Tooth problems A to Z

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A tooth that has broken badly - especially after an accident - needs prompt dental care. What to do right now and what treatment may follow.

A small piece has broken off a tooth. Usually not serious, but worth getting checked. What to do now and how dentists repair chips.

Pain when biting, or twinges with hot and cold, can mean a cracked tooth. Cracks cannot heal on their own, so early treatment matters.

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.

Teeth that look shorter, thinner, more yellow or sensitive may be wearing away. Find out the causes - acid, grinding, brushing - and fixes.

Bleeding, swollen gums are the classic early sign. Gum disease is common and preventable - here is how it progresses and how it is treated.

Gums shrinking back to expose the roots can cause sensitivity and 'long' looking teeth. The causes and how to stop it getting worse.

Decay often starts silently and ends in holes, pain or infection. How it develops, the early warning signs and the treatments at each stage.

Twisted, tilted or uneven teeth are very common. Here is why they happen, when they matter, and the realistic ways to straighten them.

When some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. How crossbites affect the jaw and how they are corrected.

When there is not enough space for every tooth, teeth overlap and twist. Learn how crowding is assessed and the options for making room.

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.

When the front or side teeth do not meet even with the back teeth closed. Common causes, including habits, and what can be done.

Top teeth that stick out or overlap the bottom ones too deeply. What counts as normal, why it matters, and how braces can help.

When the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper ones. Why it happens, why early assessment matters, and the treatment options.

Teeth darken with age, tea, coffee, red wine and smoking. What professional cleaning, whitening and other options can - and can't - do.

Gaps from lost teeth can affect eating, speech and confidence. Compare dentures, bridges and implants, and why the gap itself matters.

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.

Grinding or clenching - often at night - can wear teeth, crack fillings and cause jaw pain and headaches. Causes, self-help and night…