Is gum disease serious? Expand Yes. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It starts with bleeding gums, known as gingivitis, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone supporting the teeth. Beyond the mouth, gum disease has also been linked to wider health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What causes gums to bleed? Expand The most common cause is a build-up of plaque - a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If this plaque is not removed by brushing and cleaning in between your teeth, it can irritate the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and make them more likely to bleed. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Should I be worried? Expand Yes, bleeding gums should never be ignored. It’s often an early warning sign of gum disease. Healthy gums don’t bleed, so if you notice blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, it’s your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.
Is there a safer way to straighten teeth than DIY braces? Expand Yes. Clear aligners and braces provided under the supervision of a UK-registered dentist or orthodontist are safe and effective. They may seem more expensive, but they include all the things that protect you - diagnostics, tailored treatment planning, regular monitoring, and follow-up care. That peace of mind is worth far more than the illusion of a bargain. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What should people consider before buying DIY braces? Expand Patients should ask themselves one simple question: Would I be comfortable moving my teeth without a dentist ever checking my mouth? Most people would say no. Safe orthodontics requires professional expertise, from detecting hidden gum disease to ensuring sufficient bone support for tooth movement. Without that, you’re gambling with your smile. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Aren't DIY braces just cheap alternatives to traditional ones? Expand That’s exactly how they’re marketed, but the reality is very different. Orthodontics isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It requires X-rays, careful planning, and regular check-ups with a trained professional. What you save upfront on DIY braces can cost you far more in the long run if things go wrong – and sadly, we’re seeing more and more patients who need complex, expensive corrective treatment. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why are DIY braces a concern? Expand Because orthodontic treatment is not just about straightening teeth – it’s about moving them safely. Without proper supervision, teeth can be moved too quickly or into the wrong position. That risks loosening them, damaging the roots, and even causing bone loss. These are serious, long-term problems that often can’t be reversed. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
How can we change how many children need extractions? Expand We have to get serious about prevention. That means reducing sugar in children’s diets, rolling out more supervised toothbrushing schemes, and improving access to NHS dentistry. Parents also need support – the right information about diet and brushing, and regular check-ups for their children. Tooth decay is one of the clearest examples of a preventable disease. With the right action, we can stop it. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What impact do extractions have on children and families? Expand It’s devastating. A toothache means sleepless nights, missed school, and difficulties eating. For families, it brings enormous stress and time off work. Having teeth removed under general anaesthetic is not only traumatic for a child but also carries real medical risks. It’s something no child should have to go through. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why are so many children losing teeth? Expand The biggest culprits are too much sugar in the diet, ineffective toothbrushing and not using a good fluoride toothpaste. Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, sweets, and hidden sugars in everyday foods all add up. Combine that with irregular brushing, and you get the perfect recipe for decay. For children in deprived areas, where access to a dentist may also be harder, the problem is even more severe. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What needs to happen to stop this food pouch problem? Expand We need clearer labelling and stricter regulations on how these products are marketed. Parents deserve transparency so they can make informed choices. Until then, education is key, helping families understand that not all baby foods are as healthy as they appear. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Are there safer alternatives to food pouches? Expand Yes. Wherever possible, offer fresh fruit and vegetables, or make your own purees at home, where you can control the ingredients. If you do use pouches, squeeze the contents onto a spoon rather than letting children suck directly from them. This reduces the amount of time sugar sits on the teeth. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What should parents look out for on food pouch labels? Expand Check the traffic-light system and the sugar content per 100g. Even products labelled as ‘organic’ or with pictures of fruit on the front can be loaded with sugar. Parents should be wary of packaging that looks healthy but isn’t. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why are children’s food pouches a problem for oral health? Expand Many parents choose them thinking they’re a healthy and convenient option, but the reality can be very different. The sugar content in some pouches is shockingly high. Sucking the puree directly from the pouch means the teeth are bathed in sugar for long periods, which greatly increases the risk of decay. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Does the scheme help the charity? Expand Yes. Income from the scheme helps fund the Oral Health Foundation’s charitable work, including public campaigns, education, and activities to improve oral health around the world.
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Eligibility Expand You must be at least 16 years old upon application and a resident of the UK. If you are a student, you must be involved in higher education on a full-time or part-time basis and working towards a dental nursing qualification. If you are a dental nurse who is already qualified, you must be working in practice on a full-time or part-time basis. Your training should not be being paid for by your employer or via an apprenticeship.
