Archive for March, 2010

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Teeth whitening has become affordable at central Leeds dentist

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

If we fail to look after our teeth properly they can become faded, dull and discoloured. To recapture your bright smile it may be necessary to undergo a teeth whitening procedure. This has become one of the most effective and convenient ways of improving the aesthetic appearance of your teeth.

The purpose of teeth whitening is to remove stains and discolouration from the teeth. This occurs by placing a special whitening gel containing the special active ingredient hydrogen peroxide in trays, so that it comes into contact with the teeth. This bleaches discoloured areas, returning them to their natural colour and giving you a healthy white smile that can boost your confidence.

There are a number of effective teeth whitening systems and products available on the market. Most of these products are designed specifically to be used in surgery by a dentist but there are some products that are available to use at home. Dentists do not recommend their use, as there is potential to cause damage to the soft tissue of the lips, cheeks and gums. Dentists can use any necessary safety equipment to ensure no whitening gel comes into contact with this soft tissue, helping to keep you safe. It also means that dentists are able to use stronger concentrations of whitening gels to achieve more spectacular results. They can also prepare lower concentration trays to be used at home in safety.

One of the most important things to say about teeth whitening is how affordable it has become. A few years ago it may have been to expensive for most people but as availability increases and technology improves it is now possible to have a teeth whitening procedure for as little as £60, affordable to almost everybody. Central Leeds dentists are now offering affordable teeth whitening to all suitable patients and can make your teeth up to ten shades whiter to give you a stunning smile.

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City of Leeds dentist breaks link between sleep apnea and heart disease

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects thousands of people as they sleep. It cause interruptions during breathing that leads to noises being emitted, similar to those of snoring but it is not the same condition as snoring.

The interruptions in breathing can last for a few seconds or even minutes, which puts a lot of stress on the patients heart. Although, breathing will start again after a matter of time. Because the condition affects sleep, many sufferers are unaware that they have the disease. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that disrupts three nights sleep a week on average. This often means the patient is tired for large parts of the week due to poor sleep, and they are often unaware of the causes.

The condition is very hard to test for which makes it so difficult to diagnose. This means that many people live with sleep apnea for many years having a huge impact on their lives. It occurs when the soft palate at the back of the throat collapses during sleep, temporarily blocking the airwaves and preventing breathing. This is called obstructive sleep apnea but there is another variety called central sleep apnea when the brain forgets to send a message to the lungs to breath. Both conditions can be very bad for your health and have links to stress and underperformance, especially in children. More worryingly however, is the links to heart disease and heart failure. There have been many cases of sudden death due to sleep apnea as the interruption to breathing outs tremendous strain on the heart.

If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, make an appointment to see a City of Leeds dentist who may be able to assist you with treatment, often involving a fitted appliance to be worn when sleeping.

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Dental care is more than just brushing say City of Leeds dentists

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Brushing your teeth is only part of a good oral hygiene regime. Although brushing is very important for removing plaque and keeping teeth clean and free of bacteria, there are other important ways of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

As well as brushing your teeth twice a day for three minutes to clean the teeth, City of Leeds dentists recommend that time should be spent looking after the other areas of the mouth as dental care is more than just brushing. They recommend flossing at least once a day and using fluoride toothpaste if it is suitable for your teeth. It is also very important to clean other areas of the mouth such as the tongue.

The grooved and porous surface of the tongue can be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The substance responsible for causing gum disease and tooth decay, known as plaque, is a bacteria-rich substance. If the tongue is not cleaned effectively it will begin to act as a reservoir of bacteria for the tongue, which then causes subsequent damage to the teeth and gums, even if they have been thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush.

Not only does the tongue act as a reservoir for bacteria causing decay, but it can also be the source of bad odours which are then carried out the mouth on the breath. Bacteria that decays releases foul-smelling sulphurous compounds which are the cause of over 90% of cases of bad breath. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled brush at least twice a week to clean the surface of the tongue. Alternatively, you may wish to use a tongue scarper to remove the bacteria form the tongue. This, along with a strong brushing and flossing routine, will help to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.

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Protect damaged teeth with dental crown from Central London dentist

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Teeth can be damaged in many ways. Chips, cracks and breaks can occur as the result of sporting injury, motor vehicle accidents or from any other kind of head trauma. Broken teeth can be very painful and also expose the sensitive inside parts of the tooth to the risk of infection and disease. Teeth can also be damaged by dental decay and enamel erosion. This again leaves them vulnerable to attack from disease, which could eventually lead to tooth loss. When teeth are damaged in this way it is necessary to protect them from further injury and also to restore the cosmetic appearance.

