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You are here: Home / General Dentistry / 5 Signs It’s Time for a Dental Check-Up

5 Signs It’s Time for a Dental Check-Up

by Kyle Rowley

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Most people know they should see a dentist twice a year. But sometimes your body starts asking for a visit sooner than that.

Key Takeaways

  • Bleeding gums don’t always mean periodontal disease, but they do mean something is off and worth checking out.
  • Tooth and gum pain are your body’s way of flagging a problem that may not be visible on the surface.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods is often caused by weakened enamel and gets worse if left untreated.
  • Yellow or discolored teeth can signal more than a cosmetic issue; underlying damage may be developing.
  • Loose teeth in adults are never normal and need professional attention right away.
  • You don’t have to wait for pain to see a dentist. Twice-a-year checkups catch problems before they become expensive ones.

Your body gives you signs that you must pay attention to, as neglecting them can lead to a decline in your health.

It’s common to have questions before a dental visit, such as:

What can I expect during a dental check-up in Kennewick, WA? 

During a check-up at Kennewick Dental, you can expect a thorough cleaning, digital X-rays (if needed), an oral exam, and time to discuss any concerns. Our Kennewick team focuses on preventive care and patient education, so you’ll leave not just with a cleaner smile, but with a clearer understanding of your oral health.

Signs You Should See a Dentist in Kennewick

1. Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, one of the most common dental issues among individuals over 30. It’s believed that 47.2% of all such individuals have suffered from some form of periodontitis..

While bleeding gums is a symptom of this disease, it doesn’t always mean you have periodontitis. Sometimes it’s due to tartar and other issues, and a cleaning can help.

Nonetheless, if the situation persists, it may lead to other health problems, so it’s best to seek treatment.

2. Tooth or Gum Ache

Don’t make the mistake of neglecting tooth or gum aches, as they are both signs of something worse to come. Your teeth are strong and will not cause you any pain unless there is something wrong with your oral health.

Teeth typically hurt when there are problems that may not be visible unless you go to a dentist. These include tooth decay, tooth fractures, and even gum infections. At times, a damaged filling can also cause a toothache.

3. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

If you’re not able to enjoy hot and cold foods and beverages as you should, there might be something wrong with your teeth. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods is a common condition typically caused by weakened enamel, the layer that protects your teeth.

According to dentists, failure to brush and floss properly is the main reason behind this problem. However, some other causes exist as well. If you have sensitive teeth, you should visit a dentist without delay, as the condition not only prevents you from enjoying your meals but can also be a sign of a more serious dental issue.

4. Teeth Losing Their Shine

If your teeth are turning yellow, you are probably in for a bad surprise. Teeth turn yellow for various reasons, including poor dental hygiene, smoking, and drinking.

Yellow or discolored teeth are bad for several reasons, as they not only prevent you from having a bright white smile, but they can also kill your confidence. Moreover, if you leave the condition untreated, it may cause irreversible damage to your teeth.

5. Loose Tooth

There are many causes of loose teeth, including conditions such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to lose density over time, making them weaker and more prone to fractures. It can affect the jawbone and may increase the risk of certain dental issues.

If you have any such condition in which you have loose teeth, you need to visit a dentist to work out a course of action to correct the problem.

What Our Patients Say

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Pam L.
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Always a pleasure to visit Kennewick Dental. Fast, efficient, and painless. The staff is great and made me feel right at home.

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Ammon R.
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This dentist in kennewick, did a great job, awesome people, would brush here again. Update, went in a second time, still had a great experience.

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Jess R.
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Understanding, friendly, caring, excellent customer service. The receptionist with the light colored hair is amazing! Highly recommend!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Visits in Kennewick, WA

Should I see a dentist or a doctor?

If you're dealing with pain in your teeth, gums, or jaw, it's best to see a dentist. Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat oral health issues directly. If you're not sure whether the pain is dental-related, the team at Kennewick Dental can assess the problem and refer you to the appropriate provider if needed.

What questions should I ask my dentist?

When visiting the dentist, it's helpful to ask questions that help you better understand your oral health and any recommended treatments. Consider asking:

  • How is my oral health overall?
  • Are there areas I should focus on more?
  • What treatments do I need, and why?
  • Are there alternatives to this treatment?
  • How can I improve my daily oral hygiene routine?

