Text alternative: Your mouth and what to check for

Good oral health for adults

What to check for

Lips: Dryness, lumps, cracked corners, inflammation or abnormal colour

Tongue: Patchy, white coating or any ulcers, redness or swelling

Gums: Ulcers, sores, swelling, redness or bleeding

Teeth: Worn down teeth, decay (black or brown spots), broken fillings

Dentures: Cracks, breaks, worn areas, cleanliness, signs of irritation

Adults who have both a Medicare Card and a Centrelink Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card or a Commonwealth Seniors Card are eligible for free public dental services in NSW.

5 facts to know about when checking your mouth

• Dental disease is preventable and can be minimised if caught early.
• Check your mouth closely and weekly for any changes.
• Look for any changes in your mouth: swelling, red or white patches, gums that have changed colour or sores that do not heal.
• Contact a dental professional if you are experiencing any pain ,swelling, bleeding or infection within or around your mouth.
• Visit your dental professional regularly, ideally yearly.

5 signs of a healthy mouth

• Lips: Healthy lips should be smooth, pink and moist.
• Tongue: A healthy tongue should be pink and moist
• Gums: Healthy gums and tissues should be pink, moist, smooth and free from bleeding and swelling.
• Teeth: Healthy teeth should be clean and free from food, plaque and decay.
• Dentures: should be clean and well-fitting

For further information visit our Information for patients

Hard copies of this publication can be obtained from Better Health Centre Publications (02) 9887 5450

SHPN (COHS) 140126 April 2016​