Archive for March, 2010

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Leeds dentists care for you as well as your mouth

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Dental technology has improved dramatically over the last twenty years to the point that some treatments are almost unrecognisable. Innovations such as digital x-rays, 3D imaging and dental lasers have made many procedures a lot less time consuming and more comfortable for the patient, yet still many patients are reluctant to go and visit the dentist.

Fear of the dentist is one of the most common fears in the UK. In a recent survey, nearly 90% of the people asked admitted to having some fear of the dentist. This fear can be caused by a number of factors but in many cases it is caused by childhood memories of unsympathetic dentists inflicting pain. Just as dental technology has come a long way, so too has the standard of care now available.

Modern dentists know that happy and relaxed patients are the easiest to treat and that those who feel comfortable are more likely to listen to advice about how to keep their teeth clean and as healthy as possible. Leeds dentists know this only to well and make special effort to care for you and not just your mouth. There are few things worse for a dentist than a patient is overly nervous or anxious. This can make dental treatment extremely complicated and in some cases prevent treatment altogether. By showing their patients that they genuinely care about them, they help to keep them relaxed and happy, and hopefully looking after their teeth.

Some of the new techniques employed by caring dentists to help patients relax include using aromatherapy and lavender oil products in the waiting areas, which have been proven to calm patients down. Dentists are also more than willing to spend time reassuring patients and talking them through procedures rather than just diving in, which is commonly cited as one of the main causes of dental fear.

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City of Leeds dentist helps you to brush plaque away

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

The most important part of dental care happens at home according to dentists. Regular check ups can help to prevent more serious dental concerns and ensure that your teeth are being kept as healthy as possible, but it is really effective brushing and flossing that are the most important defence against decay and disease. This is because when it comes to dentistry, prevention is much better than cure.

To keep teeth as healthy as you can, you need to remove plaque. This is a filmy substance that accumulates on the teeth and around the gums. It consists of bacteria and food particles, which can cause the erosion of tooth enamel and gum tissue, which leads to infection. Brushing removes this plaque before it is able to cause any harm or damage to the enamel. Brushing also helps to stimulate the gums, keeping them clean and in good condition.

Brushing with toothpaste is also good because toothpastes contain ingredients, which help to fight plaque and bacteria. Some toothpastes also contain fluoride, which can help to protect teeth against enamel erosion and decay. It is necessary to check with your dentists if fluoride is suitable for your teeth as it can cause staining in some cases.

City of Leeds dentists can give you more advice about effective brushing and flossing. It is usually a good idea to use a toothbrush with a small head as this makes it easier to reach difficult parts of the mouth. Brushing your teeth well will not only remove plaque and bacteria, but can help to preserve enamel keeping your teeth strong and free from sensitivity.

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Foods to eat and avoid for good dental health – ask a Central Leeds dentist

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Choosing the right food is very important not just for the health of your body, but also for the health of your teeth. Good oral hygiene can be affected by the food you put into your mouth, so it is definitely worth taking into consideration how your diet is made up. It is especially important for children to eat healthy foods so their teeth develop well and they also grow up with good habits.

Food comes into contact with the bacteria and germs that live in the mouth. By not brushing your teeth effectively, plaque can start to build up on the tooth enamel and gum tissue. This happens because plaque thrives on the sugars and starches found on certain foods. When the plaque is combined with the starch and sugar it can release acid which is the main cause of tooth erosion, eventually causing tooth decay and tooth loss. This acid erosion can occur for up to twenty minutes after eating which is a long time, especially if it happens three times a day, everyday.

Obviously, foods high in starch and sugar should mostly be avoided. Sweets and sugary snacks and drinks can encourage the build up of plaque and speed erosion. But even fruit and vegetables have some starch and sugar in them, so it is important to have a balanced diet. There is no need to completely cut out any food but be aware that some may be more damaging to teeth than others. It is also true that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid snacking between meals and drink plenty of water after eating. Central Leeds dentists have more information about what foods to eat and what to try and avoid for good dental health.

Advice from central Leeds dentist on foods to eat and avoid for good dental health

Foods to eat and avoid for good dental health – ask a Central Leeds dentist

Choosing the right food is very important not just for the health of your body, but also for the health of your teeth. Good oral hygiene can be affected by the food you put into your mouth, so it is definitely worth taking into consideration how your diet is made up. It is especially important for children to eat healthy foods so their teeth develop well and they also grow up with good habits.

