Katoomba Dental Centre
Mother and daughter smelling fruit illustrating Should I Ask Google or My Dentist?

Should I Ask Google or My Dentist?

November 24, 2025
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Searching online for dental answers instead of calling a dentist.

The short answer is that you should always consult your dentist about your oral health. Let Google tell you which toothpaste is on sale this week or where you can get a good deal on a water flosser.

Remember, even in the age of superior search engines and AI, nothing replaces professional advice and care from your Blue Mountains dentist.

Should I Ask ChatGPT or Call My Dentist?

Here’s why Google and ChatGPT are not good enough:

It’s the middle of the night, and you have a toothache. It’s tempting to go down a rabbit hole with Dr Google, and this is understandable to a point. However, self-diagnosing with the internet can leave you anxious and scared because internet searches provide the worst-case scenarios alongside the most obvious or common diagnoses. This is true even if you visit legitimate sites affiliated with hospitals and dental associations.

Additionally, advice and instructions to ease pain or sort out a symptom can make the situation worse without a definitive diagnosis from your trusted dentist.

Likewise, ChatGPT can analyse your symptoms and provide a decent list of possibilities, but it is not a hands-on tool or a trained dentist.

Remember, your dentist is familiar with your oral health profile. Google and ChatGPT are not. These tools can provide generic advice at best, but they could also make your unique situation worse.

When to Consult Your Katoomba Dentist

  • Dental Emergencies
  • Oral Health Changes
  • Sores That Don’t Heal
  • Recurring Bad Breath
  • Bleeding Gums
  • Sudden Dry Mouth
  • Oral Injuries

Basically, any changes to your teeth, gums or oral tissues require an examination with the dentist.

Your dentist can also provide practical advice on how to avoid dental emergencies and oral health issues, such as:

  • Visiting your dentist regularly for checks and cleans
  • Brushing and flossing at least twice daily
  • Reporting oral health changes to the dentist immediately

Is It Time to Book Your Next Dental Visit?

For more information or to book an appointment with the dentist, we encourage you to call on (02) 4782 1507 or request a booking online. Remember to check out our current specials and membership plan!

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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and we recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.
"Disclaimer: All surgical or invasive procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. The information throughout this site is not intended to be taken as medical advice."
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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