Frequently Asked Questions

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is a progressive, degenerative condition affecting the gums and the bone which support the teeth. It is caused by bacterial plaque collecting at the gum edges. Some people are susceptible to gum disease and others are not. It is not an infection but is the result of plaque not being adequately removed by tooth brushing.

You may get bleeding of the gums, or some swelling, or soreness. If you see blood on your toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth, this might be a sign of gum disease. You may get bad breath.

Most people suffer at some time in their life from some form of gum disease and it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Smoking can also make gum disease worse because, if you smoke, the gums are more likely to get inflamed.

If your teeth are sensitive on brushing, or to hot or cold food and drinks, it is possible that you may have enamel erosion or gum recession, or both. These exposed areas can be sensitive because the hot, cold or touch sensation can be transmitted to the nerve in the tooth, causing pain.

Sensitivity can be reduced by using a desensitising toothpaste and a fluoride mouthwash, and by decreasing the intake of acid-containing, particularly fizzy, drinks. Also your dentist can help by applying sealants and other desensitising treatments such as ozone.

Bad breath is a common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath may be caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your tongue, teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem. Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may be a sign of gum disease. If your mouth is healthy, your bad breath may be caused by such things a dehydration (not drinking enough fluids), a dry mouth (xerostomia), sinusitis and other chronic infections in the throat, nose or lungs.

Tooth decay also occurs when foods containing carbohydrates become trapped between teeth and are not completely removed with brushing and flossing. Major causes of tooth decay are sugary, sticky foods and beverages. The more sugar consumed, the more acid, which gets produced leading to decay.

Usually a single mouth ulcer is due to damage caused by say biting the cheek or tongue, sharp teeth, tooth brushing or poorly fitting dentures. These ulcers are called ‘traumatic ulcers’.
If you have a number of mouth ulcers the usual cause is ‘recurrent aphthous stomatitis.