fp Turks and Caicos

Dr. Mark Osmond is the latest columnist to join the fp. He has been a practising dentist for more than 20 years, having qualified from Kings College London. He owned and ran two dental clinics in the U.K. before relocating in 2005 to the Turks and Caicos Islands, where he now runs Mark Osmond Dental Clinic. Through this regular column, Dr. Mark will answer your dental queries and invites you to submit any questions either by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on his Facebook page, DrMarkOsmond.

I have tooth ache. Why?

Toothache can be due to a cavity, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, an infection at the end of the root or a fractured tooth. These different problems often have different symptoms and each require treatment in the appropriate way.

My gums bleed. What does that mean?

Bleeding gums are a sign that the gums are inflamed. This is usually due to a combined impact of irritation from the hard deposits on the teeth (calculus) and bacterial infection.

My breath smells. Why?

Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a number of reasons, some which relate to the teeth and gums, some which do not. Infection and inflammation around the teeth can certainly be a cause, as can poor basic oral hygiene, where food debris is not being cleaned away regularly. If this is the case, regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is the first step to correcting the problem. A check-up and cleaning at the dentist would also be advised.

Bad breath can also be caused by a throat infection, sinus problems, tonsillitis or other upper respiratory tract infections.

My tooth hurts when I eat something hot or cold or sweet

If you are experiencing pain with all three of these sensations, then it is almost certain that a tooth has a cavity. If the tooth just hurts with cold, then this may be sensitivity and not necessarily decay. If a tooth is painful with hot and not with cold, this can indicate a tooth that may need a root canal treatment.

I can see a black mark on one of my teeth. What is it?

This could be a cavity, but it could also be a surface stain or a stained fissure (groove) in the tooth. An examination with a dentist would be able to determine the cause and then treat accordingly.

I’m 25 and still have a baby tooth. What should I do?

Having a baby tooth as an adult is not necessarily a problem. However, we would need to establish whether or not there is an adult tooth out of position and whether this is causing a problem. An examination with the dentist (during which X-rays would be taken) would establish exactly what is happening under the gum and also enable an assessment of how long the baby tooth is likely to remain there. It may be that the baby tooth requires extraction or that there is no need for any further treatment.

Mark Osmond Dental Clinic is located at the Graceway IGA Complex. For more information or to make an appointment, call 649-432-3777 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .