Your teeth should not hurt, bleed, or keep you up at night. When they do, your body is warning you. Pain, swelling, or sudden sensitivity often means decay or infection is growing. Ignoring it can lead to tooth loss or costly treatment. Even small changes in your mouth can signal bigger health problems. You might notice bad breath that will not go away, gums that bleed when you brush, or a tooth that feels loose. You might also feel fine but see stains, chips, or rough edges that catch food. Each sign is a clear message. You need a general exam. A family dentist in South Ogden can check for hidden problems, clean away buildup, and create a simple plan. Early exams protect your smile, your budget, and your peace of mind. You deserve a mouth that feels steady, clean, and pain-free.
Sign 1: You Have Ongoing Pain, Sensitivity, Or Swelling
Pain is never normal. Sensitivity is not either. Your teeth and gums should feel calm during the day and at night.
Pay close attention if you notice any of these:
- Sharp pain when you bite or chew
- A dull ache that comes and goes
- Cold or heat that lingers after you eat or drink
- Swelling in your cheek, jaw, or gums
These signs often mean decay, a cracked tooth, or infection. You might hope it will fade. It might ease for a short time. It will not heal on its own. Infection can spread to the jaw and even to other parts of your body.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that untreated cavities are very common in both children and adults. The pattern is clear. When you wait, problems grow.
A general dentist can test the tooth, take X-rays, and explain what is happening. Early repair often means a simple filling. Waiting can lead to a root canal or extraction. You protect your health and your wallet when you act at the first sign of pain or swelling.
Sign 2: Your Gums Bleed, Look Puffy, Or Your Breath Smells Strong
Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss. They do not look red or puffy. They feel firm and snug around each tooth.
Warning signs include:
- Blood on your toothbrush or floss
- Red or puffy gums that feel tender
- Bad breath that does not clear after brushing
- A bad taste in your mouth during the day
These signs point to gum disease. In the early stages, you might only see light bleeding. In later stages, your gums can pull away from your teeth. Your teeth can loosen. You can lose bone support. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research gives clear details about gum disease at NIDCR Gum Disease Information.
Gum disease also links to heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy problems. Your mouth connects to your whole body. You protect more than your smile when you treat bleeding gums early.
A general dentist will measure your gums, clean under the edges, and show you how to brush and floss in a way that works. You might need a deep cleaning. You might only need better daily care and closer checks. Either way, an exam gives you a clear path.
Sign 3: You See Changes In Your Teeth Or Bite
Your mouth changes over time. Some changes are small. Some changes are serious. You should not ignore either type.
Watch for these signs:
- New stains or dark spots on teeth
- Chips, cracks, or rough edges that catch food
- Teeth that seem longer as gums pull back
- A bite that feels different when you close your mouth
- Clicking in your jaw or soreness when you wake
These changes can come from grinding, clenching, decay, or gum loss. Children and teens can also show crowding or gaps as teeth move. Adults can shift, too, especially after tooth loss.
A general dentist can spot patterns and causes. You might need a night guard, a filling, or a simple polish. You might need a referral for braces. You do not need to guess. An exam replaces fear with facts.
How Early Exams Protect You: A Simple Comparison
You might feel tempted to wait until you cannot stand the pain. That choice often leads to more time, money, and stress. This table shows how early and late visits often compare.
| Situation | If You Schedule Early | If You Wait Too Long
|
|---|---|---|
| Small cavity | Quick exam and small filling. Short visit. Lower cost. | Large decay. Possible root canal or extraction. Higher cost. |
| Early gum bleeding | Cleaning and home care changes. Gums heal. | Advanced gum disease. Bone loss. Risk of tooth loss. |
| Mild jaw soreness | Night guard and habit change. Less wear on teeth. | Cracked teeth. Broken fillings. Ongoing jaw pain. |
| Loose filling or chip | Simple repair. Tooth stays strong. | Tooth breaks further. Crown or extraction needed. |
What To Expect At A General Dental Exam
Many people fear what they do not know. A clear picture lowers that fear. A routine exam often includes three basic steps.
- Review. You share your health history, medicines, and concerns. The dentist listens for risk signs.
- Check. The dentist looks at your teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks. X-rays may show hidden decay or infection.
- Clean. A hygienist removes plaque and tartar. Your teeth feel smooth and fresh.
You then hear clear results. The dentist explains what is healthy and what needs care. You can ask questions. You can talk about cost and timing. You leave with a plan, not guesswork.
When You Should Call For An Exam Today
You should schedule a general exam right away if you notice any of these three signs.
- Any tooth or jaw pain, sensitivity, or swelling
- Bleeding gums, puffy gums, or strong breath that will not clear
- New stains, chips, loose teeth, or a change in how your teeth fit
You should also plan regular checkups at least twice a year. Children, pregnant people, and anyone with diabetes or heart disease may need more visits. Your dentist can guide you.
Your mouth is part of your daily life. You use it to eat, speak, and smile. You deserve comfort, confidence, and calm. A simple exam with a general dentist can stop small problems before they steal that from you.
