Dental Conditions We Treat

A toothache can range from mild sensitivity to severe, throbbing pain that disrupts daily life. It may be caused by decay, infection, a crack, gum disease, or grinding. Our dentists carry out a thorough examination to identify the cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Cracked tooth syndrome involves an incomplete fracture in a tooth that is often invisible to the naked eye and may not appear on standard X-rays. It typically causes sharp pain when biting or discomfort when releasing bite pressure. Dedicated clinical testing is needed to identify and manage the crack.

Wisdom tooth pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek urgent dental care. It often involves swelling of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth — a condition known as pericoronitis. Our dentists assess the position and condition of the wisdom tooth and discuss management options.

Cavities are one of the most common dental conditions, caused by bacteria producing acids that gradually break down the tooth surface. They can develop without symptoms in their early stages, making regular examinations important for early detection and conservative treatment.

A chipped tooth can range from a minor cosmetic concern to a more significant fracture affecting both appearance and function. Whether caused by an accident, biting on something hard, or weakened enamel, professional assessment helps determine the best restorative or cosmetic approach.

White spot lesions and early tooth decay represent the earliest visible signs of enamel demineralisation — before a cavity forms. Early detection opens the door to preventive strategies including fluoride treatment, oral hygiene optimisation, and personalised monitoring.

Enamel erosion is the gradual loss of the tooth's protective outer layer due to repeated acid exposure from dietary acids, stomach acid, or other sources. Because enamel cannot regenerate, early assessment and preventive management are essential to protect the remaining tooth structure.

Dry mouth — clinically known as xerostomia — is characterised by reduced saliva flow, which can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation, and oral discomfort. A structured dental assessment can help evaluate the impact on your oral health and guide appropriate preventive care.

Tooth decay occurs when plaque bacteria produce acids that gradually break down the tooth's enamel. Early detection through regular dental examinations allows for more conservative treatment and helps preserve natural tooth structure.

Tooth sensitivity causes a short, sharp pain when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic triggers. It can result from gum recession, enamel wear, early decay, or a cracked tooth. A thorough assessment helps identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate management.

Persistent bad breath — clinically known as halitosis — can be caused by plaque build-up, gum disease, tooth decay, or tongue coating. A structured dental assessment can help identify the contributing factors and guide appropriate hygiene or restorative treatment.

A persistent bad or metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by gum disease, tooth decay, dental infections, food trapping around restorations, or dry mouth. Professional assessment helps identify the specific dental cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing are a common sign of gum inflammation, often caused by plaque build-up along the gumline. Early gum disease screening and professional hygiene therapy can help manage the condition and support long-term gum health.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, caused by plaque build-up along the gumline. It commonly presents as bleeding, swollen or red gums and is often reversible with professional hygiene therapy and improved home care.

Gum disease ranges from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. It is caused by bacterial plaque and can affect the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. Early periodontal assessment and ongoing hygiene therapy help manage the condition and support long-term gum stability.

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease in which bacterial infection extends beyond the gum tissue to affect the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. Comprehensive periodontal assessment and structured therapy can help stabilise the condition and preserve affected teeth.

Gum recession is the gradual movement of gum tissue away from the tooth surface, exposing the root beneath. This can lead to sensitivity, cosmetic concerns, and vulnerability of the affected teeth. Early assessment helps identify contributing factors and guide appropriate management.

Swollen gums can present as red, puffy, or tender gum tissue and are commonly linked to plaque build-up, infection, or irritation from dental restorations. Professional gum assessment helps identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate hygiene or infection management.

Tooth discolouration can range from surface staining caused by food and drink to deeper intrinsic changes within the tooth. Professional assessment helps determine the type and cause, ensuring that any hygiene, whitening, or cosmetic option recommended is appropriate and safe.

Craze lines are fine, shallow cracks on the enamel surface that are common in adults and usually harmless. Professional assessment can help distinguish superficial craze lines from deeper structural cracks that may require monitoring or treatment.

White spots on teeth are areas of enamel that appear chalky or lighter than the surrounding surface. They can result from early demineralisation, fluorosis, or developmental defects. A professional assessment helps determine the cause and appropriate management.

