When Should You Visit a Dentist?

Most people should visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning, even when nothing feels wrong. Many dental problems — cavities, early gum disease, cracked fillings — cause no pain until they are advanced and expensive to fix. Routine visits catch these issues while they are still small and easy to treat.

Some symptoms call for an immediate appointment. Persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, bleeding gums, bad breath that won't go away, loose teeth, jaw pain or a swelling on the face all signal a problem that will not resolve on its own. Trauma to a tooth, a knocked-out tooth or a broken filling should be seen the same day.

If you are pregnant, have diabetes, smoke or are about to start orthodontic treatment, you may need more frequent visits. Call Lebanon Dental Care any time you are unsure — our team will happily advise whether you can wait for your next routine appointment or should be seen sooner.