8 Signs You Should See a Dentist Sooner Rather Than Later
Some dental problems announce themselves loudly. Others creep up quietly, and it's tempting to wait and see. Here are eight signs it's time to book — and the ones that shouldn't wait.
1. A toothache that lingers
Brief sensitivity to something cold is common. Pain that lasts, throbs, wakes you at night or comes on when you bite usually means decay or infection has reached the nerve. Early on that's often a simple filling; left longer it may need root canal treatment — complex cases can be seen by our visiting specialist endodontist, Dr Langley Tasmania. If it's severe, call us — see our emergency dentist page.
2. Gums that bleed
Bleeding when you brush or floss isn't normal — it's usually the first sign of gum disease, and the good news is that early gum disease is reversible.
3. Sensitivity that's getting worse
New or increasing sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things can point to worn enamel, receding gums, a cracked tooth or decay under an old filling. Worth a look before it becomes a proper ache.
4. Bad breath that won't budge
Persistent bad breath despite good brushing is often gum disease, trapped food around a broken filling, or a dry mouth. A check & clean usually finds the cause quickly.
5. A chipped, cracked or broken tooth
Even if it doesn't hurt, a chip lets bacteria in and can crack further. Small chips are easily smoothed or bonded; bigger breaks may need a same-day crown. If a tooth is knocked out, don't wait at all — here's what to do.
6. Jaw pain, clicking or headaches on waking
Often a sign of clenching or grinding, especially during stressful periods. Grinding wears teeth flat and can crack them; a custom night guard is a simple fix.
7. Wisdom teeth making themselves known
Pressure, swelling or soreness at the back of the mouth in your late teens or twenties usually means wisdom teeth are on the move. Not everyone needs them removed, but they should be assessed with an X-ray — read about wisdom teeth, or ask for Dr Steve Tangney, who has a special interest in wisdom tooth surgery.
8. It's been more than a year
No symptoms is great — but plenty of decay and gum problems are painless until they're advanced. If you can't remember your last check-up, that's the sign. See how often you should really visit the dentist.
Which of these can't wait?
Facial swelling, a knocked-out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or pain you can't manage — call us the same day. We keep emergency appointments across our Broulee and Batemans Bay clinics.
Noticed one of these?
Book online with the Tidy Tooth team in Broulee or Batemans Bay, or get in touch if you'd rather talk it through first. New to us? Start with our new patients page.
Sources: Australian Dental Association (teeth.org.au) · healthdirect — toothache and swelling
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for individual dental advice. Your dentist or oral health therapist can assess your mouth and recommend what's right for you.
