Patient guide
How to take clear photos of your teeth for an online consultation
Good photos help a dentist understand your problem much faster in an online consultation. You only need a phone, good light and a helper if possible. These steps take about five minutes.
Reviewed by Dr. Sharifa B, BDS ·
Before you start
- Brush your teeth gently so food does not hide the problem
- Stand facing a window in daylight, or ask someone to hold a torch
- Clean the phone camera lens
- Ask a family member to take the photos if you can; it is much easier
- Turn off the flash for close-ups if it washes out the picture
The photos to take
- Front: bite your back teeth together and smile widely
- Left and right sides: pull the cheek back with a clean finger or spoon handle
- Upper teeth from below: tilt your head back and open wide
- Lower teeth from above: tilt the phone down and open wide
- Close-up of the problem area, from two angles
- If there is swelling, one photo of your face from the front and one from the side
Tips for sharp pictures
- Tap the screen on the tooth to focus before taking the photo
- Hold the phone about 15–20 cm away; zoom slightly instead of moving too close
- Take several photos of each view and keep the clearest ones
- A short video while you point to the tooth can also help
Also share, if you have them
- Recent X-rays or OPG (a clear photo of the film or the report is fine)
- Your treatment plan or quote from another clinic
- Names of medicines you are taking and any health conditions
Braces, dentures or a swelling inside the mouth
Take photos with dentures removed, unless the problem is with the denture itself; then take one with it in and one without. With braces, take the same views; the dentist mainly needs to see the gums and the area of concern. For a swelling or ulcer inside the mouth, take a close-up and note how many days it has been there.
Your privacy
On AskMyDentist, your photos go through a private upload link that only the dental team can open, and every view is logged. Please don't post dental photos in public groups.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dentist diagnose from photos?
Photos help a dentist judge what the problem may be and how urgent it is. Some problems, like cracks or infection at the root, need an in-person examination and X-ray to confirm.
How many photos should I send?
Usually five or six clear photos are enough: front, both sides, upper, lower and a close-up of the problem area.
Can I send photos on WhatsApp?
After you book, you get a private upload link, which is the safer way to share them. If uploading is difficult, tell us and we will help.
