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Archive for February, 2012

Dental Implants in the City of Leeds, a Secure Alternative to Your Own Teeth

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

As we progress through adulthood our teeth become subject to many damaging lifestyle habits, foods and infections that can result in discoloured, damaged or decaying teeth. If your teeth are a source of discomfort for you, either physically or due to their appearance, you can now replace them with dental implants.

Dental implants are a type of false teeth that are anchored to the jawbone via a titanium rod. They are the most secure form of false teeth you can find and can be used to fix dentures, crowns or bridges and can be fitted by your local dentist in the City of Leeds.

The process involves fitting the titanium rod into a hole that has been drilled by the dentist, this ensures the rod is located securely in the gum and over time it will actually fuse with the jawbone itself. Once the rods have been fitted, false teeth can be attached to the tip of the titanium, either through clipping or screwing. You will find that the teeth have little or no movement and are as strong as your own may have been.

In order to fix the implant your own teeth will need to be removed, this process may be painful but can be performed under local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Once the tooth has been removed, the implant can either be secured directly into the hole left by the tooth root, or can be fitted several weeks later when the wound has healed and another hole had been formed by your dentist.

In conclusion, if your teeth are weak and loose, dental implants will serve as a beneficial replacement. Your false teeth will feel secure and as strong as your own once felt and you will be able to smile with confidence once again.

 

 

 

The Importance of a Daily Dental Routine in the City of Leeds

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Ever since childhood, we have all been conditioned to brush our teeth twice daily. For many of us though, the importance of this morning and bedtime ritual is lost as we grow up and develop our own, busy lives. Dental hygiene however, should always remain a priority in the overall health of an individual. The mouth is the way in which most substances, good and bad, enter the body; neglecting to take care of this delicate gate way can lead to detrimental consequences.

In order to avoid painful conditions such as gum disease, abscesses and tooth decay, daily dental hygiene must be followed. This includes brushing your teeth morning and night, and after any meals you may consume during the day. Bacteria builds up over time, and coupled with food debris can lead to bad breath and gum disease. Thorough brushing of the tongue and teeth with a  fluoride toothpaste will remove any plaque and food from the mouth and will reduce the risk of any diseases or dental problems.

Flossing is overlooked or forgotten by too many people in this day and age. In the City of Leeds, dentists insist on their patients using dental floss at least once a day, in order to remove any build up of plaque between the teeth.

As nutrition is also important for maintaining good dental health, an individual should ensure that their daily diet is low in the sugary foods that turn to acid in the mouth and cause cavities in the teeth. The governments recommendation for eating five portions of fruit and vegetables everyday should also be followed as this can improve dental health. The sugar in fresh fruit is diluted by the water content, thus the acids these foods produces are much less harmful to the teeth.

 

 

What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening in Leeds?

Monday, February 27th, 2012

Over time, the consumption of certain food and drink can result in the discolouration of  of an individual’s teeth. Particularly potent stains come from drinking coffee and red one, or even from smoking tobacco-based cigarettes. For most people, abstaining from these life-style habits is not an easy option, but the appearance of yellowing or discoloured teeth can cause a significant decrease in self-confidence. There is however, a solution.

Teeth whitening procedures used to be reserved for A-listers and clients of the Harley Medical Group only, but in recent years have become readily available and affordable for the masses. A pearly white smile is something most people dream of, and can now be achieved with just one trip to your local Leeds dentist.

Teeth whitening at a dental practice is not only a simple and easy procedure, it is guaranteed to work and comes with minimal risks as you are in the care of a professional. The process includes both tarnish and stain removal, using either a peroxide gel or a technique known as acidic abrasion, with immediate results following treatment.

Home teeth whitening kits are also available, both online and from your local dental practice. The home equipment uses a tooth bleaching product that can whiten teeth by up to 10 shades, these  are another affordable way of achieving the perfect smile, but can be dangerous if the instructions are not followed. Complications and side-effects can include increased sensitivity of the teeth, loss of tooth enamel and damage to the gums.

The safest way to ensure perfect teeth-whitening is always to visit your dentist first, whether just to consult on how to prevent discolouration in the future or to determine how aggressive or successful your treatment would be.

 

 

Recognise and Combat Gum Disease in Central Leeds

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can be a painful and sometimes embarrassing condition for many people. Caused by an accumulation of harmful bacteria, it can cause inflammation, recession and bleeding of the gums.

