NHS: Wisdom Tooth Removal
The removal of wisdom teeth, or third molars, is one of the most common procedures carried out in the UK.
The wisdom teeth grow at the back of your gums and are the last teeth to come through. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner.
Wisdom teeth usually grow through the gums during the late teens or early twenties. By this time, the other 28 adult teeth are usually in place so there isn't always enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow properly.
NHS: Gum disease
Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums becomeswollen, sore or infected.
It's estimated to affect more than half of all adults in the UK to some degree and most people experience it at least once. It is much less common in children.
If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath. This stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis.
NHS: Toothache
Toothache is pain in and around the teeth and jaws that is most often caused by tooth decay.
The pain usually starts suddenly and it can vary from mild discomfort to a severe throbbing, which is often worse at night. The area of your jaw close to the infected tooth may also be sore and tender to the touch.
Toothache can either come and go or be constant. Eating or drinking can make the pain worse, particularly if the food or drink is hot or cold.
NHS: Dental abscess
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms in your teeth and spreads to the surrounding tissue. It forms as the result of a bacterial infection.
The main symptom of a dental abscess is a severe, throbbing pain. The pain usually comes on suddenly, gets gradually worse over a few hours or days, and causes teeth to be tender and sensitive.
Oral Health Foundation
The Oral Health Foundation is an independent charity (not for profit) dedicated to improving oral health and wellbeing around the world. For more than 45 years we have continued to provide expert, independent and impartial advice on all aspects of oral health directly to those who need it most.
British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the voice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the UK.
BAOMS is a registered charity, and a company limited by guarantee, not having share capital. The overall strategic direction of the charity is determined by the trustees, who are assisted and advised by the other officers and members of the Council of the Association.
NIDCR
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is the federal government’s lead agency for scientific research on dental, oral and craniofacial health and disease. NIDCR is one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
British Dental Association
The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association and trade union for dentists in the United Kingdom and was founded in 1880. As an organisation that is owned entirely by its members and with no external shareholders, the BDA is able to focus solely on its mission to promote the interests of its members; advance the science, arts and ethics of dentistry, and improve the nation's oral health.
