Sometimes, as they say, when you know, you know. You can tell that your car’s flat tire needs air, and you can even tell when the temperature drops you should probably put on a jacket. But what about when you need a dental filling? Tooth problems like decay or cavities aren’t always obvious. Here’s a closer look at some indicators that it’s time to see a dentist to have your tooth examined, and a few tips for avoiding cavities altogether!

Sometimes, life gets in the way of your best intentions. Vegetables can go bad in your crisper because you didn’t feel like cooking, and those free trials can become costly subscriptions because you got too busy to cancel within 30 days. But when it comes to your smile, putting off your regular dental appointments can come at a much bigger cost.

The good news is that no matter how long it’s been since your last exam and cleaning, you’re always welcome to return, but avoiding the dental chair can be dangerous to your oral and overall health, as well as to your bank account. Here’s a closer look at what will happen when you arrive, and why now is the perfect time to get back into the habit of protecting your smile!