5 Signs You Should See a Dentist Right Now
Let’s be real — most of us put off going to the dentist until something hurts. But some dental issues are serious red flags, and waiting could make things worse (and way more expensive).
Here are 5 signs it’s time to book that appointment — ASAP.
1. You’ve Got Tooth Pain That Won’t Quit
A random twinge is one thing. But if your tooth is throbbing, aching, or sensitive to hot or cold for more than a day or two, don’t ignore it.
It could be anything from a cavity to an infection — and those don’t fix themselves.
Why it matters: Delaying treatment can turn a simple filling into a root canal.
2. Your Gums Are Bleeding or Swollen
Bleeding when you floss once might just mean you need to floss more. But if it keeps happening — or your gums are puffy, red, or sore — that’s a big warning sign.
It could mean early gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if ignored.
Pro tip: Healthy gums don’t bleed. If yours are, get them checked.
3. Something Feels Loose or Wobbly
Your adult teeth should never feel like they’re moving around. If you’ve got a tooth that feels loose or is shifting out of place, call your dentist.
This could mean bone loss, trauma, or advanced gum disease.
Don’t wait: The longer you leave it, the harder it is to save the tooth.
4. Bad Breath That Doesn’t Go Away
We’ve all had garlic breath. But if you’re brushing, flossing, and still dealing with chronic bad breath or a weird taste in your mouth, it could point to a deeper issue — like an infection or decay.
If mouthwash isn’t cutting it, your dentist can help find the cause.
5. Jaw Pain, Clicking, or Trouble Chewing
If your jaw clicks, pops, or aches — especially when chewing or waking up — it might be more than stress. You could be dealing with TMJ problems, or even grinding your teeth in your sleep.
The fix might be as simple as a night guard or stress management — but your dentist needs to see it first.
Bottom Line: Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
Dental problems almost always start small — but they don’t stay that way. If something feels off, trust your gut and get it checked out.
Not sure if it’s serious? Most dentists are happy to assess symptoms and let you know if you need to come in.
5 Signs You Should See a Dentist Immediately (And Why Kingston Locals Trust Kingston Dental Clinic)
Let’s be honest — no one loves going to the dentist. But ignoring certain symptoms can lead to serious issues, from tooth loss to infections that affect your whole body. If you’re experiencing any of the signs below, it’s time to stop putting it off.
For those in the Kingston upon Thames area, Kingston Dental Clinic is a trusted local practice offering same-week appointments, expert care, and a wide range of treatments — more on them throughout this post.
1. Tooth Pain That Won’t Quit
If you’ve had a throbbing or sensitive tooth for more than a couple of days, don’t wait for it to go away. Persistent tooth pain often means something deeper is going on — like a cavity, infection, or cracked tooth.
Kingston Dental Clinic offers quick diagnostic appointments, so you can find out exactly what’s wrong — and fix it before it gets worse. They also handle emergency care if the pain suddenly spikes.
2. Bleeding or Swollen Gums
Brushing too hard can cause a little gum bleeding, but if it happens often — or your gums are red, swollen, or sore — it could be an early sign of gum disease.
The team at Kingston Dental Clinic includes experienced hygienists and periodontists who can catch gum issues early and create a tailored treatment plan to restore your oral health. They’re known locally for gentle care and clear explanations.
3. Loose Teeth or Shifting Bite
Your adult teeth should never feel loose or move around. If they do, that’s often a sign of advanced gum disease or bone loss in the jaw — both serious issues.
At Kingston Dental Clinic, they use advanced imaging and bone grafting techniques (including Smart Dentin Grinder) to help save compromised teeth and restore structure. Whether it’s a single loose tooth or multiple, early treatment makes a huge difference.
4. Chronic Bad Breath or a Weird Taste
If you’ve got bad breath that doesn’t go away — even after brushing and using mouthwash — it could be a sign of decay, dry mouth, or a hidden infection.
Kingston Dental Clinic can help pinpoint the cause through a detailed oral exam, and offer solutions that go beyond breath sprays. Sometimes it’s as simple as treating a minor infection before it spreads.
5. Jaw Pain, Clicking, or Grinding
If your jaw clicks when you chew, locks up, or hurts in the morning, you might be grinding your teeth or dealing with TMJ dysfunction. This kind of issue can cause migraines, tension, and long-term wear on your teeth.
Kingston Dental Clinic offers TMJ assessments and custom night guards to prevent damage and relieve pain. They even offer Botox treatment for severe clenching and jaw tension.
Why Kingston Dental Clinic?
If you’re near Kingston upon Thames and need expert dental care — fast — Kingston Dental Clinic is one of the area’s highest-rated private practices. Here’s what sets them apart:
Central location on Fife Road, just minutes from Kingston station- Full-service dentistry: checkups, fillings, implants, Invisalign, cosmetic work, and facial aesthetics
Flexible hours, including Saturdays
Known for kind, honest care (with 5-star reviews to back it up)
“They went out of their way to help me with a broken retainer… I barely felt a thing during my root canal.” – real patient reviews
Whether you’re dealing with something urgent or just overdue for a check-up, Kingston Dental Clinic makes dental care feel less intimidating — and more human.