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Why Should I See a Dentist?


Here are 15 signs you should see a dentist:

  • Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
  • You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, or dentures
  • You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look
  • You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
  • You are pregnant
  • You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck
  • You have difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay
  • You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or are HIV positive
  • Your mouth is often dry
  • You smoke or use other tobacco products
  • You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy
  • Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite
  • You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and it isn’t going away.

Do you have other symptoms? The ADA Dental Symptom Checker can help you understand what your dental symptoms may mean so that you can make informed decisions about your dental health.