Welcome to our A-Z list of oral health information. You can also view this information grouped by topic:
Bad breath is a very common problem that a lot of us are scared to address, but sometimes the solution can be very simple. Read more
These replacement options for missing teeth are often recommended for oral health purposes as well as cosmetic appearance. Read more
Burning Mouth Syndrome can be an extremely uncomfortable condition which can have several potential causes. Read more
Getting the younger members of the family into good oral health habits early can make them much easier to maintain in the future. Read more
A healthy smile can be a great asset and it is because of this that it makes sense to give your teeth the best care possible. Read more
A cold sore is a small, painful, raised area of small, fluid-filled blisters which usually last for between five and seven days. Read more
A visit to the dentist is not just about a check-up or a filling. Many are now turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance. Read more
There are several ways in which your tooth can crack or break and it is important that you get it seen to as soon as possible. Read more
An ideal way to repair teeth that have been broken, a crown (or 'cap') would fit over the remaining part of a tooth. Read more
It is important that a mother looks after the oral health of her baby and also that of herself, especially during pregnancy. Read more
With the right home care, day-to-day oral health routine and help from your dental team, it is possible to keep your teeth for life. Read more
Everyone deserves and needs quality dental care. However, some people need special facilities or services to have this care provided. Read more
Dental decay occurs when the enamel and dentine of a tooth become softened by acid attack after you have consumed sugars. Read more
Dental erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. When the enamel has worn away, it can lead to pain and sensitivity. Read more
Created with the help of the LGBT Foundation, here is some advice for LGBT people about oral health and seeing the dentist. Read more
People wear dentures, plastic or metal, to replace lost or missing teeth so they can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. Read more
To reduce tooth decay, it is important to have sugary foods or drinks just at mealtimes, limiting the time your mouth is at risk. Read more
There are a number of different fillings, including: amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, gold inlays and onlays, and porcelain inlays. Read more
Dry mouth is a condition which affects the flow of saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry. There are several possible causes. Read more
Drinking alcohol and taking drugs can have an adverse affect on the health of your teeth and gums. Read more
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods and in all drinking water, the amount of which varies from area to area. Read more
Geographic tongue is a common condition which can appear on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface. Read more
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) is swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Read more
Some of the many problems which may be caused or made worse by poor dental health include heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Read more
Learn about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the UK's vaccination programme. Read more
A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth. It is a titanium screw that can replace the root of a tooth when it fails. Read more
If you jaw and teeth are not lined up correctly it will not only affect your bite but could result in severe headaches and jaw pain. Read more
There are several reasons why a tooth may be knocked out but it is important to know what to do and where to go when it happens. Read more
Lichen planus is a disease which can affect the mouth and other areas of the body. Symptoms include white patches on the inside of cheeks. Read more
From speaking to eating, playing sports as well as musical instruments, we give you easy-to-follow advice on living with your brace. Read more
By speaking to your dentist about any pre-existing conditions you have, it will allow them to treat you in the safest way possible. Read more
Most people have heard of cancer affecting parts of the body but it can also appear in the mouth, lips, head and neck. Read more
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits over your teeth and gums, protecting them from injury when playing a sport. Read more
Usually red or yellow in colour, mouth ulcers are painful sores that can appear inside the mouth and also on the outer lips. Read more
Dental anxiety is quite common but the good news is that more and more dentists now understand their patients' fears. Read more
Your teeth have so many uses. They help you to cut up and chew your food, help you to talk and also give your face its shape. Read more
From toothbrush to mouthwash, interdental brushes to tongue cleaners, we answer all your questions about a variety of oral health products. Read more
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. Read more
Learn about the differences between being an NHS and private patient, along with the most common forms of payment. Read more
A sealant is a protective plastic coating applied as a safe and painless way of protecting your teeth and your children's from tooth decay. Read more
Preventive dentistry is the modern way of helping you keep a healthy mouth and means you need to have less dental treatment. Read more
If you have anxiety about the dentist or dental treatment, you can help overcome your fears with relaxation or sedation. Read more
Root canal treatment is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth is infected through tooth decay or other injury. Read more
Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can continue for several hours. Read more
Smokeless tobacco can harm both your oral health and overall health by increasing the risk of mouth cancer, heart disease and strokes. Read more
Smoking cannot only damage your general health, it can also have serious consequences for the mouth, gums and teeth. Read more
Chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums in between meals when it may not be possible to brush with a toothbrush. Read more
A healthy smile is important for meeting people and making friends. It can also boost confidence, helping you feel good about yourself. Read more
Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. Read more
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth and can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. Read more
Dental hygienists are specially trained to work as part of the dental team, to give care to patients, with a preventive approach. Read more
General advice about what to do after having teeth taken out. Includes what precautions you should take and things to avoid. Read more
Many of us are now more conscious about the way we look and don't want silver fillings to show when we laugh or smile. Read more
The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth, often between 17 and 25 but sometime many years later. Read more
X-rays can help the dental team to see in between your teeth or under the edge of your fillings to find and treat dental problems. Read more