Caries or tooth decay is cavities in the teeth caused by acid attack on the dental enamel. When we eat, the saliva usually neutralises bacterial attacks on the surface of the tooth after 30 minutes. If acid attacks are frequent, for example as a result of excessive intake of sugar or snacking during the day, the saliva does not have time to neutralise the bacteria. The enamel then weakens and cavities gradually develop in your teeth. Good oral hygiene prevents plaque and cavities in the teeth.

Dry mouth may be due to various medical conditions and can cause problems with chewing, swallowing and tasting. Dry mouth increases the risk of cavities because the saliva is unable to protect and repair the teeth.

Mouth ulcers are very commonly occurring small ulcers or blisters in the mucosa of the mouth. A common sign is that they are tender or painful when you eat. Most of them heal by themselves, but you can buy gels and mouthwashes that relieve the symptoms from pharmacies.

Periodontal disease (periodontitis, loosening of the teeth) is caused by bacteria, leading to inflammation of the gums. Periodontitis is generally hereditary, but can also be caused by diabetes, poor oral hygiene, tartar and smoking. The most common signs of inflammation are that the gums become red, sore and swollen. 

Every time you eat, a thin film of bacteria forms on your teeth, known as plaque. When the plaque hardens, it forms tartar, which becomes increasingly difficult to remove by ordinary brushing. Plaque can gradually lead to cavities in the teeth, inflammation of the gums, tartar and periodontal disease.

Shooting pains in the teeth may be due to cavities or cracks in the teeth. They may also be due to you having brushed your teeth incorrectly, so that you have damaged your gums and the roots have been bared. Toothpastes for sensitive teeth and fluoride/fluoride treatment can reduce shooting pains.

Plaque forms when you have eaten. If the bacterial film is left too long it can combine with the various calcium salts in your saliva. These harden and in just one day can form tartar (calculus), which in the longer term can cause cavities in the teeth. Tartar that has been left too long cannot be brushed off with a toothbrush and has to be scraped off by your dental hygienist or dentist instead.

Grinding and clenching of the teeth can cause headaches, pain and stiffness in the jaw. It is usually due to stress and imbalance in the bite. A bite splint can help tense muscles to relax and protect the teeth during the night so that they do not become damaged and worn.

Toothache may have many different causes. A common cause is that you have a cavity in a tooth and the tooth's nerves have become inflamed. Make an appointment with your dentist if you have toothache.

Saliva is teeth's best friend. It neutralises acids that form in the mouth when you eat and drink. The saliva protects your teeth against bacterial films and cavities (caries or tooth decay).

As a rule, children should wait until they are 13 before using floss. Incorrect flossing can damage the gums. It is important for the child to receive instructions from an adult or a dentist on the correct way to use floss.

Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Use interdental brushes and floss, which clean between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.

Use a soft toothbrush so that you do not press the gums down and damage your teeth. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and evening. Feel with your tongue to make sure there are no rough areas left on the enamel. Clean between your teeth with interdental brushes and floss.

If the gums are swollen and red and bleed when you brush your teeth, this may be due to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). It is particularly important that you keep your teeth clean at the gums. Use floss and interdental brushes to get rid of bacteria that may be left behind.

If you only eat sweets on a few occasions during the week you can limit acid attack and cavities in your teeth. 

It is not uncommon for the gums to bleed when you have not used floss for a long time. It is a sign of having inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). With regular flossing and brushing, the inflammation will heal and the bleeding will stop.

It is not uncommon for the gums to recede with age. When the neck of the tooth is bared, this may be due to the underlying bone receding due to clenching and grinding of the teeth. When the neck of the tooth is exposed, it wears down more quickly as it lacks protective enamel. When the gums sink, the spaces between the teeth become larger and it becomes even more important to look after your teeth carefully.

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, this may be a sign that the gums are inflamed. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is due to bacteria attaching to the teeth and forming films known as plaque. Bleeding gums may also be a sign that you have mouth ulcers.

Fluoride in toothpaste and in small amounts is harmless. It counteracts cavities in your teeth and strengthens the enamel. Fluoride mouthwash can repair damage due to caries and prevent new cavities from appearing in your teeth.

If you have a brace it is especially important to keep your teeth clean. As well as ordinary dental care you may need to rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash regularly or clean under the brace with small brushes.

It is important to brush your teeth in the correct way. Brush your teeth in the morning and evening. Hold the toothbrush at an angle to the gums and brush gently with small movements. Use fluoride toothpaste.

There are many different types of toothpaste, the important thing is that they should contain fluoride. In some cases you may need a special toothpaste, for example if you need to prevent shooting pains in your teeth and relieve mouth ulcers (aphthae).

Dental floss removes the bacteria (plaque) and food remnants the toothbrush cannot reach. If you use a floss pick it is a good idea to apply a little toothpaste to the floss for extra cleaning. When you hear a squeaking sound, you know that the neck of the tooth is really clean. Apply light pressure so that you do not damage the gums.

Fluoride is good for your teeth and can counteract caries, cavities. Fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash can repair damage due to caries and prevent new damage from appearing.

Interdental brushes are important complements to ordinary toothbrushes. Particularly in the later years when the necks of teeth start to be bared, it may be important to use interdental brushes to clean between the teeth. These are available in various sizes and in rubberised material to prevent shooting pains in the teeth. 

The most important thing when choosing an electric or manual toothbrush is that the head of the brush is soft so that you do not damage your gums. An electric toothbrush removes bacterial film (plaque) more quickly than an ordinary toothbrush. Change your toothbrush regularly when the bristles start to become bent.

It is not unusual for the gums to bleed when you floss or brush your teeth. This is usually a sign of having gum inflammation. This usually heals with improved oral hygiene.