One of the oldest and most effective ways of protecting teeth is to fit a dental crown over the top. A dental crown is a ceramic or metal and ceramic cap that is designed to fit over the damaged tooth, covering all parts of the tooth above the gum line to act as a barrier to further damage. A Central London dentist will first need to remove some of the existing enamel so that the crown can fit comfortably over the top. The crown, which will have been made in laboratory conditions to be the same size and shape as the original tooth, will then be cemented over the top using composite bonding.

Crowns are made from metal and ceramic as these are very versatile and strong materials. Ceramics such as porcelain also have a very similar appearance to tooth enamel, giving an improved aesthetic appearance. Once firmly in place the crown will perform all the functions of the original tooth.

Crowns are also used after certain dental surgeries and treatments to add a dimension of protection to the teeth. If dental decay has causes significant damage that a filling is not sufficient to protect the tooth, then a crown may be used to offer greater protection. Crowns are also used after root canal treatments to prevent further infection

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Ask a Leeds dentist how dental health could be crucial for overall health

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Your dental health can be indicative of your overall general health. The mouth is the main gateway to the body. All food goes through the oral cavity and it is also crucial for breathing. As such it is one of the most important parts of the body and keeping it healthy is important. An unhealthy mouth can indicate either that you are suffering from a wider health problem with symptoms manifesting themselves in the oral cavity or conversely that poor dental hygiene could be causing a health problem for the body.

There are a number of internal diseases that exhibit symptoms in the mouth that a Leeds dentist may be able to spot during a routine check up. This could often be the difference between effective treatment and further suffering. Catching a disease or condition early through oral diagnoses could even save your life. Bad breath in the mouth could also be a sign that you are suffering intestinal or digestion problems.

Your oral hygiene can also impact on the state of your body. Not only is gum disease very unpleasant and painful in itself but it has also been found to be a major contributing factor to heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Bacteria that causes gum disease can get into the bloodstream and start a chemical reaction that leads to a narrowing of the arteries and ultimately heart disease. Keeping your mouth and teeth clean with an effective regime of brushing and flossing and making regular visits to a Leeds dentist can help limit the risk of causing health problems which originate in the oral cavity.

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Recognising the signs of periodontal disease with help from Central Leeds dentist

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis or gum disease, describes the condition that begins with bacterial growth and plaque build up in the mouth that can lead to tissue destruction and ultimately lost teeth.

In the first stages of the disease (most commonly called gingivitis for less serious cases) plaque and bacteria build up around the gums causing inflammation and possibly bleeding. This irritation of the gums also may cause them to be sore. It can be treated with improved cleaning or by a dentist. If left untreated however, it will continue to progress causing further health problems for your gums. It can cause gaps to develop between the teeth and gums which in turn become infected allowing the disease to spread.

Periodontal disease can be caused by a number of factors. Hormonal changes or illness may the cause an imbalance of bacteria and make the gums more sensitive. This can also be caused by taking some medications and lifestyle choices such as smoking. The most common cause of gum disease by far, however, is poor oral hygiene. Inadequate brushing and flossing means not enough plaque is removed from the teeth or gums and the disease is allowed to take hold.

If you suspect you may be suffering from periodontal disease, it is important that you make an appointment to see a Central Leeds as soon as possible. If the condition is mild it may be easily treatable, but serious cases may require antibiotics or possibly even surgical treatment. This is because of the serious nature of advanced periodontal disease and the possible links to heart disease and further health complications.

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Central Leeds dentist explains the importance of the parental role in dental health

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Dental care for children is very much the responsibility of parents. Educating your children when they are young about the benefits of looking after their teeth can set them up well for a life free of dental concerns. On the other hand, allow them to develop bad habits and they could stick with them for the rest of their loves leading to a whole manner of uncomfortable, painful and unpleasant dental procedures.

The most important thing you can do as a parent is to teach your child how to brush and floss correctly. You should never force your child to do this as they could build up resentment towards it. Instead, try to make it a game or reward them for doing it well. This encourages good habits and also keeps their teeth clean in the important developing years.

