Most dental problems are far easier — and cheaper — to fix when they're caught early. Here are five signs that it's worth booking a check-up rather than waiting.
1. Your gums bleed when you brush
Healthy gums don't bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gingivitis, which is reversible with a professional clean and better technique — but left alone it can progress to gum disease that affects the bone around your teeth.
2. Cold or sweet things make you wince
Sensitivity can mean anything from a worn spot of enamel to a cavity or a cracked filling. A quick exam tells us which, and the fixes range from a special toothpaste to a simple filling.
3. You've chipped or cracked a tooth
Even a tiny chip can let bacteria in or sharpen into something that cuts your tongue. We can often smooth or bond it in a single visit.
4. It's been more than a year
If you can't remember your last visit, you're due. A check-up plus a scale and polish twice a year is the cheapest dentistry you'll ever buy.
5. You're planning whitening, braces or implants
Any cosmetic or orthodontic work starts with a healthy mouth. A check-up is the first step of every treatment plan — and a good moment to ask about our new-patient offer.