Some people are almost religious about going to see the dentist at least once per year. This group might believe that as long as they're given a clean bill of dental health at that time there really is no reason to visit their dental professional outside of this occasion. However, you can't put a date or time on a dental emergency, and there are usually a few telling signs that mean that you need to go to the dentist outside of your scheduled appointment. If you ever find yourself dealing with any of the symptoms below, it's time to pay your dentist a visit.

Your Teeth Have Become More Sensitive

Enjoying an ice cream cone or sipping on a hot cup of tea are two simple pleasures that you might indulge in on a regular basis. When your teeth are healthy it's very easy to do these kinds of things without a care. However, if there's trouble brewing, you could find that it's becoming more difficult for your teeth to handle extreme temperatures. 

Tooth sensitivity can occur for many reasons. Maybe your toothpaste is too harsh for your teeth and you need to switch brands. Or, there could be another cause that needs to be treated. Rather than wait for the problem to worsen, it's better for you to get over to the dentist's office.

Bleeding Gums Shouldn't Be Ignored

If your gums regularly start to bleed each time you brush your teeth, it should definitely not be ignored. Bleeding gums can be an indication of so many things, including the possibility that you're in the early stages of gum disease. Conversely, bleeding gums could mean that you need to learn a new brushing technique that is effective enough to remove the plaque from your teeth without being so harsh that it creates a scraping motion that tears the gums and causes them to bleed. 

Your dentist should be able to determine why your gums are bleeding so something can be done about it. Having their assistance is a powerful way for you to discover the kinds of solutions that you just can't get on your own.

Going to the dentist once per year is admirable, but it just might not be enough. Pay attention to your teeth and gums so that if there is a minor issue that needs to be addressed you can catch it before it gets to the point of no return. For more information, contact a local dentist office like Carpenter Dental.