Signs it's time to visit the dentist

We all know going to the dentist is a pain, sometimes literally. But your teeth are pretty precious – just think how much you use them every day. Regular check-ups and cleans can do wonders for your dental health, keeping your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.

Here are just a handful of signs it’s time to visit the dentist.

Bleeding gums

Brushing or flossing too vigorously, brushing too often or using a hard bristled toothbrush can cause bleeding gums and may indicate dental disease. Switching to a soft bristled toothbrush and easing up on frequency may help. If you’re experiencing ongoing tenderness though, it might be something more serious.

A build-up of plaque can lead to infection, resulting in sore, red and swollen gums. These are the early signs of gingivitis or gum disease.

Advanced gum disease, periodontitis, may occur if gingivitis isn’t treated. In addition to the signs of gingivitis, you may experience bad breath, receding gums and loose teeth.

Loose teeth

Losing your first baby tooth is up there for childhood achievements. The same cannot be said for adults – in fact, it's a common nightmare! Gum disease, teeth grinding or clenching, or injury may cause a loose tooth in an adult. Whatever the underlying cause, your loose tooth needs professional attention from your dentist as it can cause further damage.

Mouth sores

Most superficial mouth sores such as ulcers will go away on their own with a couple weeks. Some, however, could be signs of a fungal or viral infection and require topical treatment. If you find whitish coloured sores on the inside of your cheeks, or on the gums or tongue, this could be leukoplakia, a condition that is potentially cancerous.

Jaw pain

Jaw pain is frequently brought on by teeth grinding, something most of us do in our sleep without realising. Dentists can help prevent teeth grinding with custom-made mouth guards. Other causes of jaw pain include tooth aches, sinus problems or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, see your dental professional.

Sensitive teeth

Tooth sensitivity is most often noticed when sipping hot or cold drinks. It can be caused from things like brushing with a hard toothbrush or using teeth-whitener. More serious reasons for sensitive teeth include receding gums, tooth enamel erosion, tooth decay or a leaky filling. If sensitivity persists, talk to your dentist about the best solution.

Bad breath

Momentary bad breath, or halitosis, is nothing to be alarmed by. It’s usually brought on from food residue, hunger, or tobacco products. However, if it’s ongoing, it could mean something more sinister. If you’re concerned, see your dentist for an exact diagnosis.

Tooth ache

Tooth aches can occur from infections, gum disease, teeth decay, or impending wisdom teeth. They don’t naturally heal themselves and if left too long can result in a lot of pain and a dead tooth. Any feeling of a tooth ache for more than 2 days requires a visit to the dentist.

Stained teeth

Whether it’s after drinking red wine or tea, or smoking, we can all get stained teeth from time to time. But if the little yellow or brown marks don’t disappear after a brush, it’s usually time for a professional clean!

With regular visits to the dentist, you may avoid paying more in the long run and reduce the risk of dental health issues. Medibank members with eligible extras cover for two months or more get 100% back on up to two dental check-ups every year, including x-rays, at any Members’ Choice Advantage dentist.*