Dentist or Doctor? Knowing When to Seek Dental Care

When should I see a dentist or a doctor for different mouth problems?

For some mouth-related problems, it’s not always clear whether you should see a dentist or a doctor. Booking in with the wrong provider could mean a delay in diagnosing and treating your problem, not to mention additional and unnecessary costs.

Although dentists and oral hygiene specialists work to keep your teeth, mouth and gums healthy, not all problems can be solved by a dentist. Here's how to know when to see your doctor or your dentist when something’s wrong with your oral health. 

Your doctor's role in treating oral health

Doctors do play a role in looking after your oral health. Any type of dental emergency that involves a bone fracture, dislocation or laceration or requires stitches or immediate treatment should be treated by a doctor at an emergency department.

See a doctor if your injury involves:

• soft tissue damage
• sudden impact to the head or neck
• severe swelling or bleeding
• sudden pain
• difficulty breathing

Of course, there are other times you may want to see a doctor first, before visiting your dentist. A GP can treat you for problems with your tonsils, a sore throat, or mouth problems that are side effects from medications they have provided you. 

A doctor can prescribe treatment for tonsilitis, strep throat or medication for colds and flu.

When shouldn’t you see a doctor for mouth problems?

For dental emergencies that are urgent but not life threatening can be treated by a dentist. For example, a tooth ache that causes pain should be treated by a dentist. However, if you’re experiencing tooth pain along with trouble breathing or a tooth abscess that is causing facial swelling, visit a doctor immediately. 

If you are experiencing pain that is clearly related to your teeth or gum health, you should see a dentist. This includes:

• Cracked teeth
• Broken teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Broken filling/braces
• Infection or tooth pain
• Jaw pain
• Toothache
• Missing / knocked out tooth

Should I see a dentist or doctor for mouth issues?

If you are experiencing mouth issues and aren’t sure what’s causing it, it’s best to see a dentist before you visit a GP. Mouth pain or toothache can be caused by all sorts of things. It’s likely that your dentist will have the tools and skills necessary to examine your mouth, teeth and gums and treat whatever is ailing you. Some issues you should see your dentist for include:

Ulcers

If you have a mouth ulcer, you’re better off visiting your dentist first for treatment rather than a GP. A sharp tooth, broken filling or poorly fitting dentures can all cause mouth ulcers. 

Pain swallowing

Food and debris can get stuck between the wall of your mouth and your wisdom teeth. This can result in toothache, swollen gums and pain on one side of your mouth when you swallow. A dentist has the tools to remove the built-up food and debris and clean behind your wisdom tooth.

Bad breath

Although not a problem with your teeth, bad breath is often caused by tooth decay. It could be a result of gum disease or simply just not cleaning your mouth, teeth and gums properly. A dentist can help diagnose any underlying problems like tooth decay. They can also help you improve your brushing and flossing technique. 

Ongoing jaw pain

If you have pain in your jaw when you eat or open your mouth it could be an issue to do with your TMJ. A dentist can take x-rays of your jaw and perform a check of your jaw joints. Treatment may include jaw surgery, performed by a dental surgeon.

Lumps or swelling

A lump or swollen area of the mouth could be caused by an infection or an abscess of a tooth or gum. While there can be other issues causing swelling, if it’s related to a dental infection, your dentist should treat the underlying cause of the infection first.  

Changes to the color of your mouth or gums

If you have noticed changes in the colour of the inside of your mouth or gums visit your dentist first. Dentists have training in diagnosing conditions and diseases that may affect your mouth. 

Should you visit your doctor if you have dental anxiety?

It’s not uncommon for people with dental anxiety to want to see their doctor over a dentist. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases a doctor won't be able to treat you and will suggest you see a dentist for treatment. 

At Gentle Dental, we specialise in providing dental care with a gentle touch. Our dentists will talk you through your examination, suggest a range of treatment options and can even provide extra pain relief so you won’t feel a thing. 

If you have a dental problem you’ve been avoiding, let us take care of you. Book an appointment with our friendly dentists today at one of our locations across Wellington, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.