Common oral conditions

These are some of the more common conditions that can affect our teeth, some more seriously than others:

• Bruxism - this is grinding of teeth and happens, often while a person is asleep
• Halitosis or bad breath  - caused by build-up of plaque on the teeth
• Dry mouth or xerostomia – this happens when not enough saliva is produced
• Toothache - this can be caused by cavities or by abscess and any toothache needs to be investigated by a dentist
• Cracked or broken teeth - usually result from an accident
• Sensitive teeth - the teeth will feel uncomfortable when cold, hot or very sweet substances are taken
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction - this is a very painful condition caused by a problem with the jawbone
• Breathing through the mouth - this is used to describe a person who breathes through their mouth, usually when they're asleep.
• Receding gums - this is the situation where the gums start to shrink back from the teeth which then become exposed, even down to the root.
• Burning mouth - where there is a tingling or burning sensation inside the mouth.
• Gingival hyperplasia - gum tissue builds up around the teeth

Where any of these conditions are present, they can lead on to more serious complaints some of which will be irreversible.  This is a short list of dental conditions that will require specialist treatment from your dentist:

• Cavities  - any cavity in the tooth needs to be filled by your dentist  
• Oral thrush – an oral yeast infection
• Canker sores - mouth ulcers that will resolve usually within two to three weeks
• A dental abscess – when a pus pocket forms in the centre of the tooth
• Gingivitis minor gum disease can lead on to periodontal disease which is signified by permanent bone loss
• Oral cancer - a serious malignancy affecting the throat and the mouth

Don’t forget to sign up for our GWR attempt by completing one of the forms below.

Register here if you are aged under 13 years

Register here if you are aged 13 years or over