Taking care of your teeth is an important task. Not only does it ensure that you'll have a good-looking smile, but dental health, in point of fact, is critical to your overall medical wellness. People have a tendency, however, to not visit the dentist as often as they should, and they also frequently choose to wait until their next scheduled sessions to ask about problems that ought to be checked out right away. If you're dealing with one of these four situations, take the time and get in touch with your dentist's office.

Dental Sensitivity

One thing that folks tend to be dismissive of is sensitivity in a tooth that otherwise looks healthy. Even if you've previously been diagnosed with sensitive teeth, going to the dentist when you experience any odd sensations is a case where you may save yourself a lot more grief in the long run. In the best scenario, your dentist will have you take simple preventative measures, such as changing the type of toothpaste you use and the toothbrush you own. In the worst scenario, you may end up heading off a major procedure, such as a root canal, by getting out in front of the trouble.

Sleep Issues

Yes, your dentist can help you address concerns like sleep apnea. One of the reasons dentists are typically the professionals that patients visit when they have sleeping disorders is because the types of devices designed to address them need to tailored to each specific one's mouth to ensure a comfortable fit.

Tooth Looseness

A slightly injured tooth that gets just a little loose has significant potential to tighten back up on its own, but you'd be wise to ask your dentist about any looseness regardless. As is the case with most dental issues, the benefits of getting out in front of potential problems far outweigh the minor inconvenience of taking a trip to the dentist. If the tooth in question seems to be especially loose or got loose without any obvious explanation, it may be a good idea to schedule an emergency dental visit as soon as possible.

Sporting Needs

Plenty of athletic activities pose dangers to the oral area. While it might seem like a simpler solution to just go to a sporting goods store and purchase an off-the-shelf mouth guard, you'll likely be further ahead to talk with your dentist about getting a customized system.