Ideally, you should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year. This is to keep your dental health in check and to allow your dentist to spot possible issues and conduct measures to treat them. Regularly visiting the dentist will ensure that your oral health is in tip-top shape.

While twice a year is the minimum, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t see your dentist in case of oral issues, pain, discomfort, or other lifestyle changes that warrant a visit. We tell you six possibly surprising signs that you should schedule an appointment with your dentist — even if your six months are not up!

1. You’re experiencing frequent morning headaches.

If you’re experiencing headaches in the morning or shortly after you wake up, they may be caused by jaw clenching or teeth grinding during sleep. Although you do it unconsciously, this can have a detrimental effect, causing problems such as jaw misalignment, temporomandibular disorder, or cracked teeth. 

If you’ve recently been suffering morning headaches, set up a dentist appointment and tell your dentist about the pain. They will check for possible jaw or tooth damages and suggest solutions, such as jaw realignment or mouth guards. 

2. You have diabetes. 

Diabetes is a condition where the body produces glucose levels that are too high, increasing the risk of dental issues such as gingivitis and periodontitis. These are mild to severe gum infections that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health conditions.

Individuals with type I or type II diabetes should visit their dentist more often than usual to ensure that their bodies’ glucose levels are not affecting their dental health negatively.

3. You’re pregnant. 

Pregnancy can cause major changes in a woman’s hormone levels. Consequently, this impacts oral health — specifically the gums, which can swell or bleed when brushing during pregnancy. Morning sickness and frequent vomiting can also destroy teeth enamel and increase the risk of cavities. 

While pregnancy is a natural course of life and its effects on dental health should not be a cause for alarm, it’s a good idea to take a trip to the dentist. They can recommend treatments or products that will increase your dental comfort during the first or second trimester of your pregnancy.

4. You sense a persistent bad taste in your mouth. 

There are days when you just can’t get the taste of onions or other spices off your mouth, but if you are sensing a distinct taste that just won’t go away even after brushing, it may be a sign of a more serious oral health condition, such as a salivary gland infection.

The same goes with bad breath that won’t go away no matter how many times you brush or rinse with mouthwash. Bad breath can signal dry mouth or uncontrolled bacteria. If you are experiencing any of these, see your dentist immediately.

5. You suffer from acid reflux. 

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by stomach acids that climb up the body. Sometimes, it can even go as far as the mouth, affecting oral health. Acid reflux is a culprit for periodontal disease and tooth erosion. If you frequently experience acid reflux, visit your dentist to come up with an oral health action plan. 

6. You quit smoking. 

It might seem weird to need to see your dentist after you quit smoking, which is a huge milestone for your oral health. But this is a good time to set an appointment so your dentist can inspect for any tobacco-caused health issues, such as cancer or gum disease. 

See Your Dentist to Avoid Further Problems 

If you are experiencing any of the above or any other signs, schedule a trip to your dentist immediately. But of course, this list is non-exhaustive, and you should see your dentist for any pain or discomfort. Remember that a simple act of getting your mouth and teeth checked can go a long way in keeping your oral and overall health in good shape.