With a reliable oral hygiene routine, you'll usually need to make a regular trip to the dentist's office once or twice a year. However, complications can still arise with your teeth that may prompt an unanticipated visit. Whether you experience an injury to your mouth or you have a serious infection in your gums, unexpected dental situations can happen at any time. Here are three times when you should book an appointment with your dentist beyond your annual check-up. 

1) You notice blood when you brush or floss.

One of the telltale signs that you should make a call to your dentist is the appearance of blood whenever you brush your teeth. Bleeding gums is an early indication that you may have gingivitis (gum disease), and a dentist can confirm this through an in-office exam. Your dentist will use a special tool to check how deep the spaces are between your teeth and your gums — the deeper the pockets, the more likely it is that a severe infection is present. Fortunately, a professional dental cleaning can help with gum disease, and your dentist will also advise you if additional treatments are needed to fully eliminate your gingivitis.

2) You feel pain when chewing.

A toothache can be more than just an uncomfortable feeling. Any sensitivity in your teeth or gums when you chew could also be a symptom of a serious underlying problem. From tooth decay or cavities to exposed enamel, there are a number of issues that only a dentist can properly diagnose. When you experience pain while eating, it's essential to visit your dentist's office to determine what treatment is required and take steps to ensure that the cause of the pain doesn't progress any further. Your dentist will take x-rays, replace broken fillings, and plan for a root canal if necessary. Even the smallest twinge of pain in your mouth should be checked out by a dentist right away, so contact a dental office if chewing takes a great deal of effort.

3) You have a loose or chipped tooth.

Teeth can become broken or knocked out of place in several ways, including accidents, sporting injuries, or advanced periodontal disease. Regardless of the reason, taking care of a loose tooth without delay is crucial in case it might be saved. Your dentist will be able to tell if your broken tooth can be preserved and how to make it happen (bone grafting, surgery, or plaque removal, for example). If the tooth can't be repaired, your dentist's office can schedule an implant procedure to help reconstruct the damaged area. You'll know for sure what should be done to fix your loose tooth after you consult a dentist.

Visiting a dentist isn't a task that many people enjoy, but there are unexpected times when an appointment in the office shouldn't be avoided. Be sure to call your dentist if you experience bleeding gums, pain when chewing, or broken teeth to keep your smile strong and healthy.