When did you last see your dentist? For best oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends six-month appointments for check-ups and cleanings. At Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, your dentists, Dr. Robert Brooks and Dr. Brent Johnson, agree with this advice and offer additional reasons to visit their McDonough, GA, office.

Five signs it's time to see a dentist

Reasons for seeing your dentist range from the ordinary to the urgent. Whatever your need or goal, Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in McDonough, GA, can meet it. And, we specialize in long-term relationships with our patients. Our dentists and their support team want everyone comfortable, healthy and smiling for life.

Here are some signs it's time to come see us.

1. You have had a cleaning and check-up in a long time. That means plaque and tartar are building up on and around your teeth and gums. These biofilms are the leading reasons behind decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Six months is the minimum interval between visits, and some people should see us more frequently depending on their oral and systemic health.

2, You have dental pain. In other words, you have a throbbing toothache, sensitivity, or discomfort when you bite and chew. Never neglect symptoms such as these as they may indicate decay, gum disease, dental abscess or deteriorating fillings or crowns. The sooner you come to the office, the sooner we have can help you feel better and spare you additional dental damage.

3. You have drainage, pus, bad breath and sore gums. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that periodontitis is the biggest reason why Americans lose teeth. These symptoms point to gum problems which require immediate attention to forestall additional dental and systemic health issues, such as diabetes and hypertension. Also, persistent sores on the gums or anywhere in your mouth could indicate oral cancer.

4. Your jaw hurts and makes odd clicking sounds. Some people have a condition called TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This common problem stems from many factors, including poor dental bite, stress and arthritis in the joints themselves. Your dentist can manage your TMJ through careful diagnosis, X-rays, and most typically, your use of an oral appliance.

5. Your smile is less than perfect. In other words, you don't like the way you look. Maybe your teeth have always been crooked (which also has health implications), or you have deep, yellow stains that make you self-conscious. Maybe you'd like to replace old metal fillings with tooth-colored restorations, or you chipped a few teeth in a fall. Our advanced cosmetic dentistry services can erase these problems and make you proud of your smile.

We love to see you smile

So, come see the friendly team at Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in McDonough, GA. Prevent or restore problems, and improve your smile appearance. These are all great reasons to see your dentists, Dr. Brooks and Dr. Johnson. Call us for an appointment soon: (678) 583-0330.