No. With the right home care and help from your dentist and hygienist, it is possible to keep your teeth for life. Gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented whatever your age.
Most people have heard of cancer affecting parts of the body such as the lungs or breasts. However, cancer can occur in the mouth, where the disease can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. Regular dental checkups help detect it early.
Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Your dentist can see from an X-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, infections in the roots, or bone loss around the tooth. X-rays can help the dentist to see in between your teeth or under the edge of your fillings. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save both time and money.
Adults can have a maximum of 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth or third molars are the last to come through, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Nowadays people often have jaws too small for all 32 teeth — 28 is often the most we have room for. So if all other teeth are present and healthy there may not be enough space for wisdom teeth to come through properly.
Ulcers are painful sores that appear inside the mouth. They are usually red or yellow. They are different from cold sores, which appear on the outer lips and are due to a virus.
A cold sore is a small, painful raised area of fluid-filled blisters, usually where the lip joins the surrounding skin. Cold sores tend to last 5 to 7 days and can keep coming back. Most people only have them once or twice a year.
Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour. This is because sugar reacts with bacteria in plaque and produces harmful acids. Acidic foods and drinks can also erode the enamel, exposing dentine underneath — causing sensitivity. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh produce helps prevent gum disease.
A simple test: lick the inside of your wrist and sniff — if the smell is bad, your breath is likely too. Signs include people stepping away when you talk or turning their cheek when you say goodbye. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups can help address the root cause.
An attractive and healthy smile is important when meeting people and making friends — and it boosts your confidence. Poor oral care can lead to bad breath, stained teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss and dental erosion.
Your teeth help you cut up and chew food, help you talk and make sounds, and give your face its shape. You have four types: incisors (sharp, front teeth that cut food), canines (hold and tear food), pre-molars (crush food) and molars (chew and grind food into small pieces).
Treatments & Procedures
A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a 'cap'.
Cosmetic dentistry is a way of improving your appearance through dental procedures. Treatments include veneers, crowns, bridges, tooth-coloured fillings, implants and tooth whitening — used to straighten, lighten, reshape and repair teeth.
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth is infected through decay or injury. You may not feel pain in the early stages. In some cases, your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean the nerve has died. The treatment removes infected pulp and seals the tooth.
A dental implant is a titanium metal rod placed into the jawbone to support one or more false teeth. Both the false teeth and their supporting rod are commonly referred to as 'implants'. They are a permanent, stable solution for missing teeth.
Tooth whitening can effectively lighten the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the existing shade significantly — up to 8 shades brighter with professional treatment.
There are several types of fillings: Amalgam (silver coloured), Composite fillings (tooth coloured), Glass ionomer (tooth coloured), Gold inlays and onlays (gold coloured), and Porcelain inlays (tooth coloured). Your dentist will recommend the best option for your situation.
Take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid as much exercise as you can and rest as much as possible. Keep your head up to avoid any bleeding. Follow your dentist's post-extraction care instructions carefully.
Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your children's teeth from decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth, forming a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves and causing decay.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth to improve their appearance and how they work. It also helps look after the long-term health of the teeth, gums and jaw joints by spreading the biting pressure over all the teeth.
It depends on how much work there is to do and how far your teeth need to be moved. Fixed braces usually take between 12 and 24 months, but could take longer for severe problems. Removable braces usually take less time. Your dentist or orthodontist will give you advice specific to your case.
Gum & Mouth Conditions
Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms: gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease (damage to tissues and bone supporting the teeth).
Lichen planus is a long-lasting disease that can affect the mouth and sometimes other areas of the body. When it appears in the mouth it is called 'oral lichen planus'. It usually happens in middle to late life and more women get it than men.
Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. Enamel is the hard, protective coating of the tooth, which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. When the enamel is worn away, the dentine is exposed, which may lead to pain and sensitivity.
Geographic tongue is a common condition where the tongue develops irregular, smooth red areas with wavy white lines next to them. The position of these patches changes over time. It is usually harmless, though it can sometimes cause sensitivity to certain foods.
Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that continues for several hours. It can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems and should be assessed by your dentist.
Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss and in more severe cases, mouth cancer. Many people don't realise the extent of damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums and teeth alongside the broader health risks.
Special Care & Patients
Yes. Due to hormone changes during pregnancy, some women's dental health needs closer attention. For instance, you may notice that your gums appear to bleed more easily. Regular checkups during pregnancy are recommended.
People with physical disabilities may have problems accessing the dental surgery or dental chair. People with learning disabilities may become anxious or need extra reassurance. People with severe medical problems may need extra precautions. Our team is trained to accommodate all these needs.
It is recommended that children go to the dentist with their parents as soon as possible and then regularly as often as the dentist recommends. This lets them get used to the noises, smells and surroundings and prepares them for future visits. The earlier these visits begin, the more relaxed the children will be.
Dental anxiety is very common. It may stem from bad childhood experiences, sounds and smells, or fear of pain. The good news is that more and more dentists now understand patients' fears, and with kindness and gentleness can make dental treatment a normal, acceptable part of life.
Yes. At your first dental checkup, you will be asked to fill in a medical history form. Include any medical conditions, recent operations, allergies, and medicines you are taking. This information helps the dental team ensure you are treated safely.
Dentures & Home Care
Treat your dentures like you would treat your natural teeth — keep them as clean as possible to prevent further tooth loss, inflamed gums or infections. We usually recommend cleaning them thoroughly twice a day and after eating when necessary.
Always use a good toothbrush, a toothpaste suitable for your needs, and something to clean between your teeth (floss or interdental brushes). Your dentist or hygienist will recommend the best products for you and the best technique for cleaning between your teeth.
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage during sports or from teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep.
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in many foods and in all drinking water. The amount of fluoride in water varies from area to area. Fluoride helps protect teeth from decay by strengthening the enamel.
Preventive dentistry is the modern way of reducing the amount of dental treatment needed to maintain a healthy mouth. The two major causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease. The joint efforts of the dentist, the hygienist and the patient can help to prevent the need for treatment, avoiding the traditional pattern of fillings and extractions.
Dental occlusion is another name for the way your teeth meet when your jaws bite together. Problems with occlusion can cause jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on teeth, and may require orthodontic or restorative treatment.
An avulsed tooth is one that has been knocked out — often due to a blow to the mouth or a sports accident. It is possible to replace the tooth in the socket successfully if the right action is taken immediately. Keep the tooth moist and call your dentist or emergency dental service straight away.