It is also important that you ensure your child sees a Central Leeds dentist every six months. Regular appointments with the dentist can help to prevent the onset of early tooth decay and gum disease and will keep your child’s teeth healthier. It also means your child will learn that the dentist is nothing to fear, especially if there is no need for treatment.

Finally, as a parent it is important to make sure your child eats healthily, both for their overall health and for the health of their teeth. Try to avoid giving them food with too much sugar and make sure they eat plenty of fruit and vegetables which will make their teeth stronger. As a parent you always want what is best for your children so follow these few simple rules you can be confident that you have done the best you could for their teeth.

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City of Leeds dentist explains how oral hygiene could prevent heart disease

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

City of Leeds dentist explains how oral hygiene could prevent heart disease

The health of your teeth may not just be a sign of how well you brush and floss but could indicate your risk of heart disease and strokes.

Several studies have indicated the link between periodontal disease and an increased risk of developing problems with your circulatory system. Further research seems to have proved conclusively that this is the case. A new study found that adults who had lost between 10 and 19 teeth were far more likely to have clogged arteries that caused strokes and heart failure.

The evidence seems to suggest that bacterial infection in the mouth, most likely gum disease can start a chain reaction that leads to a chemical inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation in the circulatory system contributes to a narrowing of the arteries, which leads to medical problems associated with the heart.

The study followed 711 people between the ages of 50 and 75 who had no previous problems with heart disease. Their arteries were examined and it was found that those with missing teeth or poor standards of dental hygiene were more likely to be at risk of heart disease.

Of course it is true that both gum disease and heart disease share many contributing factors which makes it difficult to establish a definite link, such as poor diet and smoking, but all the evidence seems to point towards a link. If you think you may be suffering from gum disease and putting yourself at risk of gum disease then make an appointment to see a City of Leeds dentist to find out how improved oral hygiene could help to prevent heart disease.

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Teeth whitening to eliminate discolouration at Central Leeds dentist

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure by some margin. Popular and accepted by men and women alike, teeth whitening can have the dramatic effect of whitening your teeth by up to ten shades, giving them a healthy and youthful appearance. Yet still only roughly 15% of the population has tried and still many people doubt if teeth whitening actually works.

The truth is that teeth whitening does work with nearly everybody who opts to have the treatment done seeing the benefits of substantially whiter teeth. In many cases it is possible to whiten teeth by as much as ten shades, as well as removing any discolouration or stained patches that may exist.

Teeth are stained for a number of reasons. The main factor that causes the discolouration of teeth is age. As we get older, the enamel that covers our teeth starts to lose its colour from continual exposure to food. This process can be increased by certain lifestyle choices such as drinking red wine, coffee or smoking. Effective brushing and flossing can remove this discolouration but if the stains are left they gradually penetrate the enamel and cannot be removed by cleaning alone.

Teeth whitening bleaches these stained patches back to a healthier looking and natural white colour. It is a procedure best carried out in surgery. Home whitening kits are available but Central Leeds dentists will be able to use all the necessary safety equipment to protect the soft tissue and can also ensure a better result.

Teeth whitening to eliminate the discolouration of teeth is also one of the most affordable cosmetic surgery treatments and is also one of the most effective. If you suffer from stained teeth, see what it could do for you.

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City of Leeds dentists warn of the dangers of smoking and gum disease

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Many smokers need to be made more aware of the risks that they are putting themselves under. In a recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association it as found that only a third of smokers considered themselves to be at a greater risk of heart disease than non-smokers. Whether they are just tuned out to the dangers or completely ignorant is unclear, but they are also placing themselves at risk of many other health complications.

City of Leeds dentists are keen to make smokers realise that they are also significantly increasing their chances of periodontal or gum disease. As well as this, smoking has been found to dramatically slow the healing process of any dental treatment patients may have undergone.

Smoking makes you far more likely to suffer form plaque and tartar and also increases the risks of developing pockets between the teeth and gums where disease can begin and take hold. Plaque and tartar that is not removed can begin to eat away at tooth enamel and gum tissue which, if left untreated, can become full blown periodontal disease.

This can result in tooth loss, bleeding and painful gums and even heart disease. Severe gum disease is treated either with a course of antibiotics, tissue removal or in some cases hospitalisation. It is therefore very important to understand the links between smoking and gum disease and to do all that you can to prevent it. City of Leeds dentists can provide you with more information and advice on the best ways to give up smoking or at least keep your teeth clean and healthy while you still smoke.

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