The easiest way to guarantee that your teeth and gum line remain healthy for the rest of your life is through preventative dental care. You should start at home by brushing and flossing your teeth and using a mouthwash regularly. However, as a preventative step, the majority of dentists advise having a thorough checkup and cleaning at least biannually.

Because of how hectic life can be, getting regular checkups can seem like a burden. However, individuals who have their teeth cleaned and checked by a professional twice a year are significantly less likely to develop gum disease, tooth decay, and other major problems including diabetes, dementia, and heart disease. 

Here are the eight symptoms that should encourage you to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

1. Toothache 
A toothache is a sure sign that you should schedule an emergency dental appointment. Any painful symptoms or discomfort in your teeth is not normal, and it is a sign that something is not right. Even while the underlying problem might be minor, it can progress into a severe condition if left untreated.

2. Tooth sensitivity 
Having sensitive teeth can be quite uncomfortable and can even drastically reduce your quality of life. During your next appointment at a dental clinic, bring up any sensitivity you occasionally encounter. If it has just started, is severe, or occurs regularly, it can be a sign that your enamel is deteriorating. Enamel erosion makes the inner surface of your teeth vulnerable to damage from hot, cold, sugary, or sour foods and beverages you consume. 

3. Chronic bad breath 
Even the healthiest people occasionally have bad breath, which is especially prevalent in smokers, drinkers, and those who enjoy particular foods. Persistent bad breath is a common sign of gum disease or another major oral health issue, especially if it occurs despite you practicing good dental hygiene.

4. Bleeding gums 
It's not normal to have bleeding gums after flossing, brushing your teeth, or eating food. If it happens when you're cleaning your mouth, it can mean that you’re using a toothbrush that is too hard-bristled and stiff or that you are brushing too aggressively. If you're having trouble flossing, it may be because you're using improper techniques and damaging your gum line. It is also one of the more widespread signs of periodontal disease, which if neglected can become quite serious.

5. Dry mouth 
Everybody occasionally experiences dry mouth, which is frequently caused by not consuming enough water. However, if your mouth is dry all the time no matter how much water you have daily, this may be a sign of xerostomia (a significant decrease in the amount of saliva). Because your body fails to produce enough saliva, you are more likely to develop problems with your gums and experience tooth decay.

6. White patches on your teeth 
Cavities may be hard to detect at their early stages with the naked eye. The first visual sign of decaying teeth is typically the white patches on their surfaces. Acids are eroding the enamel and causing this type of discoloration and structural damage to your teeth. If the decay is not addressed, it will eventually reach your dentin and get much worse.

7. Receding gums 
It's normal for gums to recede slightly as you get older. However, gum recession is one of the more dangerous signs of gum disease. That damaged tissue cannot grow back. The tooth roots are left open to decay, and periodontal pockets are formed, collecting plaque and tartar and ultimately resulting in an infection.

8. Loose or shifting teeth 
Remember that your adult teeth cannot grow back and should be treated with great caution. A tooth or teeth that appear to be shifting or moving slightly may be a sign of infection, jawbone deterioration, or other dental health problems. Those teeth will gradually loosen and fall out if the issue is not addressed. Keep an eye on any changes to your bite and always inform your dentist if something concerns you.