Most people assume dental appointments only happen every six months, but in reality, your mouth doesn’t always run on a calendar. Some dental issues develop silently, while others appear suddenly and shouldn’t be ignored until your next scheduled visit.
At Battersea Smiles, patients often ask whether a problem is “serious enough” to warrant an earlier appointment. The simple answer is this: if something feels different, uncomfortable, or persistent, it’s always worth getting checked.
This guide explains the most common signs that mean you should contact your dentist between routine check-ups, and why early attention often leads to simpler, faster treatment.
Occasional sensitivity to hot or cold isn’t always a cause for concern. However, if sensitivity lingers, worsens over time, or occurs without an obvious trigger, it may point to an underlying issue.
Sensitivity can indicate:
Many patients wonder whether sensitivity will “just go away on its own.” Sometimes it does, but persistent sensitivity often means the protective enamel layer has been compromised.
According to the Oral Health Foundation, early diagnosis of tooth sensitivity helps prevent more invasive treatment later.
Bleeding when brushing or flossing is one of the most commonly ignored warning signs. While occasional bleeding can happen with aggressive brushing, regular bleeding usually indicates gum inflammation.
This could be an early sign of:
Patients often ask whether bleeding gums mean brushing should stop, but the opposite is true. Cleaning must continue, and professional hygiene support is often needed.
You can learn more about professional cleaning via our hygiene treatments.
The British Dental Association stresses that gum disease is largely preventable when addressed early.
Everyone experiences bad breath occasionally, but when it’s persistent despite good brushing and flossing, it may signal a deeper problem.
Common dental causes include:
Many people assume mouthwash will fix bad breath, but without addressing the cause, symptoms usually return quickly.
The NHS confirms that chronic bad breath often originates from the mouth and should be investigated professionally if it doesn’t improve.
Discomfort when chewing can signal several dental issues, including:
Some patients ask whether pain when biting but not at rest is important, it is. This type of discomfort often points to structural issues that worsen with pressure.
Early assessment can prevent cracks from spreading and reduce the risk of infection.
Minor chips may not cause pain, but they can leave the tooth vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, or further fracture.
Wear is also common, especially for patients who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism). Flattened edges shortened teeth and jaw discomfort are often early signs.
A regular assessment allows your dentist to recommend protective measures, such as bite guards, before damage becomes permanent.
Mobility in adult teeth should never be ignored. Teeth are designed to be firmly anchored in bone, and looseness often suggests gum disease or bone loss.
Patients sometimes assume loose teeth are part of ageing, they’re not.
The NHS mouth health guidance makes it clear that tooth looseness requires urgent dental assessment.
Jaw discomfort, clicking or restricted opening can indicate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
You might notice:
Some clicking is harmless, but if accompanied by pain or reduced movement, it’s important to seek advice. Early assessment can prevent long-term joint issues.
Mouth ulcers are common and usually heal within 7-10 days. If a sore, ulcer or red/white patch persists longer than two weeks, it should be checked.
Routine check-ups always include soft tissue screening, but if something appears between visits, don’t wait.
The NHS guidance on mouth ulcers explains when persistent lesions should be assessed professionally.
Dental restorations don’t always fail dramatically. Sometimes the earliest signs are subtle.
Book an appointment if you notice:
Early repairs are usually quick and help preserve surrounding tooth structure.
Teeth can shift slowly over time, particularly if retainers are no longer worn after orthodontic treatment.
Patients often ask whether small movement is normal, minor changes happen, but noticeable drifting, spacing or crowding should be monitored early before more extensive correction is needed.
If cosmetic appearance matters to you, early intervention offers more conservative options.
One of the biggest barriers to booking an appointment is uncertainty: “Is this serious enough?”
The reality is that dentists would always rather check something early and reassure you than treat an advanced issue later. Early appointments are often far simpler and less invasive.
If something doesn’t feel right, you can book directly through our contact page.
Early assessment:
Prevention isn’t only about scheduled check-ups; it’s about responding to signs as they appear.
Your mouth gives signals when something isn’t right, sensitivity, bleeding, discomfort, or change. Acting on those signs early helps ensure simpler treatment, better outcomes, and long-term oral health.
At Battersea Smiles, we encourage patients to trust their instincts. If something feels different, we’re here to help, calmly, professionally, and without judgement.
Call 020 7228 5478 or visit the Battersea Smiles Contact Page to book an appointment.
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