Ideally, you should visit the dentist regularly for general cleanings and examinations. However, there are many signs that indicate you could benefit from a trip to the dentist for routine care and treatment. If you would like to know more, check out these four signs you need to visit the dentist.

1. You Have Tartar

Regular brushing and flossing should remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. If left on the teeth, plaque can quickly harden and calcify into tartar, which cannot be brushed away. Instead, you will need your dentist or a dental hygienist to remove tartar with the appropriate tools.

If left ignored, tartar can increase the risk of tooth decay. However, it can also irritate gums, causing gum recession. Minor gum recession may not be a cause for alarm, but the deeper the pockets, the more the tooth is exposed to decay.

2. You Have Sensitive Teeth

Your teeth may be overly sensitive to:

• Hot/cold food/beverages
• Cold air/wind
• High-sugary foods/beverages
• Acidic foods/beverages

If your teeth are sensitive, you may have thinning enamel. Once you lose enamel, you can't regrow it. However, your dentist can use fluoride to help strengthen your existing enamel to reduce sensitivity. In some cases, however, sensitive teeth may indicate cracks, chips, or decay.

3. You Have Tooth Pain

If you have tooth pain, there are many reasons, such as:

• Tooth grinding
• Tooth damage
• Tooth decay
• Tooth infection

If you grind your teeth at night, the pressure may put strain on the teeth and the muscles/joints in the jaw, which can cause mild to severe pain. Tooth damage like cracks and chips expose the tooth to decay, and naturally, decay can also cause severe pain, depending on the size and location.

In extreme cases, tooth pain may indicate a tooth infection. If you do have a tooth infection, you may also have swelling, pus, and extreme pain. Your dentist will need to treat the tooth with root canal therapy or extraction.

4. Your Gums Bleed or Hurt

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, bleed for no reason, or bleed when you floss (and you floss regularly), you may have gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to:

• Bad breath
• Sore/swollen gums
• Gum recession/loss
• Jawbone atrophy
• Tooth loss

Gum disease is treated with antibiotics and a deep cleaning. However, you may need surgical treatments to repair gums, the jawbone, or missing teeth.

If you haven't been to the dentist in a while, consider scheduling an exam and cleaning. Good preventative care can reduce the risk of tooth pain and gum disease. To find out more, contact a dentist in your area.