We're Dentists. Here Are 5 Issues We'd Never, Ever Ignore.

When it comes to the basics of dental hygiene, most people know to follow the key rules ― like brushing twice a day ― but many quickly discount the seemingly-small dental problems that occur. And that can be dangerous.

“What a lot of patients don’t understand is your dental health is pertinent to your overall health,” said Dr. Akeadra Bell, a clinical assistant professor at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and general dentist at Triangle Family Dentistry in Rolesville, North Carolina.

“As dentists, we don’t just treat teeth and we don’t just look at teeth. Your oral cavity is the opening to your entire body and everything is connected,” Bell said. Meaning that skipped dentist appointment or ignored tooth pain can lead to bigger issues down the road.

If you’re wondering what kind of problems should lead you to the dentist’s chair, here’s what the experts say:

Bleeding when brushing or flossing.

The most prominent issue you should always address is any bleeding when brushing or flossing, according to Dr. W. Craig Noblett, a clinical associate professor and director of the division of endodontics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

This can be an early indication of periodontal disease. In its beginning stages, the issue can affect the gum tissue, but it can go on to cause bone damage if left untreated, Noblett said.

Not all bleeding is a sign of periodontal disease: “You can have localized irritation of the gum tissue if you got something caught in the gum alongside the tooth,” Noblett said. Popcorn hulls are a common culprit of this kind of irritation. But if you frequently notice bleeding while brushing or flossing, it’s a good indication that you have an issue that should be addressed