Dental problems

Tooth decay

Key facts Tooth decay is caused by plaque and may lead to a cavity (hole) in your tooth. It can affect people of all ages, even very young children. Tooth decay is strongly related to what you eat and drink. You can help stop tooth decay by caring for your teeth, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your dental practitioner regularly. What is tooth decay? Tooth decay is caused by plaque — a sticky layer of bacteria (germs) that forms on your teeth. The germs come from your saliva. The bacteria turn the sugar in food and drinks into acid.

Toothache and swelling

What is toothache and swelling? Toothache and swelling happens when there’s a problem with your teeth or gums, causing pain and discomfort. If you don’t treat it, toothache can get worse. This can affect your overall health and wellbeing. Visit a dentist as soon as you can. What symptoms relate to toothache and swelling? Toothache can start suddenly. It can cause pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to very severe. The pain can be constant, throbbing, or it may come and go. It can also affect your head, ear and jaw. If you have toothache, you may also have:

Tooth abscess

Key facts A tooth abscess is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease or a cracked tooth. A tooth abscess will not get better on its own. See your dentist or dental practitioner if you think you have a tooth abscess. What is a tooth abscess? A tooth abscess is a pus-filled swelling caused by an infection inside your tooth or in the gums next to your tooth’s root. An infection inside your tooth may be caused by tooth decay or a cracked tooth. An infection in your gums is caused by gum disease. These can all let

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Key facts Teeth grinding or bruxism is when you grind or clench your teeth. It is often caused by stress and anxiety and can happen at night while you are sleeping. Young children sometimes grind their teeth but usually grow out of it. Treatment includes relaxation techniques and counselling. You can also get a mouthguard or splint to help protect your teeth. What is bruxism? Bruxism is the medical name for teeth grinding or clenching that is not part of normal chewing. Adults and children can grind their teeth during sleep. You might also grind your teeth during the day.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

What is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. There is a TMJ on each side of the face, in front of each ear. These joints allow the movements needed for speaking, eating and facial expression. TMJ dysfunction can cause pain, abnormal jaw movements and joint noises. They are quite common. What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction? If you have TMJ dysfunction, you may have: discomfort or pain in the jaw, especially when eating an aching pain in front of your ear, which may spread to your face

Mouth cancer

Key facts Mouth cancer is an aggressive type of cancer that can affect your lips, tongue or inner mouth. Risk factors include smoking, drinking alcohol, poor mouth hygiene and chewing betel nut. Symptoms may include a painless lump in your mouth or a mouth ulcer (sore) that won’t heal. Mouth cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, but your chances of treatment success are greater the earlier it is detected. What is mouth cancer? Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, develops when abnormal cells grow and divide inside your mouth. Mouth cancer usually begins in your lips, tongue

Gum disease

Key facts Gum disease occurs when the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth becomes inflamed. Gum disease is very common in Australia, with 3 in every 10 adults having moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis). The early stage of gum disease is reversible, but if left untreated it may lead to more serious gum disease and infection. Brushing your teeth and gums twice a day can help prevent gum disease. Visit your dental practitioner regularly to keep your mouth healthy. What is gum disease? Gum disease occurs when the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth becomes inflmamed. Severe

Gingivitis

Key points: Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth along the gum line. Bleeding gums is a common sign of gingivitis, and swollen or bleeding gums, or loose teeth also may occur. If you have gingivitis, the earlier you treat it, the better. See your dentist if you notice signs of gingivitis. What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth along the gum line. You remove plaque by brushing your teeth correctly, but if it builds up it can

Dry socket

What is dry socket? Dry socket, also called alveolar osteitis, is a painful complication of a tooth extraction. When a tooth is pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The word ‘socket’ refers to the hole in the jawbone where the tooth used to be. This blood clot protects the bone and nerve. If the blood clot is dislodged or does not form well, the bone and nerve are left exposed. This causes extreme pain and can lead to infection. If you have dry socket, you will need to return to your dentist or oral surgeon. What are

Dry mouth syndrome

Key facts Dry mouth syndrome, also called xerostomia, is a health condition where your body does not make enough saliva. Dry mouth syndrome can cause tooth decay, mouth ulcers, oral thrush or general health problems. Medical conditions or medicines can cause dry mouth syndrome. Treatment options include switching medicines that can cause dry mouth syndrome, taking medicines to stimulate saliva production, artificial saliva and lifestyle changes. If a medicine is causing your dry mouth, do not make any changes to your doses without first talking with your doctor. What is dry mouth syndrome? Dry mouth syndrome refers to when you

Dental injury

What is a dental injury? A dental injury is an injury to the mouth. This can cause: lost or displaced teeth broken teeth damaged gums If you have lost a tooth and managed to keep hold of it, there’s a good chance it can be saved. You should get to a hospital or dentist within 30 minutes. It may still be possible to save the tooth up to 3 hours after the injury. What symptoms relate to a dental injury? An injury to your mouth may cause bleeding or swelling. If bleeding is heavy, seek urgent medical care as there is a chance

Dental bleeding

Bleeding gums and dental bleeding What causes bleeding gums? If your gums are bleeding after you have brushed your teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease. This happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Early gum disease is known as gingivitis. As well as bleeding, this can cause gum redness and swelling (inflammation). Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) happens when gingivitis is not treated. This causes: loose teeth bad breath tenderness or discomfort when biting receding gums (your teeth appear longer) If you think you might have gum disease, it’s important to see a dentist. Getting treatment