Oral & Dental Health
Our teeth have such an important role to play in our lives. They help us chew and digest food, they help us to talk and speak clearly and they also give our face its shape.
A healthy mouth can be a great asset.
A smile also has other day-to-day benefits. It can give us greater confidence, as well as influence our social lives, careers and relationships. Because of this, it only makes sense to give our oral health the best care possible.
Currently, more than two million people in the UK say they have taken time of work in the last five years due to poor oral health. Most problems with teeth and gums are preventable with a good daily routine. Government statistics show that a quarter of all adults have not visited a dentist in the past two years and a similar number only brush their teeth once a day.
In order to receive the full range of dental treatment and care under the NHS, you must be registered with a dentist. When you register with a dentist you'll be registered for life, unless you or your dentist request your registration to be withdrawn. If you attend another dentist for treatment and don't tell them you're registered elsewhere, your registration will automatically transfer to that dentist. Not all dentists will take on new NHS patients so it's important to ask them if they're able to take you on as an NHS patient during your first contact with them.
To find at list of registered dentists in your area click on this link (opens new window) or visit NHS Inform website.
For common dental health questions (opens new window), visit NHS website.
Below is a list of some mouth problems you may encounter. For further information including treatments, visit Oral Health Foundation (opens new window) website.
Denture stomatitis: Denture stomatitis is caused by a yeast or fungus called candida. It is not an infection that we get or pass on to others, because we all have some candida in our mouths.
Burning mouth syndrome: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a hot feeling or sensation which can affect your tongue, lips, palate, or areas all over your mouth. BMS is sometimes called 'glossodynia'. BMS is sometimes called a 'neuropathic pain', as it happens when there is damage to the nerves.
Cold sores: A cold sore is a small, painful, raised area of small, fluid-filled blisters. They usually happen where the lip joins the surrounding skin. The blisters are painful and dry up to make a yellow crust which gradually heals in a few days.
Dental decay: Dental decay happens when the enamel and dentine of a tooth become softened by acid attack after you have eaten or drunk anything containing sugars. Over time, the acid makes a cavity (hole) in the tooth.
Dental erosion: Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. Enamel is the hard, protective coating of the tooth, when the enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to pain and sensitivity.
Dry mouth: Your mouth needs saliva to be able to work properly. Dry mouth or 'xerostomia' is a condition which affects the flow of saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry.
Geographic tongue: Geographic tongue is a common condition. It appears on the top and sides of the tongue, and develops irregular, smooth, red areas, which may look like the outline of a map which are usually wavy white lines next to the red patches.
Gum disease: Gum disease is described as swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Jaw problems and headaches: If your teeth don't fit together properly, you can have problems not only in your teeth themselves, but also in the gums, the temporo-mandibular joint or the muscles that move your jaw. These problems are called 'occlusal' problems. Dental occlusion is another name for the way your teeth meet when your jaws bite together.
Knocked out teeth: An avulsed tooth is one that has been knocked out. If you are bleeding, use a clean handkerchief folded, then hold it over the socket and bite down and apply pressure. If you need something for the pain, don't take any medication containing aspirin as this can cause the bleeding to get worse. Do not apply clove oil to the wound.
Lichen planus: Lichen planus is a long-lasting disease, which can affect the mouth and sometimes other areas of the body. It can appear on its own or as part of a disease affecting other parts of your body. Oral lichen planus usually happens from middle age onwards, and more women get it than men.
Mouth cancer: Most people have heard of cancer affecting parts of the body such as the lungs or breasts. However, cancer can appear in the mouth, where the disease can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat.
Mouth ulcers: Ulcers are painful sores that appear inside the mouth. They are usually red or yellow. They are different from cold sores, which appear on the outer lips and are caused by a virus.
Sensitive teeth: Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can continue for several hours. It can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems.
Your teeth do different jobs. They help you to cut up and chew your food when you are eating. They help you to talk and make different sounds. They also give your face its shape and give you a nice smile.
You have four different types of teeth:
- The incisors are the teeth at the very front of your mouth. They are the sharpest and help to cut up your food.
- The canines are the pointed teeth either side of your incisors. They help to hold and tear the food.
- The pre-molars are behind your canine teeth. They have a flat chewing surface because they help to crush your food.
- The molars are the very back teeth. They are big 'double' teeth and are also flat. They help to chew and grind your food into small pieces ready to swallow.
What are the different parts of my teeth?
Your teeth are fixed to your jawbone in your mouth. They sit in a curved line along your top and bottom jaws. The white part of your tooth that you can see when you smile or open your mouth is called the crown. Some of your tooth is hidden under the skin (gum) in your mouth. This is called the root and you cannot see this in your mouth. The white covering on your tooth is called enamel. Dental enamel is strong and helps to protect the tooth. Dental enamel is the hardest thing in your whole body.
What are the best foods and drinks to keep my teeth healthy?
