*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - T : Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is often caused by having too much sugary food and drink and not cleaning your teeth and gums. See a dentist as soon as possible if you think you or your child has tooth decay. Early treatment can help stop it getting worse.

Check if you have tooth decay

Tooth decay may not cause any symptoms at first.

But if it gets worse it can lead to problems, such as a hole forming in the tooth (dental cavity).

If you have a hole in your tooth you may have:

toothache (tooth pain)
sharp pain in your tooth when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet things (sensitive teeth)
white, brown or black spots on your tooth

Sometimes the tooth or gum can become infected, leading to a painful build-up of pus (dental abscess).

See a dentist if:

you have problems with your teeth like toothache or a sharp pain in your tooth when eating or drinking
your gums are painful, swollen, or bleed when you brush your teeth

Find a dentist

Get regular dental check-ups

You should have regular dental check-ups even if you do not have any problems. See a dentist if you have not had a check-up for 2 years (or 1 year if you're under 18).

Treatments for tooth decay

Treatment for tooth decay depends on how severe it is.

A dentist can prescribe fluoride treatments like mouthwash or varnish to reverse early tooth decay.

You'll probably need a filling if you have a hole (cavity) in your tooth.

If tooth decay has reached the soft tissue (pulp) in the middle of your tooth, you may need root canal treatment.

Sometimes the affected tooth may need to be removed (extraction).

Preventing tooth decay

Tooth decay happens when bacteria create a sticky layer called plaque over your teeth. This damages the surface of your teeth over time.

Tooth decay is common in children, so it's important to make sure they're looking after their teeth and gums from an early age.

There are some simple things you can do to keep your and your children's teeth and gums healthy and help prevent tooth decay.

Do

brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste - spit after brushing, do not rinse
clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes
use sugar-free medicines
have regular dental check-ups (your dentist will be able to advise you about how often you need to go)

Don't

do not have too much sugary food or drink
do not smoke

Find out more

Children's teeth
Looking after your baby's teeth
How to keep your teeth clean
Sweets, fizzy drinks and bottles

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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