Coburg Hill Oral Care
A Great Dentist

The Top Five Dental Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore (and When to See the Dentist)

April 10, 2025
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Posted By: Dr Matthew Tan

Of course, your dentist in Coburg, VIC, recommends twice-yearly checks and cleans to lower your risks for oral health issues, but if you have problems or concerns before these bookings, we want to hear from you.

You may wonder what we mean by problems or concerns—in short, any oral health change that does not improve or disappear needs to be referred to the dentist.

The most common of these include:

  • Mouth Sores: Oral sores or lesions that worsen or remain
  • Tooth Sensitivity: Growing tooth sensitivity that does not go away
  • Mouth Injuries: Oral injuries that cause bleeding or general oral trauma
  • Toothaches or Swelling: Issues usually indicative of a root canal infection
  • Gum Irritation: Bleeding or tender gums, especially when brushing and flossing

Oral Health Changes: When to See the Dentist

Mouth Sores

Sometimes, mouth sores are not serious, so please don’t be anxious. But mouth sores that worsen or don’t heal on their own should be evaluated. We provide oral cancer screenings for our patients during routine checks and cleans.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can occur for various reasons. For example, you may be brushing or flossing too hard. However, some sensitivity can mean an emerging tooth infection or a new cavity. For tooth sensitivity, you shouldn’t wait to see the dentist.

Mouth Injuries

A slight bump to the tooth and minor bleeding may not require dental care, but if a tooth or restoration is loose or damaged, it’s important to contact our dental team to book an emergency visit.

Toothache or Swelling

Toothaches and swelling indicate oral infection, typically in the tooth’s canal. Without prompt treatment, you risk losing the tooth, increasing pain and spreading the infection.

Gum Irritation

Red, swollen, or receding gums may indicate gingivitis or periodontal disease, especially if they bleed during your oral hygiene session. It’s important to seek prompt treatment to avoid the oral and systemic health issues associated with untreated gum disease.

Your Dentist in Coburg, VIC, Awaits Your Call

To book an appointment or if you have questions for our dental team, you can reach us on (03) 9041 5301.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and we recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.