Problem solver

Most of us suffer from oral health problems at sometime or other, but it isn’t always easy to know whether you should seek professional help for them. Here is a list of some of the more common problems, with advice on what you should do about them. If the list does not include your particular problem, or if you are still unsure about what you should do, then it is best to arrange an appointment to see us – we’ll be happy to help.

• Bad Breath
• Sore and/or bleeding gums
• Aching or painful teeth
• Anxiety or nervousness when visiting the dentist
• Jaw or head aches
• Tooth grinding
• Dry mouth
• Broken tooth
• Tooth accidentally knocked out
• Chewing difficulties

Bad breath
Bad breath is a common problem and has a number of causes. Quite often people who think they have bad breath simply smell of the foods they have been eating, such as garlic, onions or spicy food. Brushing your teeth, eating sugar-free mints or using mouthwash may help to mask this odour, but it will only go completely in its own time.

Other types of bad breath tend to be caused by problems with your teeth and gums. Food can get caught between your teeth and cause an offensive smell. In addition, gum disease and tooth decay can cause bad breath.

A good oral healthcare routine can help to prevent problem smells. This means brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth and around the gumline with an interdental cleaner, and cleaning your tongue (with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper). You should also visit your dentist and hygienist as often as recommended to ensure potential problems are noticed and treated early.

If you think you may have bad breath, please do come and speak to us about it. There is no need to be embarrassed – we will be happy to help you.

back to top

Sore and/or bleeding gums
Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gum disease, so it is important to visit your dentist if you have either of these symptoms. Gum disease is very common, and is caused by a thin layer of bacteria called plaque which builds up on the teeth.

In the earlier stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis and affects the soft gum tissue. If left untreated, it can worsen into its more serious state, periodontitis. This can cause your gums to shrink away from your teeth and the bone supporting your teeth can be destroyed. This means your teeth will become loose and may fall out.

Working with you, we can help to slow down or even stop gum disease from progressing with a good oral healthcare routine and regular professional cleans.

Other factors, such as rubbing dentures, can also cause sore gums. If you are having any gum problems, please do make an appointment to see how we can help you.

back to top

Aching or painful teeth
Temporary pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods can be caused by sensitive teeth. Often this problem can be alleviated by using a toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth, but if after a few weeks it has not got any better please come and see us.

Lingering pain or toothache, or a sharp pain when biting down, is usually an indication that the tooth is decayed, cracked or otherwise damaged. Please arrange an appointment to see us as soon as you can so we can stop the problem from getting any worse.

Constant and severe pain means you may have an abscess caused by an infection. You should see us as soon as possible – we will be able to reduce the pain by giving you antibiotics, and will be able to treat the tooth once the inflammation has gone.

back to top

Anxiety or nervousness when visiting the dentist
Many people feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist. We always treat our patients with care and understanding and do our best to put them at ease.

Despite this we realize that sometimes patients need an extra helping hand to make them feel more relaxed during their time with us. Many patients have benefited from the homeopathic remedies we supply, and have recommended their usage to others. The remedies are designed to create a feeling of wellbeing and help alleviate the effects of stress and anxiety.

back to top

Jaw or head aches
Headaches, neck, shoulder and back pain and other facial and jaw problems can often be traced back to the jaw joint, which means your dentist rather than your doctor may well be the best person to help ease them. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it is worth speaking to us about it. We will examine your jaw, and the way in which your teeth meet together, and if there are any problems we will advise you on the best way to overcome them.

back to top

Tooth grinding
Tooth grinding, particularly at night, is very common, affecting up to 50% of people. It can cause sore facial muscles, headaches, ear aches and neck pain, and can also cause the teeth to become ground down and more sensitive.

Stress and anxiety can be a major cause – if you can reduce your stress levels you will often see a dramatic change in your tooth-grinding habits. If this doesn’t work, we may well be able to help, so do make an appointment to see us.

back to top

Dry mouth
Dry mouth, or Xerostomia, is becoming increasingly common. It can be a side-effect of some medication, or can be as a result of medical conditions, or simply ageing. Symptoms can be relieved by sipping water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum or using glycerine mouthwashes or artificial saliva sprays. Saliva plays a vital role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, so if you do have a dry mouth problem it is important to let us know about it.

back to top

Broken tooth
If you have broken your tooth, it is best to call us for advice immediately. If you have any broken-off pieces, place them in clean water – we may be able to use them to help repair the tooth. If the damage is bad, we may need to see you straight away, but for a minor break with no pain a scheduled appointment will be fine.

back to top

Tooth accidentally knocked out
Whatever the circumstances, if your tooth is knocked out you should seek emergency dental help immediately – the quicker you are treated the greater the chance of saving the tooth. When handling the tooth, hold it by the crown (the top bit) and not the root. Do not rinse or clean it – either hold it in your cheek (not recommended for children) or put it in a glass of milk.

back to top

Chewing difficulties
Chewing difficulties are most commonly linked with denture wearing. The dentures may not fit properly or may be worn down, which makes it difficult to eat properly. Chewing can also be troublesome if you have teeth missing, or if tooth restorations are not quite right. If you would like to eat comfortably again, please speak to us about it – we have a range of solutions to help you.

back to top