Recognising the symptoms of gum disease is relatively easy, the first sign to look for is a change of colour in the tissue. Healthy gums should be a shade of coral or pink, whilst diseased gums will become redder in colour and will appear slightly swollen. In addition, bleeding gums is a sure sign of periodontal disease. Your gums should not bleed when you brush your teeth, if they do, you most definitely will have some form of gum disease. Bad breath can be caused by gum disease as the bacteria that build up in the mouth give off a foul smell, similar to rotting eggs. Receding gums are a sure sign of gum disease, this is caused by a lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissue, resulting in damaged and dead tissue. As a result of many of these symptoms, the teeth themselves will become extremely sensitive, loose and may eventually fall out.

There is however, hope for sufferers of periodontal disease in Central Leeds. Dentists are able to treat the problem from their own clinics and the process is relatively quick and simple. If the infection is purely superficial, the damaged tissue, and the bacteria that caused it, can be removed by mechanical scraping during a process called ‘root planning’. If the problem goes deeper than the surface, a therapy can be used that eradicates the diseased pockets, removing more of the gums through a surgical procedure.

Prevention is better than a cure in the case of periodontal disease. Brushing of the teeth and tongue can prevent the build up of bacteria around the gums and flossing can be equally as important in removing stubborn plaque. In addition, the tobacco found in cigarettes can actually cause or increase the severity of gum disease and the use of such substances should be stopped immediately to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

 

 

Tips for Parents from a Dentist in the City of Leeds

Saturday, February 25th, 2012

Children hate brushing their teeth, rebelling against it is the perfect way to challenge the authority of their parents. Although they do not fully understand the implications of neglecting their dental health, it is up to their parents to educate them on the dangers of poor oral hygiene.

The first step to keeping a child’s smile happy is proper, regular and thorough cleaning of the teeth. This involves brushing the teeth, the tongue and flossing at least once a day. Children may moan, they may try to avoid their toothbrush at all costs, but parents must persevere and maintain discipline in order to instil the healthy habit during childhood and to ensure it follows them into adulthood.

In the City of Leeds there are many dentists who will tell parents that regular trips to their local dental practice are essential when looking after their children’s teeth. Not only can dentists discover any problems your children may be experiencing with their teeth (cavities, decay, fillings), regular trips also lower the feeling of anxiety that accompanies dental appointments. As a child becomes comfortable with their dentist and (hopefully) learn they have nothing to fear but a quick check-up, the feeling of terror will diminish and they will be happier to go in the future.

Finally, for parents to take care of their children’s teeth, they must adopt a healthy diet and ensure the consumption of sugary snacks is kept to a minimum. Processed sweets and chocolate can cause cavities at any age, but children are known for eating a high proportion that adults. It is therefore essential that parents limit the amount of sweets and sugar-laden foods available to their children, this way reducing the risk of tooth decay and the need for fillings in the future.

 

 

Find a Dentist for Scaling and Polishing in Leeds

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Sometimes, even after years of careful brushing, teeth can become discoloured and subject to a build up of tartar and plaque. It is not the fault of the individual, merely a process of time and the constant exposure of the oral cavity to stubborn bacteria. However, there are dental processes available in Leeds that can combat the damaging effects of time on your precious teeth.

The first of these procedures is called Scaling. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth by your dentist, using gentle vibrations and squirts of water mist from ultrasonic equipment. A curette or scaler may then be used to remove any substances which have adhered strongly to the surface of the teeth. Scaling should not induce any pain and can be performed without the need for any anaesthetic.

Polishing is the process which follows scaling and is used to ensure the surface of the teeth is smooth enough t discourage the attachment of bacteria in future. Prophylaxis gel and fluoride gel are used in the polishing procedure to ensure the teeth are shiny and smooth, once again this should cause no pain at all and will be completed quickly.

At some point, everybody will need a scale and a polish, it is for this reason that regular appointments at your local dentist are so important. If you are attending your clinic every six months, your dentist will be able to keep any eye on the condition of your teeth and determine if and when you are in need of a scale and polish. Removing bacteria so thoroughly in this way, and preventing the future build up of plaque and tartar greatly reduces the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.

 

 

Healthy Diet to Healthy Teeth in Central Leeds

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

A healthy diet is essential for overall well-being, this is common knowledge. Foods high in fat and sugar elevate the risk of heart disease and diabetes whilst fresh fruits and vegetables are powerful anti-oxidants. Everybody knows what foods to eat to stay healthy, but do they know what foods to avoid and which to buy in order to maintain good oral hygiene?

