Tick whatever sounds like you. We'll show the problems that match, most likely first, and the usual ways a dentist can help.
This is not a diagnosis. It shows common problems that match what you describe, to help you understand your options. Only a dentist who examines you can tell you what’s wrong. If you have facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won’t stop, get urgent help now.
If swelling is affecting your breathing, swallowing, speaking or eye, call 999 or go to A&E. For a knocked-out adult tooth or a swollen face, contact a dentist straight away or call NHS 111.
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Tick one or more symptoms and matching problems will appear here.
Bad breath (halitosis) is very common and usually fixable at home. The main causes, what actually helps, and when to see a dentist or GP.
Usual options: Daily oral hygiene, Scale and polish, Fillings, Gum disease treatment
A tooth that has broken badly - especially after an accident - needs prompt dental care. What to do right now and what treatment may follow.
Usual options: Dental bonding, Fillings, Crowns, Root canal treatment
A small piece has broken off a tooth. Usually not serious, but worth getting checked. What to do now and how dentists repair chips.
Usual options: Dental bonding, Fillings, Veneers, Crowns
Pain when biting, or twinges with hot and cold, can mean a cracked tooth. Cracks cannot heal on their own, so early treatment matters.
Usual options: Dental bonding, Veneers, Crowns, Inlays and onlays
Twisted, tilted or uneven teeth are very common. Here is why they happen, when they matter, and the realistic ways to straighten them.
Usual options: Clear aligners, Metal braces, Ceramic braces, Lingual braces
When some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. How crossbites affect the jaw and how they are corrected.
Usual options: Metal braces, Clear aligners, Retainers
When there is not enough space for every tooth, teeth overlap and twist. Learn how crowding is assessed and the options for making room.
Usual options: Clear aligners, Metal braces, Ceramic braces, Lingual braces
A build-up of pus from an infection in a tooth or gum. It will not go away on its own and needs urgent dental treatment.
Usual options: Root canal treatment, Tooth extraction, Gum disease treatment, Crowns
Gaps between teeth can be harmless, a sign of missing teeth, or occasionally a sign of gum disease. How to tell and what can close them.
Usual options: Gum disease treatment, Clear aligners, Metal braces, Veneers
Bleeding, swollen gums are the classic early sign. Gum disease is common and preventable - here is how it progresses and how it is treated.
Usual options: Daily oral hygiene, Scale and polish, Gum disease treatment, Tooth extraction
An adult tooth knocked out can often be saved if you act within the hour. Step-by-step first aid, plus what happens at the dentist.
Usual options: Root canal treatment, Dentures, Bridges, Dental implants
A filling has fallen out, cracked or feels loose. How to protect the tooth until you are seen and what a dentist might do next.
Usual options: Fillings, Inlays and onlays, Crowns, Root canal treatment
Gaps from lost teeth can affect eating, speech and confidence. Compare dentures, bridges and implants, and why the gap itself matters.
Usual options: Dentures, Bridges, Dental implants
When the front or side teeth do not meet even with the back teeth closed. Common causes, including habits, and what can be done.
Usual options: Metal braces, Clear aligners, Retainers
Top teeth that stick out or overlap the bottom ones too deeply. What counts as normal, why it matters, and how braces can help.
Usual options: Metal braces, Clear aligners, Ceramic braces, Lingual braces
Gums shrinking back to expose the roots can cause sensitivity and 'long' looking teeth. The causes and how to stop it getting worse.
Usual options: Daily oral hygiene, Fluoride treatments and fissure sealants, Fillings, Gum disease treatment
Sharp twinges with cold, hot, sweet or acidic food are common. Why teeth become sensitive, what helps at home and when to see a dentist.
Usual options: Daily oral hygiene, Fluoride treatments and fissure sealants, Fillings, Night guards and splints
Teeth darken with age, tea, coffee, red wine and smoking. What professional cleaning, whitening and other options can - and can't - do.
Usual options: Scale and polish, Teeth whitening, Veneers, Crowns
Grinding or clenching - often at night - can wear teeth, crack fillings and cause jaw pain and headaches. Causes, self-help and night guards.
Usual options: Night guards and splints, Dental bonding, Fillings, Crowns
Decay often starts silently and ends in holes, pain or infection. How it develops, the early warning signs and the treatments at each stage.
Usual options: Fluoride treatments and fissure sealants, Fillings, Inlays and onlays, Root canal treatment
Toothache has many causes, from decay to a cracked tooth. How to ease the pain now, when to see a dentist and when it's an emergency.
Usual options: Daily oral hygiene, Fillings, Root canal treatment, Gum disease treatment
When the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper ones. Why it happens, why early assessment matters, and the treatment options.
Usual options: Metal braces, Clear aligners, Retainers
Wisdom teeth that are stuck or only part-way through can cause pain, swelling and infections. When they need removing - and when they don't.
Usual options: Daily oral hygiene, Wisdom tooth removal
Teeth that look shorter, thinner, more yellow or sensitive may be wearing away. Find out the causes - acid, grinding, brushing - and fixes.
Usual options: Daily oral hygiene, Night guards and splints, Dental bonding, Inlays and onlays
The NHS advice in short (England):
