Teeth and mouth

Learn about the services offered by dentists, which services are publicly funded, and how to access emergency dental care.

If your body does not make enough saliva to wet the inside of your mouth, you will get a dry mouth. This can cause problems with speech, taste, chewing and swallowing. It also increases your risk of developing tooth decay and getting mouth infections.

Gum disease (periodontal disease), is an inflammatory disease caused by a build up of plaque on teeth. There are 2 types of gum disease — gingivitis, and periodontitis.

A mouth ulcer is a small painful sore that appears anywhere inside your mouth. Most mouth ulcers go away on their own but some will need treatment.

Teeth grinding and clenching is a habit where you rub or squeeze your teeth together, when you are awake or asleep. Teeth grinding is common in children and young people, but it can happen in people of any age.

The tooth decay process can be painless and occur over a long period of time. Decay can occur in any part of the tooth, even in exposed root surfaces or around and under existing fillings. Sometimes decay can only be detected by an x-ray, particularly in the early stages.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the movement of the jaw. It is not usually serious and generally gets better on its own.