Ready to Schedule Your Next Checkup?

At Kennewick Dental, we encourage open communication because informed patients make confident decisions about their care.

Visit Kennewick Dental if you have questions related to your oral health. We have a team of experts who will answer all your questions related to your dental health. Have a dental emergency? No worries, we can help you there as well. Call (509) 374-4077.

 

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About Kyle Rowley

Dr. Kyle Rowley grew up near Walla Walla and completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He's been practicing in the Tri-Cities since 2018 and focuses on general and cosmetic dentistry. Outside the office, he's usually spending time with his wife and four kids, woodworking, or watching football.

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Emily

Registered Dental Hygienist

Emily has lived in the Tri-Cities since she was ten years old. She graduated from Columbia Basin College in 2019 with a bachelor’s in dental Hygiene. She loves making her patients smile and educating them about their dental health. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, photography, hiking, and going on road trips with her husband and her two dogs.

Allie

Registered Dental Hygienist

Allie has been working in dentistry since 2014 and joined Kennewick Dental as a hygienist in 2023. Allie loves working with patients to provide the best cleaning possible and make it as comfortable as possible.

She grew up in California, but moved to Washington state in 2005. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 boys. Allie also enjoys camping, spending time outdoors and traveling.

Tiffani

Front Desk

Tiffani joined our Kennewick Dental team in August of 2023 and brought a wealth of 14 years of experience in dentistry with her. She focuses on recare and insurance, but most importantly providing excellent customer service. She enjoys making someone’s day!

Tiffani graduated from Everest College in Dental Assisting in 2010 out in California. Outside the office she enjoys anything outdoors with her 2 sons and loves to travel!

Marissa

Registered Dental Hygienist

Marissa joined the Kennewick Dental team in September 2022. She began as a dental assistant in 2017 and pursued her education to become a dental hygienist. She loves connecting with her patients and providing an experience like none other. She thrives on educating patients about the oral-systemic link and how the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. She speaks fluent Spanish and English.

In her downtime, she loves shopping, spending time with family and friends, cosmetic artistry, and taking spontaneous trips out of town.

Kaydin

Registered Dental Assistant

Kaydin joined the Kennewick Dental team in September 2022. She received certification as a Registered Dental Assistant from the Tri-Cities Dental Assisting School in May 2022. She took a great interest in pursuing a career in the dental field after high school in 2021. One of her favorite parts of dentistry is building relationships with patients and seeing so many lovely smiles each day!

When she is not working, Kaydin loves to write poetry, spend time with her family, and travel! She is a self-proclaimed adventurer and enjoys anything that gets her out and about is always refreshing!

Ellissa

Registered Dental Assistant

Ellissa joined Kennewick Dental in August 2021. She has been a Registered Dental Assistant since 2007 from Tri-Tech Vocational.She previously has experience in Endodontics and Orthodontics. Ellissa has a bubbly personality and loves making the patients feel at ease during dental treatment and making them smile.

She enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, has a passion for outdoor adventures, is an avid hunter, welder, and working on her trucks.

Minnie

Registered Dental Assistant

Mabuhay! Originally from the Philippine lslands, Minnie joined Kennewick Dental in 2021 and has worked as a Dental Assistant in the Tri-Cities since 2017. She loves working for Kennewick Dental and feels at home working for a practice that is as passionate as she is about helping their patients and providing them with the best care possible.

When she is not in the office, she enjoys traveling across the world with her husband
and 3 boys, engaging in photography and working on her online side business.

Diane

Front Desk

Diane joined Kennewick Dental in September of 2021; Diane completed dental assisting school in 2004 at Eton Technical Institute. Diane recently moved to Tri-Cities from Walla Walla. Diane has two kids and one stepdaughter. She enjoys camping and hanging out with her family in her spare time. In addition, Diane is an avid runner and has run 11 marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

Heather

Registered Dental Assistant

Heather joined Kennewick Dental in September 2020. She is a native of the lower Yakima Valley and brings with her a wide range of experience within the dental field for the past 14 years. Getting to personally know each patient and creating a long-standing trust with each visit is what she holds to value.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, pilates, and yoga.