I am thinking about getting treatment overseas. Is this a good idea? Expand Before embarking on a trip abroad for dental treatment there are a number of factors to consider. It is important to do your research and familiarise yourself with the process in the country you are looking at having the treatment, as well as speaking about it with your dentist here first. The things you need to think about are: Complications Many people who are going abroad are wanting more advanced (higher cost) procedures which are more likely to result in complications. No matter how skilled the clinician, there is always a risk of treatment failure. If complications do arise once you are home, it will not always be easy to return to the clinic which provided the treatment, especially if there is an infection. Your insurance may not cover the travel costs involved in returning to the clinic, especially if you wish to return with a partner or friend. Fine-tuning Procedures such as crowns, bridges, veneers and implants are not easily carried out rapidly. Expertise and time are essential to achieving a good outcome. For instance, to achieve a perfect bite, the patient can require repeat visits and a series of adjustments. This may not be possible if the dentist is abroad. Language barriers It is always important that your clinician can communicate with you and explain the treatment provided and recommendations for post-surgical care. This is always more difficult when English is not the first language of your practitioner. He or she needs to know exactly what you want and you need to know exactly what you are getting. Problems and complaints often arise from communication issues. Varying standards and approaches Different countries have a different concept of aesthetic beauty. For example, in the USA very white and even teeth are thought attractive, whereas in the UK we prefer a more natural smile. There are also varying clinical standards and while in the UK, dentists are more likely to save a tooth, in some countries, dentists may be more ready to extract. Not all countries have the same high standards of cross-infection control, and in developing countries there can be a higher incidence of infectious diseases. In other countries, they may prefer to carry out invasive treatment such as crowns and veneers. If too much of the tooth is removed, this can cause pain and the death of the nerve inside the tooth, requiring expensive remedial work. Calculate costs Many of those considering travelling abroad believe that private dentistry in the UK is not affordable. However, sometimes this is based on an assumption. It is advisable to talk to a number of dental practices, check prices and ascertain if they have a payment plan in place. This can help spread treatment costs, making treatment both affordable and accessible. More information: Paying for dental treatment General Dental Council: Guide to dental treatment abroad
My face is swollen, what should I do? Expand If you have facial swelling, this could indicate that you have an infection. You will need to see a dentist as you may need some antibiotics to relieve the symptoms of this infection. If you are in the UK and do not have a regular dentist, you can find the details of the nearest emergency dentist by contacting the NHS 111 service. More information: NHS 111
Why am I in pain after a tooth extraction? Expand Generally any discomfort after an extraction does not last for long and can easily be controlled by the painkillers you would normally take for a headache. If it lasts any longer than 24 hours you should go back to your dental team for advice. Sometimes pain may occur 3-4 days after the extraction when a blood clot has not formed properly in the extraction socket and the bone becomes infected. You will need to go back to your dentist, who will dress the socket and/or give you antibiotics to relive the symptoms of the infection.. More information: What to do after a tooth extraction
Why does my mouth feel dry? Expand Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems and can happen as you get older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication - especially heart, blood pressure and depression tablets. If you have a dry mouth, this can be very uncomfortable and it can make eating certain foods very difficult. Many prescription medicines can cause a dry mouth, if you are taking any regular medication from your doctor, it may be worth discussing these symptoms with him to see if there is an alternative that does not have the same side effects. If you think that you are suffering with a dry mouth, you should discuss this with your dental team. They may recommend one of the many products that are available over-the-counter to help to alleviate this problem. More information: Dry mouth Medical conditions and oral health
I have sensitive teeth. What can I do? Expand You can try using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Brush your teeth as normal using de-sensitising and then rub a little toothpaste into the sensitive area when going to bed as it helps protect the surface. Try to avoid strongly acidic foods and drinks and wait at least an hour after eating before brushing as this could cause even more sensitivity. Grinding your teeth can also increase sensitivity and a mouth guard maybe necessary. If the pain continues, speak to your dental team and they may be able to offer further care to reduce your symptoms. A number of things can cause sensitivity and your dental team will be able to identify these and advise the correct care. More information: Sensitive teeth Approved products
What should I do if I knock my tooth out? Expand If the tooth is clean and if you can, try to put the tooth back in. Hold the tooth by the crown and place it firmly back into the socket. Bite on a clean handkerchief for 15-20 minutes. If you cannot get the tooth back in, it has more chance of survival if you can keep the tooth in your cheek until you can get to an emergency dentist. If this is not possible, keep the tooth in some milk. The tooth needs to be replaced ideally within 30 minutes, so seek dental attention promptly. More information: Knocked out teeth
Why are my gums bleeding? Expand Gums bleed when they are irritated and inflamed which is not considered normal. This is due to plaque (a soft film of bacteria) being left on the teeth which causes inflammation called gingivitis and if not addressed can develop into gum disease. Over time, if not cleaned off through daily brushing and interdental cleaning, the plaque can turn into a hard deposit called tartar or calculus which will require professional scaling by your dentist or hygienist to remove it. It is important even if your gums bleed they are still brushed to keep the mouth clean otherwise the bacteria build up in the mouth will make gum inflammation worse. After a few days of thorough cleaning, your gums should stop bleeding. If this does not happen you will need to ask the advice of your dental team as you may need professional cleaning. A good oral care regime should be able to prevent your gums from bleeding if done correctly. We would always suggest that you have regular examinations at your dentist. This can help diagnose and treat anything unusual in your mouth so you get the correct care and advice. You may have to use a softer brush whilst the gums are inflamed until they become healthier. It is also important to clean in between teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss. Smoking can cover up a gum problem as it restricts the blood flow to the mouth. If you have recently given up smoking this could allow the gums to get a better circulation and therefore start to bleed. More information: Gum disease Caring for my teeth Smoking and my oral health