In Central Leeds, dentists have been telling patients for years about the benefits of a balanced diet with regards to their dental health. Sugar is the frequent cause of many cavities, it can result in tooth decay, fillings and even tooth loss. Sugars turn to acid when they come into contact with saliva and it is this acid which attacks the teeth, causing cavities. Avoiding processed foods which are high in sugar can reduce the risk of suffering from such problems. It is essentially better to consume sugars from natural sources such as fresh fruits as they contain a higher concentration of water, this can dilute the effect of the acid that their sugar produces Not only will this be better for your dental health, it will also lower your risk of other conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In addition to avoiding sugary foods, there are foods that dentists recommended as ‘healthy’ for your teeth. Such foods include cheese, poultry, milk and nuts, as these contain phosphorus and calcium, minerals which can protect the enamel on the surface of your teeth.

 

 

The Importance of Brushing in the City of Leeds

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Since childhood, most of us living in the City of Leeds have been conditioned to brush our teeth twice a day, morning and night. Whilst most of us still stick to this familiar routine, some begin to neglect the importance of dental hygiene, some even forget to brush at all.

There really is more to a toothbrush than just a tool your parents used to ruin you evenings and send you off to bed. Your toothbrush is the most important player in the fight against plaque, the nasty bacteria that can build up inside your mouth and cause a whole host of problems.

Plaque is the leading cause of gum disease, it consists of harmful bacteria that enter the mouth either through the food we eat or the air we breath. Plaque also causes cavities, tooth decay and ultimately tooth loss, all problems that can be avoid if you take the time to brush your teeth correctly.

Brushing your teeth should not be an absent-minded affair; when you are dealing with your dental health, you can never afford to be too careful. Brushing should involve using a good, clean toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste as this works best at removing stubborn plaque. The teeth should be cleaned in small, circular motions both on the surface and behind, do not scrub too aggressively as this may result in a loss of enamel.

In addition to brushing your teeth, it is essential that you also ensure your tongue is clean and free from plaque. Bacteria thrive on the surface of the tongue and are the main cause of bad breath. Taking the time to brush your tongue with the other side of your toothbrush will greatly reduce the amount of bacteria left in your mouth. Once brushing has been completed, dental floss should then be used to access the gaps between the teeth where plaque can escape the threat of the toothbrush.

 

 

What Dental Procedures are on Offer in Leeds?

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Everybody knows that they should visit their dentist regularly, the importance of dental check-ups has been drummed into each and every one of us since childhood. But do any of us really know what procedures are available at our local practice?

In Leeds there are many procedures on offer for individuals of all ages. From cosmetic alterations, to tooth replacement surgery, the equipment and techniques at your dentist’s disposal may shock you.

Tooth restoration or implantation is a major contributor to dental procedures in the UK, tooth loss or  even tooth loosening can be treated and rectified by simple surgery performed at your local clinic.

Implantation involves anchoring a titanium rod into the jawbone and attaching a false tooth onto the end of the rod, this results in secure and natural looking false teeth that have little or no movement or loosening in the mouth.

Teeth whitening can also be performed by your dentist, although this is more of a cosmetic procedure than one to improve dental hygiene. Whitening involves the removal of tarnishes and stains from discoloured teeth by deep-cleaning and a process known as micro-abrasion. The procedure is quick, simple, extremely effective and has greatly increased in popularity over recent years.

Finally, if you are suffering from gum disease, it is now possible to receive treatment at your local dental practice. Once again, the procedure is not incredibly time consuming, and can be performed under local anaesthetic to avoid any pain. Essentially, your dentist will remove any damaged or infected tissue from around the gums, aiming to eradicate the bacteria that is responsible for the disease.

 

Discoloured Teeth? Find Treatment in Central Leeds

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Yellowing or badly stained teeth can be a source of decreased self-confidence for many people these days, with the Hollywood- inspired smile becoming an aim for women and men of all ages. In order to achieve this perfect smile, more and more people are turning to teeth whitening, the easy and affordable way to maintain your pearly whites.

Teeth whitening can even be performed by your local dentist in Central Leeds. The procedure is relatively inexpensive, straight forward and the results are immediate. Firstly, your dentist will remove the tarnish on the surface of your teeth, automatically leaving them looking whiter. Following this, any stubborn stains, from habits such as drinking coffee, red wine or even smoking, can be removed by acid abrasion. The result will be noticeable immediately as you see a new smile staring at you from the other side of the mirror.

If you would rather whiten your teeth at home, ensure you purchase your equipment from your dentist. Again, this is a relatively inexpensive kit and is guaranteed to work, unlike some home remedies or on-line purchases. However, it is worth bearing in mind that even when using a home whitening kit that has bought from your local dental practice, you follow all instructions completely in order to avoid any possible complications or side-effects.