Dental concerns
Periodontal disease affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It is caused by sticky plaque and hard deposits of tartar. It occurs when teeth are not kept clean enough. When you get really bad gum disease it is usually hereditary or an effect of malnutrition. This should be immediately investigated.
There are many reasons why you may experience bleeding gums from something simple, like using the wrong technique when you brush or floss, or it could be a sign of a more serious issue such as a health condition you need to check out.
Our teeth are very strong but despite this, the stresses and strains of our everyday life can still cause them to chip, crack or break.
Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth, usually on the soft tissue - cheeks, lips or tongue.
We use resin composite fillings to match the colour of your teeth and ensure a long-lasting and natural-looking result.
If you are experiencing toothache, it's important to book an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.
Wisdom teeth can sometimes emerge at an angle or get stuck and only partially emerge. Teeth that grow through like this are known as impacted and can sometimes cause a range of problems.
This is where a painful infection (an abscess) has developed in the surrounding bone at the end of the root of a tooth. The dentist cleans the infected area to save the tooth and is usually carried out on a tooth that has already been root-filled.
Bad breath can be caused by gum disease, but even with good oral hygiene and healthy teeth, you could still have bad breath. It is the bacteria in the mouth which usually causes bad breath and is not a sign of general ill health.
Fissures are groves in the chewing surfaces in the back teeth. They are difficult to keep clean and therefore at more risk of decay but they can be sealed with a tough plastic to protect them. The plastic is liquid at first but then it sets hard once dried. They may be see-through or dyed to the colour of the tooth. The sealant is only used on permanent teeth rather than milk teeth.
Fluoride is a mineral that is found all around us in small amounts. It is very effective in protecting teeth against decay. Public health experts have known for many years that fluoride protects teeth. Some parts of America had natural fluoride in their water and more than 50 years ago, dentists noticed that people living there had strong healthy teeth.
Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent disease.
As well as damaged by decay, they can be eroded by acids in the mouth. Acids can come from food, drink or sometimes from your stomach. Acids dissolve minerals out of the hard enamel surface, making teeth thin. The teeth can then become extra sensitive to hot and cold food and drink.
X-rays show what is happening inside and around the tooth and its roots. They will show any decay or gum disease, bone loss and, in children, how the jaw is growing too.
