When it comes to the basics of dental hygiene, most people know how to follow the basics — such as brushing twice a day — but are too quick to overlook the seemingly minor dental problems that occur from time to time. But it can be dangerous.

"What many patients don't realize is that the health of your teeth is essential to your overall health," said Akeadra Bell, an assistant clinical professor at East Carolina University School of Dentistry and dentist at Triangle Family Dentistry in Rolesville, Carolina. Northern.

“As dentists, we don't just treat teeth and we don't just look at teeth. Your oral cavity is the opening to your body and everything is connected," said Bell. This means that skipping a dental appointment or ignoring a toothache can lead to bigger problems in the future.

If you're wondering what problems should bring you to the dentist's chair, here's what the experts say:

1. Bleeding while brushing or flossing

The most important problem to always address is any bleeding while brushing or flossing, according to W. Craig Noblett, clinical associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

This can be an early sign of periodontal disease. In the early stages, the problem can affect gum tissue, but can cause bone damage if left untreated, Noblett said.

Not all bleeding is a sign of periodontal disease: "You can have localized gum tissue irritation if you have something stuck in your gums near a tooth," Noblett said.

Popcorn husks are a common trigger for this type of irritation. But if you frequently notice bleeding while brushing or flossing, it's a good indication that you have a problem that needs to be addressed by your dentist.

2. Any kind of pain in the mouth

Any type of mouth pain is important to discuss with your dentist, Bell said. It doesn't matter if it's a pain in the teeth or gums, or if it happens while chewing, brushing your teeth, or doing nothing.

"The pain could mean you have a cavity or it could be a tooth that's infected," Bell said. It can also mean gum disease or tooth irritation from brushing too hard. "Whenever you feel that pain, you should definitely visit the dentist," she said.

3. Sensitivity to temperature changes

If your teeth are sensitive to temperature changes, especially cold temperatures, you should keep this in mind, Noblett said.

"I think we're all a little sensitive when we first bite into ice cream, that's pretty normal," Noblett said. "But if you have pain that lingers after swallowing, or you feel throbbing, that's a concern," he said.

"It's a good indicator that the tissues in one or more teeth are inflamed, and that's coming from either cavities or a crack in the tooth," he said.

4. Swelling, abscess or lump

"A swelling or abscess requires immediate care," Bell said.

New areas of tissue growth or the appearance of lumps in the mouth should also be taken seriously. "They can be found on the cheeks, on the tongue, around the bottom of the oral cavity, she explained.

In addition, sores that won't heal are another worrying sign that it's time to visit the dentist.

"Areas of tissue growth or lumps can be signs of oral cancer, and what I always say is I'd rather patients come in for nothing than something," Bell said. "Better safe than sorry."

This should not panic you; most lumps or tissue growths in the mouth are not oral cancer, she noted. It can also indicate a blocked salivary duct or just irritation. Either way, you'll want to address it, Huff Post writes.

5. Teeth grinding at night

Nighttime teeth grinding may not be as easy to decipher as some of the other problems mentioned, but Noblett said it's an important issue to monitor. This habit can lead to tooth decay and changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

If you sleep next to your partner, he may be able to tell if you grind your teeth at night. Or, you can watch for signs in the morning like a headache or a change in the way your teeth fit together, Noblett said.

If something is wrong with your oral health, don't ignore it.

"I tell my patients not to ignore any problem," Bell said. "And the real reason behind that is the perception of the problem and the perception of the pain. It's different for every patient." What may seem like sensitivity to cold to one person may be pain to another.

Because each person perceives things differently, it is important to report any concerns or concerns to the dentist so they can see what is going on. If you notice that an unpleasant toothache has suddenly disappeared, your body may have become accustomed to the pain or the nerve may have died," added Bell.

"That's why you always see the dentist because dental problems don't go away on their own — they just get worse," Bell said.