Is it time for a check-up? 5 signs you should see a dentist
5 signs it’s time to go back to the dentist
When life gets busy, it’s easy to put dental care on the back-burner. But your mouth is great at sending early warning signs about when something needs attention. Acting fast can save you from weeks, months and even years of discomfort – not to mention time and money.
If you notice any of these five red flags, it’s a good cue to book an initial visit with our friendly team at Prospective Smiles.
1. Constant toothache or lingering sensitivity
A sudden twinge when you sip something cold might be harmless. But if the pain continues after the trigger is gone, or you’re getting sharp ‘zaps’ when eating or drinking, it’s time to get seen. Persistent sensitivity can be a big indicator of early decay, worn enamel, receding gums, a cracked tooth or even an infection.
Here’s what we’ll do. We start with a gentle examination and, if needed, small digital X-rays to pinpoint the cause. Depending on our findings, your treatment could be as simple as a remineralising treatment or a small filling. If there’s deeper damage, taking care of it early usually means more comfortable care and better long-term results.
Tip while you wait: Avoid extreme temperatures. Keep the area clean and take Panadol or Nurofen (if appropriate), then book in.
2. Bleeding gums, puffiness, bad breath
A little pink in the sink isn’t normal. Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, look swollen, feel tender or are accompanied by ongoing bad breath usually mean gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Left untreated, gum disease can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
We’ll measure your gum health, get rid of plaque and calculus (the hardened, stuck-on form) and teach you some easy techniques to improve cleaning where it counts. With consistent care and professional cleans, early gum disease is often reversible. Where disease is more serious, we’ll map out a treatment plan to stabilise things and protect your smile.
Good to know: Hormonal changes, some medications and mouth-breathing can make gums more reactive – so if you’re noticing changes, come in for a check.
3. A chipped or cracked tooth (or a lost filling/crown)
Accidents happen. A stray olive pit, a knock on the footy field. Even if a chip or crack is painless, it can open a pathway for bacteria and make the tooth weaker over time. A loose tooth or a lost filling/crown is also a sign to get on top of things.
After a quick assessment, we’ll protect the tooth – usually on the same day. Your options range from a smooth polish of a minor chip to a tooth-coloured filling, onlay or crown for larger fractures. If a filling or crown has come out, bring it to your appointment if you can – sometimes we can re-cement it.
Don’t wait: Temporary fixes at home (like glue) can trap bacteria and make things so much worse. Call us straight away and we’ll fit you in.
4. Jaw pain and clicking
If you wake up with a sore jaw, have a clicking or locking sensation around the jaw joint, or notice any flattened or chipped edges on your teeth, you might be clenching or grinding (bruxism) or experiencing a TMJ/TMD issue. All of these habits and conditions strain your teeth and muscles, and they can fracture restorations over time.
We’ll look for wear patterns, check your bite, ask about your quality of sleep and stress levels, as well as rule out any dental causes of pain. Support can include a custom night guard, bite adjustments, gentle muscle-therapy exercises and simple habit coaching. The goal is comfort now and prevention for the future.
Sleep matters: Grinding can really ramp up during poor sleep or stress. Small routine tweaks can help – so ask us about some practical tips.
5. Sores or lumps that don’t heal within two weeks
Most mouth ulcers heal pretty quickly on their own. But any ulcer, white/red patch, lump or numb spot that lasts for more than two weeks deserves a look from a professional. Changes like this can be caused by irritation, infection, vitamin deficiencies or (rarely) something more serious.
Your dentist will examine the area, review your health and habits and then decide whether monitoring, treatment or a specialist referral is the best option. We’ll also perform routine oral cancer screenings during check-ups.
Early checks = peace of mind.
The big rule: If it doesn’t heal in two weeks, book in!
What to expect at Prospective Smiles
We know dental visits can be daunting – especially if you’ve had discomfort or it’s been years since your last appointment. That’s why you can expect:
Listening first: Tell us what you’re feeling and what’s worrying you.
Gentle, thorough exam: We explain every step in plain English.
Transparent options and costs: You’ll always know what we recommend and why before anything starts.
Solutions that fit your life: From quick fixes to long-term plans, we adjust our care to your budget and availability.
We treat patients of all ages and service a full range of general, preventive and restorative dentistry – plus children’s care. If your little one is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), ask us about bulk-billed options for covered services.
Why getting in early will pay off
Dental problems rarely improve on their own. Seeing us when the first red flags appear means:
A more comfortable treatment.
Cheaper visits compared to a ‘wait and see’ approach.
Better outcomes for your teeth and gums.
Fewer surprises (and hopefully no emergency visits).
Think of your dental appointment like a safety check for your smile – quick now, so you can get on with life feeling more confident.
Ready to feel better?
If any of these signs sound familiar, we’re here to help. Book online or call our friendly team on (08) 8344 4745 and we’ll find a time that suits you – sooner than you think. You’ll leave with answers, a plan and that “I’ve got this” feeling.
Visit us: 3/74 Prospect Road, Prospect SA
Call: (08) 8344 4745
Email: hello@prospectivesmiles.com.au
FAQ’s
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If pain lasts longer than 24-48 hours or wakes you at night, book ASAP – earlier is easier to treat.
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No. Occasional irritation can happen, but regular bleeding probably means gum inflammation. A professional clean and better home care will help.
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Yes. If you’ve chipped or lost a tooth, broken a filling/crown or have facial swelling, call us – we keep space for urgent appointments.
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Try not to. Leaving a tooth uncovered can cause more sensitivity, decay or even a fracture. Bring the restoration with you – sometimes we can re-cement it.
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Absolutely! We promise gentle, family-friendly care and can guide you through CDBS options for eligible children.
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