

If at any point in time you become aware of any changes or new pain inside your mouth like new tooth sensitivity to cold and hot, throbbing, or aching, this is a major sign that you need to get checked out by a dentist, particularly if the level of pain you are experiencing is impacting your day-to-day activities. It is not uncommon for pain or other alterations in your mouth to negatively affect your capacity to talk, sleep, and of course, eat. These types of dental issues also serve as a warning that something is not right and your dentist will know how to help. 

Bleeding When You Are Flossing or Brushing

It is not uncommon for gums to exhibit a little bit of bleeding when you are just starting to get used to a new flossing regimen. In the event that the bleeding does not go away after a couple of weeks or you begin to see blood while you are brushing your teeth, it is very likely a sign indicating of a periodontal problem that, if left untreated, will likely turn into a much more prominent issue, such as gum disease, later down the line. 

You Haven’t Been in Over Six Months

Most dental patients, when they encounter a new oral health issue, will think that waiting until their next appointment, which could be several months away, is not that big of a deal. Unfortunately, waiting like this most often takes a minor, easy-to-fix issue, and turns it into a major one that could be rather costly to fix. 

At McBride Dental, we want to help you and your family do everything possible to have and preserve healthy teeth and gums. By scheduling regular appointments with your California family dentist and practicing the oral care techniques we teach you, your whole family will easily maintain teeth that are healthy, strong, and effective.

The San Marcos offices of Dr. Michael McBride are staffed with reputable, professional San Diego dentists that are ready to address any concerns you may have regarding common dental procedures, as well as preventative, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry.

It is our job to help you and your family establish healthy dental habits to make sure that your teeth will always be there when you need them and your smile will always look great.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a San Marcos dentist, please give us a call at (760) 471-1003 and speak with a trained member of our dental staff today.