The British Dental Health Foundation's Dental Help-line handled more than 20,000 inquiries from all over the UK during the past year.

The most commonly asked questions related to bad breath, bleeding gums, cosmetic treatment, dental charges, possible mercury amalgam problems and dental phobia as well as complaints about treatment.

This is at a time when it is proving increasingly difficult for people in Sussex to gain access to NHS dentists for routine treatment and check-ups because of the high demand for a limited number of places.

In Brighton and Hove, there are currently only 28 dentists offering NHS treatment and a further 12 accepting children only. All are full.

Hardly surprising, then, that the recent opening of a new NHS dental centre in Brighton has already proved a big success.

The St James's Street Dental Centre in Brighton will treat residents who do not have their own NHS dentist and visitors in need of urgent dental advice or treatment.

The three-year pilot scheme is one of only a handful in England set up through a Government programme to develop and improve access to NHS dental services.

David Dudt is the only dentist working at the centre at the moment but there are plans to appoint a second.

Mr Dudt said: "This is aimed at anybody without a dentist who needs NHS treatment.

"We have had a lot of interest from passers-by and expect to be extremely busy once word gets round."

The new centre can offer patients a dental examination, advice and any necessary treatment to meet their immediate needs but is not a substitute for people registered with a dentist.

As well as the problems of access to NHS dentists, increasing costs have put many other people off visiting the dentist regularly.

In response to this, the BDHF has developed various leaflets and information aimed at helping people keep their teeth and gums in good condition.

Dentist Edward Anderson from Horsham said: "The two major causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease.

"The better we prevent or deal with these two problems, the more chance people have of keeping their teeth for life.

"This type of preventative dentistry is excellent for children and young people but it is never too late to start, even with people who may have already lost a few teeth."

The dentist will make sure fillings are in good repair and smooth off rough edges which make cleaning difficult.

A dental hygienist can scale and polish teeth and demonstrate the best ways to brush and floss to remove plaque, an invisible film of bacteria which forms constantly on the teeth and gums.

When sugar is present in the mouth, the plaque turns it into acid, causing tooth decay.

Plaque can also cause gum inflammation if not regularly and thoroughly removed.

Mr Anderson said: "People should monitor their intake of food and drink. Those which contain too much sugar will cause decay and should be avoided. Cheese, fruit, nuts and vegetables make good alternatives."

Other problems that can develop are gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.

With gingivitis, the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen, showing that the area is inflamed. The gums tend to bleed when brushed during cleaning.

Long-standing gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. In the course of this disease, the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw becomes eroded. If left untreated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

However, in most people the disease progresses very slowly and can be slowed down to a rate that should allow sufferers to keep most of their teeth for life.

The Dental Helpline answers calls by phone on 0870 333 1188 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or by email at helpline@dentalhealth.org.uk Anyone wishing to book an appointment at The St James's Street Dental Centre should call 01273 625691.