Medical
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X-rays
Why would I need an x-ray? Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dental team...
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Wisdom teeth
Why do we have wisdom teeth? Adults can have up to 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth. They usually...
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White fillings
Why should I consider white fillings? Most people have fillings of one sort or another in their mouths. Nowadays fillings can be natural looking....
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What to do following an extraction
I’ve had my tooth out – what should I do now? Take it easy for the rest of the day. Take as little exercise as you can, and rest as...
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Visiting a dental hygienist or dental therapist
What are dental hygienists and dental therapists? Dental hygienists and dental therapists are specially trained to work with the dentist to...
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Veneers
What is a veneer? A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail....
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Tooth whitening
What is tooth whitening? Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the...
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Teens' teeth
Why is a healthy smile important? An attractive and healthy smile is important when meeting people and making friends. And it can boost your...
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Sugar free chewing gum
What is sugar-free gum? Sugar-free gum does not have any sugar in it. The taste is added using sweeteners, and therefore the gum does not...
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Smoking and oral health
How can smoking affect my oral health? Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for their health. It can cause many different medical...
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Smokeless tobacco
What is smokeless tobacco? There are two main types of smokeless tobacco: chewing tobacco and snus. Chewing tobacco usually comes as leaves or...
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Sensitive teeth
What are sensitive teeth? Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can continue for...
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Root canal treatment
What is root canal treatment? Root canal treatment (also called ‘endodontics') is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (called...
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Relaxation and sedation
Is there anything that can help me with my fear of the dentist? Yes. Some people are so frightened of the dentist that they will not go for dental...
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Preventive care and oral hygiene
What is preventive dentistry? Preventive dentistry is the modern way of helping you keep a healthy mouth. It helps you to keep your teeth, and...
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Pit and fissure sealants
What are sealants? Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your teeth from tooth decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating,...
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Paying for dental treatment in the UK
Why do I have to pay my dentist when I don’t pay my GP? Charges for NHS dental treatment were introduced in 1951 to help cover the...
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Orthodontic treatment
What is orthodontic treatment? Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how...
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Oral care products
How often should I clean my teeth? It is important that you brush last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a...
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My teeth
What are my teeth for? 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...
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My fear of the dentist
Why am I afraid of the dentist? Being 'afraid of the dentist' may mean different things to different people. It will probably help if you work...
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Mouth ulcers
What are mouth ulcers? Ulcers are painful sores that appear inside the mouth. They are usually red or yellow. They are different from cold sores,...
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Mouth cancer
What is 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...
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Medical conditions and oral health
What does my medical history have to do with my oral health? Some medical conditions and drugs can affect your oral health. Or they may affect the...
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Living with my brace
How long will I have to wear the brace? It really depends on how much work there is to do and how far your teeth need to be moved....