Food comes into contact with the bacteria and germs that live in the mouth. By not brushing your teeth effectively, plaque can start to build up on the tooth enamel and gum tissue. This happens because plaque thrives on the sugars and starches found on certain foods. When the plaque is combined with the starch and sugar it can release acid which is the main cause of tooth erosion, eventually causing tooth decay and tooth loss. This acid erosion can occur for up to twenty minutes after eating which is a long time, especially if it happens three times a day, everyday.

Obviously, foods high in starch and sugar should mostly be avoided. Sweets and sugary snacks and drinks can encourage the build up of plaque and speed erosion. But even fruit and vegetables have some starch and sugar in them, so it is important to have a balanced diet. There is no need to completely cut out any food but be aware that some may be more damaging to teeth than others. It is also true that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid snacking between meals and drink plenty of water after eating. Central Leeds dentists have more information about what foods to eat and what to try and avoid for good dental health.

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Cure embarrassing bad breath at Leeds dentist

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Bad breath is a very unpleasant condition for both the sufferer and those around them. Worst of all, there is often no way of telling if you are suffering from unless someone tells you and this can be very embarrassing.

There are a number of causes of embarrassing bad breath. It may be being caused by digestion problems, which will probably require wider medical attention or a radical change in your diet. It may also be being caused by gum disease. Many dentists can tell if a patient is suffering from gum disease before they have even conducted a proper examination because of the distinctive smell. This kind of bad breath can usually be treated and cured along with the gum disease.

However, in 90% of cases, bad breath is caused by nothing more than poor oral hygiene and is easily remedied. Inadequate and ineffectual brushing and flossing allows bacteria to build up on the teeth and gums. Food particles can also get trapped in between teeth and in pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria acts upon this food breaking it down and releasing nasty smelling sulphurous odours which are then carried out of the mouth on the breath.

Using mouthwash and other products may only make the bad breath worse. The only sure fire way of treating embarrassing bad breath properly is to improve your dental hygiene and visiting a Leeds dentist for more information. They can offer advice on how to improve your dental hygiene and also make sure that the problem is not being caused by any of the more serious measures.

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Leeds dentist offers dental care to treat dental abscess

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

When dental problems arise they can be very unpleasant if not treated quickly and efficiently. One of the most unpleasant dental conditions is a dental abscess. This is when pus collects in certain areas around the teeth and gums as a result of a bacterial infection.

Bacterial infections are caused dental decay allows bacteria to penetrate to the inner part of the tooth or when the gum tissue is eroded and becomes infected. Not only can this be very bad for your overall health, but it can also result in tooth loss. Once the infection has taken hold in the tooth or gums, the infection spreads to within the soft tissue. The body’s natural defence against infection is to produce more white blood cells to fight it. These cells bombard the area trying to kill the bacteria and pus is formed. This collects in one area and forms an abscess. There are two types of abscess that can be formed: periapical and periodontal.

Dental abscesses can be very sensitive and painful and in extreme conditions can rupture releasing infected material into the mouth and body. This is why it is extremely important to have them treated by a Leeds dentist as soon as possible. Effective treatment and increased dental care can help to fight dental abscesses. Tooth pain and gum disease. This may include a treatment of antibiotics to fight the infection or in extreme circumstances some minor tissue removal.

Prevention of dental abscesses is much preferable to treatment. This can easily be achieved by more effective brushing and flossing and maintaining six-month check up appointments with your dentist.

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Dental implant Q and A from city of Leeds dentist

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Dental implants are an innovative and revolutionary way of restoring lost or missing teeth. They closely resemble real teeth, both in feel and appearance and better yet, they are permanent. Here are a few commonly asked questions about dental implants.

What are dental implants?

They are artificial replacement teeth that are anchored directly into the jawbone to look and feel like real teeth. They are custom made to fit your mouth and are the most solid form of dental restoration. They can help you to eat and speak more easily and restore the cosmetic appearance of your smile.

What does the procedure involve?

A small titanium screw is drilled directly into the jaw and left to fuse with the bone and gum tissue over several weeks. This then acts as an anchor for an artificial dental crown, which will be attached during a subsequent appointment. The procedure is relatively painless, especially when you consider the possible benefits of the implant.

Why are they better than traditional restorations?

Although dentures and dental bridges have their place, nothing can compare the solid nature of a dental implant. Because they are the only restoration to be anchored directly to the jawbone they feel more like a real tooth than any other dental substitute.

Am I a candidate for a dental implant?

If you have missing teeth and your jaw and gums are in relatively good condition you may well be a candidate for a dental implant. Make an appointment with a City of Leeds dentist to see if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant.

How long do they last?

A dental implant can last you for the rest of your life.