Jaw clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth typically originates from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). While often benign, persistent or painful clicking may indicate a temporomandibular disorder that could benefit from professional assessment and management.

Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores inside the mouth that commonly appear on the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. Most heal within one to two weeks, but persistent or recurrent ulcers may benefit from a dental assessment to identify local causes such as sharp teeth, rough fillings, or orthodontic irritation.

Oral thrush is a fungal condition caused by an overgrowth of Candida in the mouth. It may present as white patches on the tongue or cheeks, soreness, or altered taste. A dental assessment can help identify contributing oral factors such as denture hygiene, dry mouth, or poor oral care.

Persistent bad breath originating from the gums may indicate underlying gum inflammation or periodontal pockets harbouring bacteria. A periodontal evaluation can help identify whether gum disease is contributing and guide appropriate hygiene therapy and monitoring.

A sore tongue or burning mouth sensation can result from local dental irritation, dry mouth, oral infections, or other factors. A dental assessment helps identify whether sharp teeth, appliance friction, or reduced saliva may be contributing to symptoms.

Teeth grinding — clinically known as bruxism — involves involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, most commonly during sleep. A dental assessment can evaluate tooth wear, bite alignment, and jaw muscle tension to guide management, including night guard discussion where suitable.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. TMJ pain may present as jaw discomfort, clicking, restricted opening, or tension headaches. A structured jaw joint assessment can help evaluate contributing factors and guide appropriate management.

A bite that feels off or uneven may indicate an occlusal imbalance — where the upper and lower teeth are not meeting comfortably. This can result from tooth movement, recent dental work, grinding, or underlying misalignment. A structured occlusal assessment helps identify contributing factors and guide appropriate management.

A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside when biting together. It may involve the front teeth (anterior crossbite) or back teeth (posterior crossbite) and can affect bite function, tooth wear, and jaw comfort. An orthodontic assessment helps evaluate severity and correction options.

Crowded teeth occur when there is insufficient jaw space for all teeth to align properly. Teeth may overlap, rotate, or appear pushed forward or backward. Crowding can affect oral hygiene and bite function. An orthodontic assessment helps evaluate severity and discuss treatment options including aligners and braces.

Gaps between teeth — clinically known as diastema — are spaces that develop between two or more teeth, most commonly between the upper front teeth. Causes range from natural tooth and jaw proportions to gum disease or tooth movement over time. A dental assessment helps determine whether bonding, orthodontics, or monitoring is appropriate.

Jaw clenching involves sustained tightening of the jaw muscles, often without awareness. It may occur during the day or as teeth clenching at night. Persistent clenching can contribute to jaw tension, headaches and tooth wear. A bite assessment helps evaluate contributing factors and guide management including night guard discussion where suitable.

A loose denture or denture sores can develop as the jawbone and gums change shape over time. Ill-fitting dentures may cause movement during eating, pressure points, or ulcerated areas. A structured denture review helps assess fit and discuss adjustment, reline, or replacement options.

A missing tooth — whether from decay, gum disease, trauma, or extraction — can affect chewing, appearance, and alignment over time. Replacement options include dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures, with suitability depending on bone support, gum health, and individual clinical factors.

An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the jaw is closed, leaving a visible gap. It may involve the front teeth (anterior open bite) or back teeth (posterior open bite). Open bites can affect chewing, speech, and tooth wear, and may be dental or skeletal in origin.

An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. A mild overbite is normal, but a deep overbite can cause excessive tooth wear, gum irritation, and jaw discomfort. Overbite correction options include orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners.

An overjet refers to the horizontal projection of the upper front teeth beyond the lower front teeth, sometimes described as buck teeth. A large overjet can affect bite function, lip closure, and increase the risk of dental trauma. Correction options include orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners.

Pain or sensitivity after a filling is a common concern. While mild post-treatment sensitivity often settles as the tooth adapts, persistent pain, a high bite, or worsening discomfort may require a post-treatment review to assess bite balance and tooth response.

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth, sometimes referred to as a reverse bite. It may involve a few teeth or the entire dental arch and can affect chewing, speech, and tooth wear. Correction options depend on whether the underbite is dental or skeletal in origin.