PROBLEM Sensitive teeth
CAUSE Exposed nerve roots
TREATMENT Lay off whitening, tartar control and baking soda toothpastes. They're abrasive, and can contain phosphates - two causes of sensitivity. And don't brush so hard. "It can lead to recessed gums," says dentist Sherri Worth. If pain persists, see your dentist.

PROBLEM Yellow teeth
CAUSE If it's not red wine or those 18 cups of coffee you drink every day, it could be acid wear.
TREATMENT High-acid food and drink corrode enamel, so eat them quickly or drink them through a straw to limit exposure (they include salad dressings, fruit, juice and soft drinks). Eating dairy after may help neutralise acidity. Brush with Pronamel, which protects teeth against the effects of acid wear.

PROBLEM Lost tooth
CAUSE Stilettos, too many Cowboys.
TREATMENT Rinse the tooth and push it back in right away, then bite down gently on a soft cloth or a moistened tea bag to hold it in. Knocking out a tooth tears the periodontal ligaments, but some might cling to the tooth, allowing it to reattach to the gums. But even if the tooth does reattach, the tissue inside can still die. If so, you might need a root canal, so see your dentist.

PROBLEM Burned tongue
CAUSE Hot toasted sambos coupled with impatience.
TREATMENT Rinse immediately with a solution of one teaspoon of salt and one cup of warm water. "It's actually very soothing," says Worth. The salt draws any infection to the surface of the tissue, where the body eliminates it, and helps neutralise the acidic environment in your mouth that fosters bacteria.

PROBLEM Oral ulcer
CAUSE There are lots. But crunchy, sharp or spicy foods can irritate the sore.
TREATMENT Apply vegetable oil to a cotton ball and hold it against the sore for a minute, three times a day. "Oil coats the sore and protects it from infection," says nutritionist Dr Mary Ellen Camire. Or pick up a topical treatment like Kenalog in Orabase from the chemist.

PROBLEM Sore jaw
CAUSE Usually grinding your teeth at night. Intense grinders can develop something called temporomandibular joint disorder, which leads to splitting headaches.
TREATMENT If you're relaxed before bed, you'll be less likely to grind. "Give yourself an hour to wind down before sleep," advises Worth. "Take a hot bath or listen to soothing music." Sleeping on your back can also help. If nothing else works, see your dentist to get fitted for a special night mouthguard.