Dental Abscesses Dental abscesses can be painful but they can be treated relatively easily. A dental abscess is formed when the dental pulp in the middle of the tooth dies and the pulp chamber becomes infected. The build-up of pus can raise the tooth up within the socket, making it feel tender when you bite down. Tooth abscesses can make your jaw ache and feel tender when you chew. If the abscess bursts, the pain may go, but don't let that stop you seeking treatment. It's important that you see your dentist to make sure the problem doesn't come back. Your dentist will discuss with you the possibilities of placing a root filling in the tooth to prevent this from happening. Avoiding treatment or putting it off may be one of the reasons for an abscess starting. They occur when tooth decay is left untreated and reaches the dental pulp (the inside of the tooth which holds the blood supply and the nerves), which then becomes infected and dies. The bacteria then spread into the root of the tooth to form an abscess.   Dental abscesses are fairly easy to diagnose - for example, you may find that pain is worse if you are pressing or chewing on the affected tooth. If the pain is less easy to define, your dentist will tap the teeth to determine which one is tender.  The dentist may use an x-ray as part of the diagnosis, although the early stages of an abscess may not show. To be able to treat a tooth with an abscess your dentist will first need to deal with the infection. They will do this with antibiotics. You may also need to take painkillers for about 24 hours to give the antibiotics time to work. Your dentist will then give you an appointment around a week later. Although the pain will have gone away it is essential to have further treatment to prevent the abscess coming back.   Removing the affected tooth will solve the problem but your dentist is more likely to try to save the tooth by drilling into the abscess and releasing the pus. They will then give you what is known as root canal treatment - placing a root filling in the tooth to block off the pulp chamber and nerve canal and stop the infection returning. The tooth can then be restored with a normal filling or crown. In some cases if your gum is badly swollen and contains pus your dentist may drain it to release the pressure. Dry mouth We all suffer from a dry mouth from time to time, but for some people the condition is more long-lasting. Xerostomia is a condition where the mouth becomes very dry and can make people more susceptible to dental problems such as tooth decay or cause problems for denture wearers. There are lots of different reasons why people get dry mouth, and there are things that you can do both to ease the condition and help prevent problems with your teeth. Some prescription drugs and medicines can cause dry mouth as a side effect, especially treatments for depression and high blood pressure. Also, certain medical conditions affect the salivary glands, so they don't produce as much saliva and the mouth tends to be more dry. Xerostomia can lead to dryness, a burning or sore feeling in the mouth or a bad taste. You may also have difficulty swallowing and speaking. If you wear dentures, you may find they become loose and cause sore areas. Making sure you don't get dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help. Also, doctors can prescribe artificial saliva which comes as a spray to help moisten the mouth. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take to see if there are suitable alternatives less likely to cause dry mouth. Some people find sucking sweets, or chewing gum helps produce more saliva, but take special care that these don't contain sugar as this could cause more tooth decay. Snoring We all snore from time to time, usually if we're nursing a cold or a blocked nose. For some people, though, snoring is a long term condition which can be distressing for them and their partners. In these cases, dentists may be able to help. Snoring happens when the soft palate and soft tissues in the throat vibrate together. Throat muscles relax during sleep, like all muscles, and this reduces the size of the airway. A dentist may be able to fit a special appliance which can be worn in the mouth to pull the lower jaw and tongue forward, keeping the airway open and reducing the chance of snoring. How to prevent snoring Snoring happens when the soft palate and soft tissues in the throat vibrate together. Throat muscles relax during sleep, like all muscles, and this reduces the size of the airway. If you're a sufferer - or if your partner is - try these possible solutions: Cut back on alcohol or sedatives and stop smoking Try losing weight Change your sleeping position Ask your dentist about special appliances to open up the airway. Click here clickable link to Can a dentist do anything about snoring?) for more details Ask your doctor or pharmacist about drugs to reduce nasal congestion Disability access to dental practices Dentists want to make treatment as accessible as possible, for as many people as possible. New legislation means that, by 2004, they will have to make some adjustments to their practices to ensure wheelchair access and also provide things like grab rails and ramps. Some practices may be exempt if they are in listed buildings, but you can check this with your local authority.