7 Subtle Signs That It’s Time to Visit the Dentist

Many people avoid going to the dentist unless something serious happens—like a broken tooth or intense pain. But waiting until there's a major issue can lead to more complex and expensive problems. Even if you feel fine, it’s smart to see your dentist at least once a year. Some symptoms that seem unrelated to your teeth could actually point to dental problems that need attention.

Here are seven lesser-known signs that it might be time to make a dental appointment.

1. Your Saliva Looks or Feels Different

If you notice that your saliva has changed in color, texture, or taste, it could be a sign that something’s wrong. For example, thick or sticky saliva can sometimes be linked to dehydration, certain medications, or even issues with your salivary glands. White patches or an odd texture could point to a fungal infection like oral thrush. A sour or unpleasant taste might also be related to acid reflux, which can damage your teeth over time. If something seems off with your saliva, it’s worth bringing up with your dentist.

2. You Often Get Headaches or Migraines

Chronic headaches can sometimes be caused by a dental issue called bruxism—more commonly known as teeth grinding. Many people grind their teeth in their sleep and don’t even realize they’re doing it. This can put pressure on your jaw joints and surrounding muscles, leading to headaches, especially in the morning. Your dentist can check for signs of grinding, such as worn-down teeth or tension in the jaw. If needed, they may recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth and ease your symptoms.

3. You Have Sores or Bumps in Your Mouth

If you notice a sore, bump, or thick patch in your mouth that doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks, don’t ignore it. While some sores are harmless, others could signal infections or more serious issues like oral cancer. Dentists are trained to spot unusual growths or tissue changes that may need further testing. Early detection is important, especially for conditions like oral cancer, where outcomes are better when caught early.

4. You Wake Up Feeling Tired

Waking up exhausted even after a full night’s sleep might have a dental connection. One possible reason is sleep apnea, a condition where you stop breathing temporarily during sleep. This leads to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Many people don’t realize that dentists can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea. If this is suspected, your dentist might recommend a custom oral appliance to keep your airway open at night.

5. Your Ears Ache but There’s No Infection

If your ears hurt but your doctor can’t find an infection, the problem could be coming from your mouth. Jaw tension or misalignment—especially issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—can lead to pain that spreads to the ears. Dental infections in the back teeth can also cause pain that feels like it’s coming from the ears. If your ear pain won’t go away and your ears are clear, schedule a dental exam to check for underlying issues.

6. You Have Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away

Occasional bad breath is normal, but if it sticks around even after brushing and flossing, it could mean something more serious. Persistent bad breath is often a sign of gum disease, dry mouth, or an oral infection. Sometimes, it can also be linked to health conditions like diabetes, acid reflux, or respiratory infections. A dentist can help figure out the cause and suggest the right treatment to fix it.

7. Your Gums Are Pulling Back

Gum recession is a condition in which gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back. If you notice that your teeth become more visible, let your dental specialist know about it. Gum recession can be a symptom of insufficient dental care, aggressive tooth brushing, periodontal diseases, bone loss, and teeth grinding or clenching. To figure out what causes recession and address the problem, you need to see your dentist ASAP. The doctor can suggest procedures like periodontal disease treatment to stop gum recession.