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February 9th, 2012
I have tooth ache. Why?
Toothache can be due to a cavity, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, an infection at the end of the root or a fractured tooth. These different problems often have different symptoms and each require treatment in the appropriate way.
My gums bleed. What does that mean?
Bleeding gums are a sign that the gums are inflamed. This is usually due to a combined impact of irritation from the hard deposits on the teeth (calculus) and bacterial infection.
My breath smells. Why?
Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a number of reasons, some which relate to the teeth and gums, some which do not. Infection and inflammation around the teeth can certainly be a cause, as can poor basic oral hygiene, where food debris is not being cleaned away regularly. If this is the case, regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is the first step to correcting the problem. A check-up and cleaning at the dentist would also be advised.
Bad breath can also be caused by a throat infection, sinus problems, tonsillitis or other upper respiratory tract infections.
My tooth hurts when I eat something hot or cold or sweet?
If you are experiencing pain with all three of these sensations then it is almost certain that a tooth has a cavity. If the tooth just hurts with cold then this may be sensitivity and not necessarily decay. If a tooth is painful with hot and not with cold this can indicate a tooth that may need a root canal treatment.
I can see a black mark on one of my teeth. What is it?
This could be a cavity but it could also be a surface stain or a stained fissure (groove) in the tooth. An examination with a dentist would be able to determine the cause and then treat accordingly.
I‘m 25 and still have a baby tooth. What should I do?
Having a baby tooth as an adult is not necessarily a problem. However, we would need to establish whether or not there is an adult tooth out of position and whether this is causing a problem. An examination with the dentist (during which x-rays would be taken) would establish exactly what is happening under the gum and also enable an assessment of how long the baby tooth is likely to remain there. It may be that the baby tooth requires extraction or that there is no need for any further treatment.
