A short guide to common mouth problems, what you can do yourself and when to have it looked at.
Bleeding when you brush is usually a sign of gingivitis, caused by plaque along the gum line. Good cleaning is the treatment: brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily.
The core line: Gum Protection toothpaste and mouthrinse daily, gel or spray on single spots.
If bleeding continues for more than two weeks despite good cleaning, or if teeth feel loose.
Small, painful, often whitish sores on the lining of the mouth. They usually heal on their own in one to two weeks, but can make eating and talking difficult.
The Forte line: Forte gel straight onto the ulcer, Forte spray where it is hard to reach, and Forte mouthrinse if there are several.
If a sore has not healed in three weeks, or if the ulcers are many, large or very frequent.
Braces, aligners and dentures can rub the lining of the mouth, and hot food can burn the palate. These sores heal once the irritation stops.
Forte gel or Forte spray on the sore. Teen Gel is made for teenagers with orthodontic appliances.
If a denture or appliance keeps rubbing, it needs adjusting.
After an extraction, implant placement or other surgery the area is tender for the first days. Always follow your dentist's instructions first.
If the area is hard to brush and plaque builds up: Perio Intensive Care, which contains chlorhexidine. If the area is easy to keep clean, for example after a biopsy: Forte gel, Forte spray or First Aid oral fluid. The Forte products and First Aid can also be used together with any chlorhexidine product, for faster healing and less pain.
If pain gets worse after a few days, swelling increases, you develop a fever or bleeding does not stop.
When there is little saliva, the lining of the mouth becomes dry and sensitive. The tongue and cheeks then rub against the teeth and dental restorations without saliva to lubricate, and over time the lining thins and becomes sore. Common causes are medicines, radiotherapy and conditions such as Sjögren's.
Gengigel spray as needed through the day. It moistens and forms a film over the lining, eases the dryness and reduces soreness from friction. Forte spray if the lining is very sore. When dry mouth is especially bad, the gels can also help: they lubricate the lining and reduce discomfort and pain. Gum Protection toothpaste suits daily brushing.
If dry mouth persists. The cause needs to be found, and dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay.
When teeth are coming through, the gums can become sore and swollen and the child unsettled.
Baby Gel, which is free from alcohol, local anaesthetics and artificial flavourings.
Contact your health centre if the child has a high temperature, will not drink, or you are unsure.
When gum inflammation persists or periodontitis has been diagnosed, treatment by a dentist or hygienist is needed. The Perio line combines hyaluronic acid with chlorhexidine and is made to support that treatment.
Forte Perio Intensive Care for a short period, Perio Long-Term Care for longer use and Perio Gentle Care daily.
Before you start. Your dentist will advise which strength suits you and for how long.