The main cause of tooth decay is the sugar that is in the food and drinks you have. Every time you eat or drink anything sugary your teeth are under attack from the plaque acids for up to one hour. This is because the sugar mixes with the bacteria in the plaque to produce the harmful plaque acids.
That is why it is important to have sugary foods and drinks just at mealtimes. If you are hungry between meals, you should choose foods that are kind to your teeth and do not have added sugar. Here are some foods that will not cause acid attacks on your teeth: fresh fruit, raw vegetable pieces, plain popcorn, cheese, breadsticks, plain yoghurt, rice cakes, unsweetened cereal, crumpets, plain bagels, cheese scones and nuts.
When you are thirsty, plain water and plain milk are the best drinks for your teeth. If you drink fruit juices you should have them at mealtimes only and add water to them. It's best to drink fruit juices and fizzy drinks through a straw, to help cut down the number of acid attacks on your teeth.
What is the best way to brush my teeth?
You need to brush your teeth to remove all the plaque and to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day while the plaque is still soft. Brushing your teeth should be part of your daily routine, just like washing your hands and face and brushing your hair.
- Brush your teeth carefully last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to keep your teeth strong. The amount of fluoride in a toothpaste is measured in 'parts per million' (ppm).
- Only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, containing 1350 to 1500 ppm (parts per million) fluoride, for children over 3 years old. All children up to three years old should use a smear of toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm.
- Spit out after brushing and do not rinse, so that the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.
- Choose a toothbrush with a small- to medium-sized head and soft to medium bristles.
- If you are using a manual brush, use small, round movements. The bristles of the brush should point towards the gum. Don't forget to brush all the different sides and tops of your teeth. If you are using an electric or 'power' brush follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend, to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Many people feel nervous or afraid of visiting the dentist (opens new window), but there are things you can try to help overcome your fear. Here are some tips to ease the fear:
- Find an understanding dentist. Ask friends and family, or look for someone who specialises in treating anxious patients.
- Once you've found someone you think may be suitable, visit the surgery to have a look around, meet the receptionist and dentist and see the environment. Tell the dentist that you're anxious and what your fears are, so they know beforehand.
- Pick an appointment time early in the morning so you have less time to dwell on it.
- The first appointment will simply be a check-up so don't worry about having any treatment. See this first visit as your chance to get to know the dentist.
- Take a friend with you to your appointment. The dentist won't mind if they accompany you throughout the check-up or treatment.
- Agree a sign with the dentist to signal that you need a break and want them to stop. It can be as simple as pointing your finger, and will help you feel more in control.
- If you think it will help, start gradually with a clean and polish then work up to other treatments, such as fillings, once you've built up trust and rapport with your dentist.
- Talk to the dentist about using a numbing gel if you have a fear of needles.
- Use headphones to listen to music during your visit. It may help you relax.
NHS sedation clinics
If you're extremely nervous, ask your dentist to refer you to an NHS sedation clinic. These clinics are specifically for nervous dental patients.
Some people find simple inhalation sedation very helpful to relax them for dental treatment. This is a bit like gas and air given during childbirth, but instead of being delivered through a mask it comes through a nosepiece. You might also be given sedative tablets to take by mouth before your appointment.
If you're extremely nervous you may prefer sedation through an injection into your hand or arm (intravenously) during treatment. The drugs won't send you to sleep - you'll be awake and able to talk to the dentist - but they'll calm and relax you so deeply you probably won't remember much of what happened.
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There are now more and more apps out there that can help with anything from managing your general wellbeing to those for more specific health concerns. Listed below are some apps to get you started. Whilst these apps can be useful, they are not a replacement for seeking medical advice, if you have concerns about any symptoms you are experiencing consult with your Dentist and/or GP in the first instance.
Please check the suitability of each App, and if there are any cost implications or compatibility issues. Whilst most of the apps listed below are free to download, please be aware of potential in-app purchases.
- Brush DJ (opens new window) - app plays two minutes of your music so you brush your teeth for the right amount of time. The app has short videos on how to brush your teeth and how to clean in between them using an interdental brush or floss. Available on iOS and android, free
- My Dental Care (opens new window) - app demonstrates the importance of good oral hygiene and to show you how to protect your teeth and prevent dental issues. Available on iOS and android, free
- Dental Phobia (opens new window) - app provides clear and straightforward information to anyone who is nervous about visiting the dentists. It helps patients to read about and understand different treatments and options and suggests coping strategies and provides answers to frequently asked questions. Users can even email their questions directly to a qualified dentist. Available on iOS only, £0.79
- Virtual Dentist (opens new window) - is a professional dental simulation application that enables users to upload a photo and try out a variety of different dental procedures virtually on their own (or a patient's) photo such as braces, veneers, reshape gums etc. Available on iOS and android, free
Disclaimer
The app developer is solely responsible for their app's advertisement, compliance and fitness for purpose. Unless stated otherwise, apps are not supplied by West Lothian Council, and West Lothian Council is not liable for their use.
