A Teenager's Guide to Braces

The dentist is someone you should see at least every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup, but there may be times when you should go in between these appointments. If you aren't sure if you should get to the dentist, read on for three other times when you need to get to the dentist, other than your regular checkups.

1. If You've Injured Your Teeth/Mouth

If you've fallen, or were injured in some sort of accident where your teeth or mouth were injured, you should make an appointment with the dentist. You could have injured the root inside your gums, which can kill your tooth if it goes undetected. If your jaw bone was injured, or you have an injury to your gums, you should seek help from the dentist to be sure it didn't cause permanent damage or cause other issues for your teeth. For children, falls can happen all the time, you should still take your child to the dentist, even if they still have baby teeth, as the injury could affect their adult teeth laying in wait in their gums. 

2. If You're Seeing Blood In The Sink

Blood in the sink can happen if you're brushing too harshly, but it could also indicate gum disease. If you're noticing a lot of blood lately, or every single time you brush, get to the dentist for an appointment to have your gums inspected. If you have gum disease, you may need special treatment to help reverse any damage that has already been done. Your dentist may suggest brushing with a softer bristle brush, brushing better (such as paying more attention to the gums), and suggest that you floss more, as you are missing the plaque in between your teeth.

3. If You're Feeling Pain In Your Teeth

Pain in your teeth could indicate a cavity, or it could be much worse than a cavity. You may have a deeper cavity that is going to require a root canal. Other pain in the mouth could be due to issues such as an impacted tooth, an infection or even TMJ caused by grinding or clenching your teeth. If you feel any pain in your tooth, gums or jaw, get to the dentist for an appointment - don't wait or you could worsen whatever is wrong.

If you aren't sure if you should get to the dentist or wait for your next scheduled cleaning, use the above listed as a guide. If you're in doubt, get to the dentist. Waiting may be worse for your oral health and your pocketbook.