Adults can have up to 32 teeth, but not everybody has wisdom teeth. Today we often have smaller jaws than that of our ancestors meaning that if adult teeth are all in place and healthy there may not be enough space for wisdom teeth to come through properly. Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages...

Causes: The most common cause of mouth ulcers is trauma from inadvertent bites, burns or tooth brushing. Dentures and orthodontic appliances may also cause ulceration, particularly when first fitted. Some individuals suffer from recurrent oral ulceration (aphthous ulcers) and occasionally multiple ulcers may also be caused by the Herpes virus. Symptoms: in all instances, the...

Unfortunately a high proportion of children damage one or more of their front teeth in accidents. You should see a dentist as soon as possible. However if the tooth is knocked out then there are certain things that you can do to improve the chances of it being saved. Gently try and push the tooth...

A dull, throbbing pain usually indicates that a tooth is dying or is already dead and infected. Apart from using analgesics such as paracetamol the best thing to do is to seek an early dental appointment. Exposed nerves can also cause sensitivity and pain. This usually occurs when teeth move due to orthodontic treatment.

Tooth grinding is also know as Bruxism. People grind their teeth for different reason and many people don’t even realise they are doing it. Sometimes it is the unconscious result of upper and lower teeth not fitting comfortably together and trying to wear them down until they fit. If this is the case, it can be...

Acids in the mouth can dissolve away tooth surfaces. Given the chance teeth will repair themselves, using minerals from saliva. But if acid is in the mouth too often, teeth cannot repair themselves and the hard tooth surface (the enamel) becomes thinner – this is called erosion. The teeth can then become extra sensitive to...

A good scale and polish is what we all need every six months or so. Regular scaling and polishing by a dentist or hygienist help keep your teeth and gums healthy by making it easier for you to keep your teeth clean at home. You should see and feel the difference. Scaling and Polishing involves removing...

In dentistry, root resorption is the breakdown or destruction, and subsequent loss, of the root structure of a tooth. This is caused by living body cells attacking part of the tooth. When the damage extends to the whole tooth, it is called tooth resorption. Severe root resorption is very difficult to treat and often requires the extraction of...

After you have had an extraction you may need a day or so off work to recover, depending on how difficult the extraction was and whether sedation or general anaesthetic was used. Most people experience very little post-operation discomfort. The dentist will ensure that any bleeding has stopped before you leave the practice. Some advice:...

Brushing helps prevent tooth decay Dental plaque is a soft sticky substance that builds up on your teeth. It is mostly made up of bacteria which feed on sugar from food and drink, producing acids as a waste product. The acids attack the teeth by dissolving the minerals in the tooth surface. If this happens...