6 Ways To Know When It’s Time To See The Dentist

Dr. Christopher Li Etobicoke - Li Family Dental

By Dr. Christopher Li

September 3, 2025

dental care, dental checkup, how to know it's time to see the dentist, see the dentist

You know you’re supposed to see the dentist at least once or twice a year, but when was the last time you actually took a seat in the chair? We know your schedule is busy, but it’s important to keep on top of regular dental checkups throughout the year, especially if you’re experiencing problems with your teeth or gums that require a professional diagnosis.

There are lots of warning signs and symptoms that indicate it’s time to book yourself an appointment with the dentist, including pain, bad breath, broken teeth, and more. If you haven’t been to your dentist in a while or have recently started to experience issues with your mouth, here are six sure-fire signs that it’s time to see the dentist.

6 Ways To Know When It’s Time To See The Dentist

1. You’re Experiencing Pain Or Discomfort

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There are plenty of things that can cause dental pain, and any time you’re experiencing discomfort in your mouth, you should take it as a sign that it’s time to see the dentist. A common type of pain is a toothache, which could indicate you have an infection that needs treatment or a cavity that requires filling. When you visit the dentist’s office, they will likely start with an examination and X-rays to determine the root cause of your pain and the best solution.

Another possible cause of tooth pain is erupting wisdom teeth, which is the likely culprit if you are in your late teens or early twenties and are experiencing pain at the back of your teeth. A dentist will be able to assess your situation and may recommend removal.

Another type of pain that people often experience in their mouths is sore gums, and this similarly requires diagnosis and treatment from a dentist. Sore gums are usually caused by gingivitis or periodontitis, which are characterized by inflammation, bleeding gums, and bad breath, among other things. When left untreated, gingivitis can give way to periodontitis, which can, in turn, cause tooth loss, damage to the jaw, and receding gums.

2. You’re Constantly Battling Bad Breath

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Bad breath is a fact of life for everybody from time to time. But if you’re always reaching for breath fresheners and seem to have bad breath no matter how much you brush and rinse, then there might be something else going on that your dentist needs to check out. Several things can cause persistent halitosis (the technical term for bad breath), and these include:

Tooth decay
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Dry mouth
Liver or kidney disease
Gum disease
Diabetes

3. You Feel Reluctant To Smile

if-you-are-embarrassed-to-smile-its-time-to-see-the-dentist

Do you cringe any time you hear the words “say cheese” because you’re afraid to let others see your smile? Many people struggle with dental problems that leave them not wanting to smile and show their teeth, including chipped or broken teeth, staining, missing teeth, crooked teeth, and more.

But nobody should feel reluctant to smile because of their teeth, and there are solutions your dentist can discuss with you, no matter what’s stopping you from smiling. Depending on the dental problems you’re experiencing, some of the possible solutions your dentist might recommend include crowns, dentures, implants, whitening, bridges, and veneers.

4. You’re Often Getting Food Stuck In Your Teeth

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We’ve all been there: you eat a salad or corn on the cob, and before you know it, you’ve got bits of lettuce, corn, or pepper stuck in almost every tooth. While it’s common to get food stuck in your teeth from time to time after eating certain foods, there might be another problem if you’re constantly battling with this issue.

A trip to the dentist will help you get to the root of the problem, which could include cavities, spaces between your teeth, periodontal disease that’s causing gaps in your teeth, or even improper flossing. After diagnosing the problem, your dentist can discuss with you some potential solutions that will help stop food from getting stuck in your teeth after every meal and snack.

5. Your Teeth Are Feeling Crowded

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Your teeth are naturally arranged in your mouth very carefully, and when all goes well, there’s just enough room to accommodate all of your teeth. But when your teeth are too big for your mouth it can cause crowding, and this can lead to displaced and crooked teeth that get pushed out of alignment. which also increases your chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems. If you feel your teeth are too crowded for your mouth, it’s essential to see your dentist before serious issues arise as a result.

Note: The opposite problem, having teeth that are too small for your mouth, can result in gaps between your teeth, and this similarly needs to be addressed by a dentist.

