What is 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 decay’ is the same as tooth decay and is also known as ‘dental caries’.

What is a cracked tooth? A cracked tooth is a tooth that has become broken. Do all teeth crack in the same way? No. Teeth can crack in several different ways: Cracked tooth: This is when a crack runs from the biting surface of the tooth down towards the root. Sometimes it goes below the

What is 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. What is gingivitis? Gingivitis means ‘inflammation of the gums’. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the

How can I tell if I have bad breath? Lots of small signs can show that you have bad breath. Have you noticed people stepping away from you when you start to talk? Do people turn their cheek when you kiss them goodbye? If you think you might have bad breath, there is a simple