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Teeth and gums

Healthy teeth will last a lifetime. Having healthy teeth and gums helps protect your smile and supports your overall health. It can also avoid the pain and cost of decay.

Dentists & emergency dental care

Find out what a dentist does to help keep your teeth and gums healthy, including check-ups, cleaning and treatment. If you or a whānau member has toothache or an injury to your teeth or gums, get help as soon as possible.

Dental care

Learn about the services offered by dentists, which services are publicly funded, and how to access emergency dental care.

First teeth

Your child’s first teeth (baby teeth) will help them to eat and speak well. Looking after their baby teeth helps make sure their adult teeth come through healthy and strong.

First aid for teeth

Accidents involving your teeth can happen. Find out what to do about knocked out teeth, broken or chipped teeth, or displaced teeth.

Flossing

Dental floss or inter-dental brushes are used to clean between teeth.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural substance. It helps protect our teeth by making them stronger, and reducing tooth decay.

Gum disease

Gum disease (periodontal disease), is an inflammatory disease caused by a build up of plaque on teeth. There are 2 types of gum disease — gingivitis, and periodontitis.

Smoking and oral health

How smoking affects your oral health and increases your risk of developing other problems.

Drugs

Using cannabis or methamphetamine can cause problems in your mouth. Cannabis can increase your risk of developing gum disease, and methamphetamine can lead to tooth decay.

Tooth decay

The tooth decay process can be painless and occur over a long period of time. Decay can occur in any part of the tooth, even in exposed root surfaces or around and under existing fillings. Sometimes decay can only be detected by an x-ray, particularly in the early stages.