6. You’ve Got A Broken, Cracked, Or Chipped Tooth

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Teeth are strong, durable, and resistant, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Teeth can get cracked, broken, or chipped if you eat ice cubes, bite down on something hard, hit your face against something, take a puck or baseball to the mouth, and more. Along with being aesthetically unpleasing, these types of dental injuries can also be extremely painful and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay, infections, sensitivity, and further damage. Your dentist can evaluate your injury and recommend a solution so you can get back to eating, drinking, and smiling normally.

It’s important for your oral and overall health to see the dentist regularly, but there are also extraordinary circumstances that sometimes require emergency or unplanned trips to the office. Signs that it’s time to see the dentist include tooth pain, halitosis, regularly getting food stuck in your teeth, and having a tooth crack or break.

However, even if you aren’t experiencing any of these issues, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while for a regular checkup and cleaning, it’s in your best interest to have your teeth professionally examined as soon as possible. And if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or other dental problems, get relief today and book your appointment now.

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Dr. Christopher Li

About the author

Doctor Christopher Li, DDS
Dr. Chris, as he is affectionately known, is a licensed dentist with over 20 years experience. His caring personality makes even the most tentative person at ease. Patients are constantly commenting about how Dr. Chris is incredible at delivering pain-free freezing, and how he has an amazing chair-side manner. Dr. Chris loves sharing information with his patients and everyone who has teeth about how to care for their teeth, avoid tooth decay, and the treatments available to help them overcome their tooth pain or other dental issues so they can enjoy life and food to its fullest!

Family dentists offer a wide range of services, including routine cleanings and exams, teeth whitening, dental implants, dental crowns, wisdom tooth removal, root canals, dental bridges, veneers, emergency dental care, and more to cater to patients of all ages and dental needs.

Families should schedule dental checkups every six months for routine cleanings and exams to maintain optimal oral health and address any issues promptly. Regular appointments help prevent dental problems and ensure early detection and treatment if needed, promoting long-term dental wellness.

Family dentistry clinics may offer orthodontic services. However, it's essential to inquire directly with the specific clinic to confirm the range of services they provide. It's common for family dentists to offer orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign alongside general dental care for patients of all ages.

Family dentists can indeed provide cosmetic dentistry services, offering a wide range of treatments to enhance smiles for patients of all ages. These services may include teeth whitening, dental veneers, and other cosmetic procedures alongside general dentistry care.

Children should start dental visits as soon as their first tooth appears, which is typically around the age of 6 to 12 months. Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and detect any potential issues early on. Regular dental check-ups are important for children's dental health.

Family dental practices are equipped for emergencies, providing prompt and effective care during unexpected situations. They guide patients on appropriate steps and offer emergency appointments with treatments like tooth reinsertion, controlling bleeding, and immediate attention, ensuring patients' dental health and comfort.

Family dental clinics often handle phobias by creating a warm and welcoming environment, prioritizing patient comfort, and implementing gentle techniques to alleviate anxiety. Dentists at these clinics may also offer sedation options for more severe cases of dental phobia.

Family dentists can perform wisdom tooth extractions. However, in some cases, they may refer patients to oral surgeons for more complex extractions. Discuss your situation with your family dentist to determine the best course of action for your wisdom teeth.

Family dental offices typically have pediatric dental specialists on staff to cater to children's unique dental needs. These specialists are trained to provide gentle and age-appropriate care for young patients, ensuring a positive dental experience for kids. Visiting a family dental office can offer comprehensive dental services for the entire family, including specialized care for children.

A dentist manages family oral health by providing a range of dental services tailored to each family member's needs, from routine cleanings to advanced treatments like dental implants. They also educate on proper oral hygiene and preventive care to maintain overall dental wellness for the entire family.

Sedation options for young patients at Li Family Dental include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation. These options help alleviate anxiety and ensure a comfortable experience during dental procedures for children. Sedation is tailored to the child's needs under the care of our experienced team.

Yes, dental sealants are commonly offered at family dental practices. These thin plastic coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, particularly molars, to protect against decay. They are a preventive measure often recommended for children, but adults can benefit from them as well.