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Leeds dentist stresses the importance of flossing

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

There are a number of very important reasons why you should floss every day. Flossing is often seen as not as important as brushing but this is not necessarily true. Brushing your teeth cleans the flat surfaces of the front and back of the teeth but it can’t reach certain parts of the teeth that are harder to get to. This includes the area between the teeth, which is too narrow for the bristles of a brush, and the areas around the base of the teeth and below the gum line.

It is important to clean these parts of the teeth, as this is where bacteria and plaque are most likely to gather. Bacteria and plaque can then begin to attack the tooth enamel breaking it down and causing decay. Food particles can also get stuck in between teeth, which become breeding grounds for bacteria, one of the main causes of unpleasant bad breath.

Flossing helps to remove these food particles and plaque that cause decay and gum disease. Leeds dentists recommend that you floss at least once a day, making sure to clean the areas around the base of the teeth. There are various types of floss available for different teeth so ask your dentist which is the most suitable for you.

If you haven’t flossed in a while, there may initially be some blood on the floss or when you rinse out your mouth. This is a sign that your gums are inflamed and in desperate need of a good floss. This will eventually clear up with regular flossing. It is never too late to start flossing and giving your teeth the protection they need.

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Links between gum disease and diabetes explained by City of Leeds dentist

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

It is a fact that people with diabetes are more likely to be suffering from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, as people who do not have the condition. This is mainly because diabetes affects the immune system making sufferers more likely to catch infections. Periodontal disease is widely considered to be the sixth complication of diabetes by healthcare professionals.

Patients who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. According to a study in the US in the Journal of Periodontology, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes sufferers are far more likely to be at risk from gum disease as those who are in control of their condition. Further research suggests that gum disease can also make it more difficult for patients to get their diabetes under control, making it something of a catch 22 situation.

More severe periodontal disease can increase the blood sugar levels meaning there are longer periods of time when the body is functioning with higher blood sugar. This increases the risk for diabetics. City of Leeds dentists therefore encourage diabetic patients to have regular check ups on order to reduce the risk of both periodontal disease and further health complications.

It is also true that there are links between periodontal disease and heart disease. This can mean that diabetic patients are increasing their risk of cardiovascular problems if they don’t keep their gums in especially good condition. Dentists usually recommend six-monthly check up appointments but it may be that diabetic patients need to make appointments more regularly. Contact your City of Leeds dentist who will be happy to offer advice about the best course of action.

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Get rid of bad breath caused by gum disease at Leeds dentist

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Bad breath is an unpleasant and embarrassing dental condition and social problem. The worst thing about it is that it is very difficult to tell if you have bad breath without being told about it. There are a number of causes of bad breath including oral bacteria living on food trapped in between the teeth, digestion problems and also from gum disease.

The smell coming from a person’s mouth who has active gum disease, or periodontitis as it is otherwise known, is so distinctive a Leeds dentist can correctly anticipate the problem before they have even started to examine the patient. Gum disease is typically more of a problem the older we get, with patients over the age of 35 being particularly at risk. This means that bad breath caused by gum disease is also a risk factor the older we get.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that takes hold in the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. It forms in the pockets that exist between the teeth and the gums and can cause irritation, bleeding and even tooth loss if not treated early enough. It is the bacteria that cause the infection that are responsible for the bad odour that causes bad breath.

Gum disease that causes bad breath can be treated with help from the dentist and with improved cleaning and oral hygiene. Better brushing and particularly flossing can help to remove bacteria, even from the small pockets that exist at the base of the tooth and gum.

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Protect your teeth with good oral hygiene and check up from Leeds dentist

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Oral hygiene is one of the only aspects of our health over which we have almost total control. No matter how fit and healthy we are we are always at risk of any number of internal or external health conditions. But when it comes to our teeth it is our own actions that determine how healthy they are.

The two main threats to the health of our teeth are tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these conditions can be particularly nasty and incredibly painful, as anyone who has suffered a toothache can tell you. Yet they are both completely preventable by sticking to a disciplined oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled brush will remove plaque, the substance responsible for much of the inflammation in gum disease and for the erosion of tooth enamel that causes tooth decay. Backing up this brushing with flossing will remove the plaque, bacteria and trapped food particles that may be lodged or hiding in the difficult spaces in between the teeth. These spots are especially important to clean, as they are often the place where decay or disease first starts.

Cleaning and brushing effectively will also prevent bad breath, of which nine out of ten cases are caused by poor standards of oral hygiene. Dentists also recommend that some patients can benefit from a special tongue cleaner to remove bacteria from the warm and moist groves of the tongue.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, always remember to make a regular six-month visit to a Leeds dentist. Even the healthiest teeth still need to be checked regularly for signs of decay and infection. This will back up all the good work you do at home and help to keep your smile looking beautiful for years to come.

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