If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene, follow a healthy diet, get rid of bad habits, and visit your dentist twice a year. Unfortunately, many people tend to neglect proper oral care. This can lead to the development of certain oral issues that can affect your oral cavity. In this article, we have gathered five alarming signs that you should make an appointment with your dentist.

1. You experience a toothache
A toothache is a quite common issue that can affect many people. Unfortunately, some of them think that only tooth decay can manifest through toothache. However, there are certain severe issues that can also make your teeth hurt. The most common of them include gum recession, enamel wear, tooth fractures, dental abscess, and gum disease. 

Even though there are a lot of home remedies and pain medications that can help ease your toothache, it is better to contact a dental clinic for professional treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, your condition can progress and lead to serious complications.

2. You have red, swollen, and bleeding gums
If you have noticed that your gums have become red, swollen, and bleeding, it is better to make an appointment with your dentist. This is because the aforementioned symptoms usually mean the development of gum disease. This condition occurs when the number of bacteria in your mouth increases dramatically and leads to gum inflammation. 

It is important to understand that gum disease can be successfully cured only in the first stage (gingivitis). The second stage (periodontitis) is not curable and can lead to permanent damage like gum and tooth loss. However, your dentist can recommend some treatment options that can help improve your symptoms. 

3. You have broken a tooth
A broken tooth is a quite common issue for many children. However, adults can also break their teeth. In the case of a fractured tooth, you should place the broken piece into saliva, saline solution, or milk and visit your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, a dentist can reattach the broken tooth. Even if it is impossible or you have a vertical fracture, you still need to restore the damaged tooth since it can be painful and more prone to tooth decay.

4. You experience tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a condition that occurs when your teeth react with pain to temperature changes (like drinking hot tea, eating ice cream, or inhaling cold air). There are a lot of factors that can make your teeth sensitive. The most common of them include gum recession, enamel erosion, tooth decay, dental abscess, and chipped teeth. 

All of these conditions require professional treatment. For example, a dental abscess is a severe condition that occurs when the bacteria get inside of the tooth and lead to the development of a sac with pus. If left untreated, this sac can rupture and pus may spread to the surrounding tissues.

5. You have a loose or missing tooth
There are a lot of factors that can make your teeth loose or even fall out. The most common of them include poor oral hygiene, trauma, and certain underlying conditions like gum disease, some medications, menopause, and pregnancy. It is essential to understand that without treatment, loose teeth can fall out sooner or later. 

That's why you shouldn't delay your dental appointment if you have noticed that your teeth are loose. If you have already lost a tooth, you also need to contact your dentist and replace the missing tooth. Otherwise, you can develop shifted teeth, facial asymmetry, and other problems.