Ulcers usually appear inside the mouth, often on the inside of the lips and cheeks and sometimes on the tongue. More than one ulcer may appear at a time, and they can vary in size. Ulcers are not contagious and are usually caused by accidentally biting the inside of the mouth, dentures, braces or ill-fitting fillings. Hard foods or hot drinks can also damage the inside of the mouth, leading to ulcers. Sometimes, however, they are caused by uncontrollable factors, such as hormonal changes, low iron or even as an initial side effect for those who have quit smoking. Mouth ulcers are common and tend to clear up on their own but if a customer has had an ulcer for more than three weeks, they should be referred to a dentist or GP.

Dentures are removable false teeth, usually made from plastic, which fit over the gums to replace missing teeth. Unfortunately, dentures can cause irritation which can lead to redness, swelling and even tenderness for both mouth and gums. Denture irritation after first use is very common and can leave the mouth and tongue feeling sore as they adjust. If persistent pain and discomfort is left unchecked, denture irritation can lead to temporary or even permenant damage to the gums.

Most babies start getting their teeth through within their first year. Some may have very little pain or discomfort, but this isn’t always the case. As the teeth push up, they can leave the gums sore and red. Babies may also get a mild temperature (below 38°C), dribble more than normal, rub their ear, not sleep well, be more fretful and want to chew on things more than normal.

The root cause of tooth decay is plaque, which is a thin sticky film that coats the surface of the teeth and gums. It contains many different types of bacteria living naturally in the mouth. These bacteria react with food and drink, forming acids which then attack the enamel on the surface of the tooth. Over time, this acid can destroy the enamel and a cavity will form as a result. Left untreated, dental cavities can destroy a tooth and cause significant pain. The only way to stop this extended damage is to have the cavity filled by a dentist. 

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is a common oral health condition, with up to 90 per cent of the UK adult population estimated to have it to some degree. Gum disease can be caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums, causing inflammation and swelling. These swollen and irritated gums bleed more easily when the teeth are brushed. Other signs of gingivitis include bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth and shrinking of the gums. Gum disease is most likely to occur if there is poor oral hygiene, but it is also more common in smokers, people with diabetes and anyone with a weakened immune system.