You should be going in at least once a year to see your dentist (start with Aesthetic Dentistry). However, if you are the type of person who refuses to go in unless you spot potential problems, then you'll want to know what can signify a problem that should have you calling your dentist for an appointment.

You have bad breath not related to foods you have consumed

If you suddenly start having bad breath and you haven't been eating things known to cause it then you may have a cavity or even the start of gingivitis. You may even have a tooth that's abscessed and that needs to be treated with medication.

You see a tinge of red when you spit out the tooth paste

If you spit out the tooth paste and you see a tinge of red, or especially a good deal of red, then it means that your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth. This is generally one of the first signs that you probably have gingivitis. It is easy to treat as long as you don't let it progress to periodontal disease which will mean a more invasive treatment and possible permanent tooth damage.

Your gums are red and/or swollen

Another sign that you may have gingivitis and possibly periodontal disease is red and swollen gums. You may also notice that they are tender.

You have a tender jaw or headaches in the morning

If you keep waking up with a tender jaw, sore gums or a headache then there is a good chance you have been grinding your teeth while you are asleep at night. If you don't go in to the dentist and get a mouth guard then you can end up wearing your enamel down or even breaking your teeth.

Your teeth hurt with hot or cold foods and drinks

If you start to have sensitive teeth when you eat or drink things that are hot or cold then a visit to your dentist is a good idea. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures can indicate cavities, gingivitis and other issues that you will want to have treated before worse issues end up happening.

You have a toothache

Any time you have a tooth ache it signifies that something's going on with your tooth. It can be a number of issues with some of them being worse than others. You may have a cavity, you may have a tooth abscess or you may have fractured your tooth. These are just a few of the possibilities and good examples of why a dental visit is a good idea.