Sugary drinks and brushing: useful guidelines
Bacteria in plaque use sugars and produce acids that encourage tooth decay.
Read the articleToothache: understanding the signal and when to see a dentist
A cavity, a crack, inflammation of the pulp or a gum problem can cause pain.
Published by Dr Hafça Moqadem, Dental surgeon in Marrakech1 min read
Article contents
In brief
- A cavity, a crack, inflammation of the pulp or a gum problem can cause pain.
- Note when the pain started, what triggers it and whether it affects your sleep or chewing.
- Significant swelling, a fever or persistent pain needs prompt advice.
Pain does not tell the whole story
A cavity, a crack, inflammation of the pulp or a gum problem can cause pain. Where you feel it is not always enough to identify the tooth responsible. An examination, sometimes with an X-ray, guides the treatment.
Prepare useful information
Note when the pain started, what triggers it and whether it affects your sleep or chewing. Mention any medication you take, your allergies and any recent dental work. This information helps the clinic organise your care.
Recognise an urgent situation
Significant swelling, a fever or persistent pain needs prompt advice. Difficulty breathing or swallowing requires urgent medical help. Do not delay seeing a dentist because the pain eases for a while.
Sources and references
To find out more about the general information in this article:
The visual guide
From assessment to treatment: the role of each stage
Principles to help you prepare your questions. The assessment makes it possible to know what suits your situation.
| Item | Principle | To clarify at the clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Examine | Listen to your discomfort and examine the mouth. | Additional tests are offered if necessary. |
| Explain | Compare the options and their limits. | The treatment depends on the diagnosis and on your expectations. |
| Follow up | Check the treatment and adapt your routine. | The follow-up schedule is personalised. |
A daily guide
Brushing time, in practice.
The NHS recommends about 2 minutes of brushing, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
2minutes
×2times a day
=4minutes a day
Source: NHS, How to keep your teeth clean. A prevention guide, with no prediction of an individual result.
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