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Alexis

Registered Dental Hygienist

Alexis joined Kennewick Dental in August 2020, after her graduation with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Columbia Basin College. She has also been a smoke-free lifestyle advocate through the Truth Initiative since September 2018. Alexis strives to implement the highest standard of care to her patients while creating a warm and trusting environment.
In her free time, Alexis loves being with her family and friends, watching movies, and playing with her two dogs.

Laurie

Registered Dental Assistant

Laurie joined Kennewick Dental in July 2020, with 18 years experience as a Dental Assistant, and nearly 5 years as an Oral Surgery technician, where she received her Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification, and 9 years working as a Pediatric Dental Assistant, and 5 years as a General Dentistry Assistant.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors and barrel racing.

Dina

Sterilization Tech & Registered Dental Assistant

Dina joined Kennewick Dental in February 2020, and she completed Dental Assisting School here in Tri-Cities in 2015. Dina moved to the Tri-Cities from the Ukraine in 2001. She speaks fluent Ukrainian, Russian, and English.
Dina enjoys spending time with her husband and son, being outdoors, and teaching singing lessons to adults and children.

Patty

Front Desk

Patty joined Kennewick Dental in July 2020, and she has been involved in the dental field for over 30 years here in the Tri-Cities. Patty has been married for 10 years, she has an adult son and daughter, and 4 grandchildren.
They all enjoy riding Razors, horses, and going camping.

Kirsten

Registered Dental Assistant & Front Desk

Kirsten graduated from Spokane Community College Dental Assisting Program in 2016, and has been a Registered Dental Assistant ever since. She moved to the Tri-Cities in 2018, and joined Kennewick Dental in February of 2019. She enjoys interacting with patients and making them smile.

Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors with her husband and son, family, friends, and her dog, Ellie.

Terrah

Office Manager

Terrah joined our practice in 2018 as a registered dental assistant, and will also be greeting patients at the front desk. She graduated from the Blue Mountain Community College dental assisting program. She has 20 years of experience helping patients feel comfortable and confident about their dental treatment. The most rewarding part of her job is making people smile.

Outside of the office, Terrah enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her family and friends.

Jami

Front Desk & Registered Dental Assistant

Jami joined the Kennewick Dental team in 2015. She became a Registered Dental Assistant in 2011, following her completion from Tri-Cities Dental Assisting School. She has been a familiar face in the retail diamond jewelry industry for 10 years and enjoys connecting and greeting patients with a friendly smile. She has also been a long time patient of Dr. Barney’s.

Away from the office, Jami enjoys spending time with her husband and their newborn son. She also enjoys road trips by car and on her motorcycle, global travel, music, and is a dedicated cat lover.

Rebecca

Registered Dental Assistant

Following her graduation from the Tri-Cities Assisting School in April 2013, Becky joined Dr. Madder and Dr. Barney’s team as a dental assistant. She enjoys being able to interact with patients as well as planning and organizing their care. During her time off, Becky enjoys camping in the mountains, fishing, and spending time with her family.

Jennifer

Registered Dental Assistant

Jennifer became a registered dental assistant in 2001 following the completion of her dental assisting course at Tri-Tech in Kennewick, WA. She worked for five years dental assisting before joining the team at Kennewick Dental. Jennifer enjoys working with the team to help create beautiful smiles.

Jennifer enjoys going camping, riding four-wheelers, and spending time with her husband and their two children.

Jenny

Registered Dental Hygienist

Jenny has been employed at Kennewick Dental as a registered dental hygienist since 2008. In the past she has also been involved with a community dental health program for kids called Grinnovations. Jenny enjoys her job and loves to get to know her patients. She has a friendly, energetic personality that puts patients at ease and makes getting your teeth cleaned a fun experience.

Things she enjoys doing in her free time are spending time with her sweet family, singing, crafting, and watching cartoons.

Jennifer

Registered Dental Hygienist

Jennifer grew up on an irrigated alfalfa farm in the small town of Kahlotus, WA. She graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene and has worked with our practice since 2004. She enjoys getting to know our patients and their families and working to help them to achieve and maintain optimum oral health.

When Jennifer is not a work, she loves spending time with her husband and two boys, being physically active, working her yard, and trying new recipes.