Dental Problems & Symptoms

Tooth decay happens when sugars in food and drink are broken down by bacteria into acids that soften enamel. Early decay often causes no pain, but as it progresses it can lead to toothache, sensitivity to hot/cold, visible holes and dark spots, and bad breath.^{[1]NHS dental health[4]BDA tooth decay}

Among dentate adults in England, 41% have obvious decay affecting the dentine or pulp of the tooth, and the burden is heavily concentrated by deprivation: children in the most deprived areas are roughly three times as likely to have decayed teeth extracted in hospital as those in the least deprived.^{[3]OHID Adult Oral Health Survey 2023}

Gum disease starts with gingivitis — red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the tissues and bone supporting the teeth are damaged. Symptoms include persistent bad breath, gum recession, abscesses and eventually tooth mobility.^{[2]Oral Health Foundation[3]OHID oral health profiles}

93% of dentate adults in England have at least one periodontal (gum) condition \u2014 such as bleeding, calculus or pocketing \u2014 and severe periodontal disease is the sixth most common human disease worldwide. Smoking and diabetes are the strongest risk factors.^{[3]OHID Adult Oral Health Survey 2023}

Toothache ranges from a dull ache to sharp, throbbing pain. It may be triggered by hot, cold or sweet food and drink, or by biting. A dental abscess — a pus-filled swelling at the root or gum — can cause severe pain, swelling, fever and a bad taste; it needs urgent dental treatment because the infection can spread.^{[7]NHS dental abscess[1]NHS dental health}

Mouth cancer symptoms include an ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, a persistent lump or thickening, red or white patches, and unexplained loosening of teeth. Major risk factors are tobacco, alcohol and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).^{[6]Cancer Research UK}

There were 10,825 new cases of mouth cancer in the UK in 2024 \u2014 a record high, surpassing 10,000 for the first time \u2014 and the disease has been rising sharply over recent decades. Early detection dramatically improves survival.^{[6]Oral Health Foundation, 2024}

NICE guidance for general dental practice recommends that professionals give tailored advice on twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar frequency, and smoking cessation.^{[5]NICE PH55}

The NHS also recommends: brush for two minutes last thing at night and one other time; spit, don't rinse, so fluoride stays on the teeth; clean between teeth daily; keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes; and see a dentist regularly.^{[9]NHS, how to keep your teeth clean[2]Oral Health Foundation}

Most UK dental practices advise a routine check-up every six months. The exact interval should be tailored to your risk — some people with healthy mouths may be asked to attend less often, while others at higher risk may need more frequent visits — but six months is the interval commonly recommended for adults and children.^{[8]Oral Health Foundation}

These UK organisations provide oral-health information, registers and official routes to NHS dental care.

• Oral Health Foundation — charity with a dental helpline and free oral-health information.
• Mouth Cancer Foundation — charity providing information and support on mouth, head and neck cancer.
• General Dental Council — this is the statutory regulator of dental professionals, not a charity, and holds the register you can check.
• NHS — find a dentist — this is an official NHS service for finding practices taking new NHS patients.