The last thing anyone wants to hear: "You should see the dentist." Unless you're still a child living at home, no one's going to make you go to the dentist. That's a choice you have to make on your own, but it's something we all have to do, whether we like it or not. Before you're forced to seek out an emergency dentist in Fairbanks, here are a few signs you should go in for a checkup.

Jaw Pain

If you're experiencing discomfort in your jaw, it could be a sign that you're grinding your teeth in your sleep. This can cause several problems such as gum recession, and even tooth loss. A dentist can ameliorate the situation by fitting you with a mouth guard. This will keep your teeth and gums healthy, while providing pain relief to your jaw.

Bleeding Gums

Be careful not to brush or floss too hard, or bleeding gums may result. If you're already doing these things gently, and your gums are still bleeding, this could be a sign that plaque is infecting your gums, resulting in swelling, soreness and even gum disease. If this is a problem, you should definitely make an appointment for a cleaning and a checkup.

Sensitive Teeth

If you find your teeth are sensitive when you chew, or you jump when you bite into something that's too hot or too cold, then this could be a sign of enamel erosion, or tooth decay. Besides seeing a dentist (which you should definitely do), be aware that tooth whitening agents can cause sensitivity, while sensitive-tooth specific toothpastes can go a long way towards providing some relief.

Toothaches

These are the most common symptoms people associate with seeing the dentist. It could be a sign of gum disease, grinding your teeth in your sleep, or an oncoming cavity, but if you're suffering even a mild toothache, it's time to make an appointment. If you've ever had one before, you know they don't get better on their own, so the sooner you see a dentist, the better.

Bad Breath

We're not talking the kind of breath you might have from having a pizza with a lot of garlic on it. If you have chronic bad breath that doesn't seem to go away, it could be a sign of an infection or worse. Only by seeing a dentist will you know for sure.

Stained Teeth

Even the healthiest diet can result in stained teeth. Throw in coffee and tobacco products, and your teeth can really lose their luster, so make an appointment for a cleaning.

Besides feeling better, when you make an appointment with a Fairbanks dentist, you'll look better too!