Family dentists accommodate special needs patients by providing a welcoming and comfortable environment, ensuring gentle and respectful care, and employing the latest dental technologies for a positive experience. They offer a range of services from routine check-ups to advanced treatments to cater to diverse patient needs, promoting accessible and compassionate dental care.

Family dental clinics may offer weekend appointments to accommodate busy schedules and make dental care more accessible. Contact Li Family Dental or similar clinics directly to inquire about weekend availability for appointments.

Family dentists typically recommend routine cleanings and exams to prevent dental issues. Additionally, they may suggest treatments like teeth whitening, dental implants, crowns, and bridges to maintain oral health. Understanding the importance of preventive care can help families maintain healthy smiles and prevent potential problems down the road.

Fluoride treatment benefits entire families by strengthening teeth and preventing decay. It promotes oral health, reduces the risk of cavities for both children and adults, and can be a cost-effective preventive measure for maintaining overall dental wellness.

Yes, family dental practices typically offer digital X-rays to their patients. Digital X-rays are commonly used in modern dental practices due to their efficiency, convenience, and reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional X-rays. They provide detailed images that help dentists assess oral health and develop treatment plans accurately.

Family dentists can detect orthodontic issues early through routine check-ups and observations during dental exams. Early detection can lead to timely referrals to orthodontic specialists for proper evaluation and treatment planning, ensuring children receive necessary orthodontic care at the appropriate time.

Family dental offices often offer flexible payment plans to accommodate various budgets. These plans can include options for payment installments, financing through third-party providers, or accepting various dental insurance plans to help cover the cost of dental services. Contact the office directly to inquire about specific payment options available.

Dental cleanings are customized for different ages by adjusting tools and techniques. Pediatric cleanings focus on education and minimal discomfort. Adult cleanings may involve deeper cleanings due to accumulated plaque. Senior cleanings address specific concerns like gum disease and tooth sensitivity. Regular cleanings are crucial to maintaining oral health across all age groups.

Family dentists can effectively treat gum disease by providing professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibiotic treatments, and education on proper oral hygiene practices. They help prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease to maintain healthy gums and overall oral health for all family members.

Li Family Dental provides comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages, including dental health education resources for families. Keeping patients informed about the latest news, tips, innovations, and community news helps individuals maintain good oral health practices at home. This emphasis on education enhances the overall care provided by Li Family Dental.

Family dentists utilize the most up-to-date dental technologies in their practice to provide the best care for their patients. Technologies such as digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, laser treatments, and CAD/CAM systems are commonly used to improve diagnostics, treatment accuracy, and patient comfort.

Family dental practices manage patient anxiety by creating a warm and welcoming environment, offering gentle care, and prioritizing patient comfort. Engaging in open communication, explaining procedures thoroughly, and showing empathy towards patients' concerns also help alleviate anxiety in family dental settings.

Yes, family dentists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons, to provide comprehensive care for patients. This collaboration ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment and address any underlying health issues that may impact their oral health.

Teething solutions for babies are not explicitly mentioned on Li Family Dental's website. However, you may contact the clinic directly to inquire about specific services for infants.

Child-friendly techniques in dental care include creating a welcoming environment with toys and games, using gentle language to explain procedures, and offering rewards for cooperation. The goal is to make children feel comfortable and relaxed during their dental visits, promoting positive experiences and reducing fear or anxiety.

Family dentists can provide advice on nutrition for oral health, recommending foods and habits that promote dental wellness. By providing guidance on a balanced diet and good oral hygiene practices, family dentists help patients maintain healthy smiles and prevent oral health issues.

Family dental offices may offer same-day appointments based on availability and the nature of the dental emergency. It's best to contact the office directly to inquire about their scheduling options for immediate dental care.

A family dentist promotes good dental habits by providing routine cleanings and exams, offering educational resources on oral hygiene, discussing proper brushing and flossing techniques, and recommending preventive measures to maintain healthy teeth and gums for the whole family. They create a comfortable environment that encourages regular check-ups and establishes a positive relationship with dental care.