April, 2012 | Cosmetic dentistry Leeds Blog

Archive for April, 2012

A Knocked out Tooth can Ruin Smiles in all of Leeds

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

How do people lose teeth?

Many people lose teeth prematurely, which can occur as a result of a sports injury, accident or trauma, fighting or as a result of a severe fracture that may be caused by biting something very hard.

What should you do if your tooth is knocked out?

If you lose a tooth it may be possible to salvage it if you can see a dentist quickly. Keep hold of the tooth and store it in milk and arrange to see your Leeds dentist as soon as possible. Do not try to scrub the tooth, as you may damage the enamel and hold the tooth by the crown to prevent damage to the tooth roots.

What happens when I see my dentist?

If it is possible your dentist will try to save the tooth and try to implant it back in the tooth socket. You could try and do this yourself, but many people feel uncomfortable trying to re-insert their own tooth.

What happens if the tooth cannot be saved?

If the tooth cannot be saved, there are options for filling the gap. Dental implants are widely regarded as the most effective long-term tooth replacement. Implants are titanium screws, which are fixed into pre-drilled sockets in the jawbone. Once the implant has settled, a new crown or denture can be attached and the tooth will look like a natural tooth and function in exactly the same way. Another option is a dental bridge and for people who have lost a number of teeth, dentures may be an option.

Tags: Dental appointment, Emergency dentistry, Emergency dentistry Leeds, Leeds
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TMJ Problems can Dramatically Affect One’s Health in Central Leeds

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which is located just in front of the ear. The joint connects the jawbone (known as the mandible) to the skull (close to the temple) and is responsible for many movements, including yawning, opening and closing the mouth and biting. In most cases, TMJ disorder causes pain in the jaw and restricted movement in the TMJ. TMJ disorder is also known as TMJ pain, TMJ dysfunction and myofascial pain disorder.

TMJ disorder is common and around 1 in 10 people will experience symptoms of TMJ disorder at some point in their lives.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

Symptoms of TMJ disorder found in Central Leeds include:
Pain when biting down and chewing on food.
Restricted movement in the TMJ joint, which may make yawning and opening and closing the mouth difficult.
Clicks and noises when you move the joint.
Symptoms affecting the ears, including increased sensitivity to noise and vertigo.
Locking of the jaw.
Headaches

What causes TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder can be caused by many different factors, including over-activity of the jaw, which may be caused by grinding and clenching the teeth and damage to the joint, which may be caused by arthritis or general wear and tear.

Treating TMJ disorder

If TMJ disorder is caused by arthritis, the underlying cause will be treated. If clenching and grinding are causing symptoms, it may be advisable to wear a protective guard during the night and we can custom-make mouth guards to prevent teeth grinding. In many cases, resting the jaw joint can ease symptoms and pain relief medication can also be very effective.

Tags: Central Leeds, mouth guard, TMJ disorder, TMJ disorder Central Leeds
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Bonding at the Dentist can Make a Big Difference in the City of Leeds

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a treatment that involves using dental bonding material to patch up flaws and cracks in the teeth, improving the aesthetic of the smile and preventing further damage to the teeth.

When can dental bonding be used?

Dental bonding in the City of Leeds is a very versatile treatment, which can be used to address the following problems:

Chipped teeth.
Jagged, misshapen teeth.
Gaps between the teeth.
Filling small cavities.
Increasing the length of the teeth.
Brightening discoloured teeth.

What does the procedure involve?

The dental bonding procedure is very simple, with the bonding material applied to the affected tooth and then shaped by a skilled dentist. An intensive light beam is then shone onto the material, causing it to set hard. The material will then be trimmed or shaped to ensure a perfect result. The bonding procedure is very safe and quick and no anaesthetic is required.

Benefits of bonding

Bonding is a very simple, cheap and safe way of improving the look of your smile. If you are drawn to a chipped tooth when you look in the mirror, for example, dental bonding could be the ideal treatment. Having a healthy, attractive smile helps people to feel confident and enables them to make a positive first impression.

Tags: City of Leeds, cosmetic bonding, Cosmetic bonding City of Leeds, White fillings
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The Causes of Teeth Discolouration are Numerous in Leeds

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Bright white teeth have long been associated with health, wealth and social status and it is no different today. We are all familiar with the radiant Hollywood style smile, thanks to celebrities such as Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole and it is no surprise that whitening teeth is a popular choice of treatment.

What are the causes of discolouration?

Very few people have naturally bright white teeth. Teeth are likely to lose their whiteness, though the process can be accelerated by poor dental health, smoking, and consuming strong coloured beverages, such as red wine and coffee. Discolouration is part of the ageing process but a good daily oral hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle can help to keep the teeth looking healthy and bright.

Solutions for discolouration

Most people will be familiar with tooth whitening treatments, thanks to images of celebrities in the media. Teeth whitening is a popular choice with patients because it is safe, quick and affordable. In less than an hour, your smile could look completely different and you will have a radiant set of pearly whites to show off. A good daily oral hygiene routine and steering clear of red wine and coffee will also help to preserve the natural whiteness of the teeth and giving up smoking is beneficial for your oral health, as well as your general health.

If you are interested in tooth whitening in Leeds, give us a call to arrange a consultation.

Tags: Leeds, tooth whitening, Tooth whitening Leeds, zoom whitening
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Why not try some Herbal Teeth Remedies in Central Leeds

Sunday, April 15th, 2012

Herbal medicine has been around for centuries and some people firmly believe in the healing properties of natural substances. For those who prefer to try natural remedies before taking medication or undergoing invasive treatment, here are some remedies for common dental problems:

Dental decay:

Green tea
Liquorice
Bay
Myrrh
Bloodroot

Gum disease:

Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Tea tree oil
Cranberry

Bad breath (halitosis):

Herbs and spices
Sage, calendula and myrrh

Dental abscess:

Rub salt into the wound.
Gargle lukewarm saltwater.
Apply ice to the abscess.
Crush a clove of garlic and apply to the abscess.
Take vitamin C and garlic tablets.

Visit your dentist in Central Leeds to learn about the options that can keep your smile healthy and bright.

Tags: Central Leeds, dental check up, General dentistry, General dentistry Central Leeds
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Makeover Your Smile How You want it to be in the City of Leeds

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

A Smile Makeover is the ultimate form of cosmetic dentistry, so if you’ve ever dreamed of an A-list smile, this is probably the treatment for you! A Smile Makeover does exactly what the name suggests and it can convert even the most unattractive smile into a flawless set of dazzling pearly whites.

Smile Makeovers are made up of a number of different treatments, which produce a perfect smile. The selections you make will depend on the kind of look you want to achieve, your budget and the problems you feel you want to address.

How do I choose which treatments to have?

If you fancy a makeover and you live in the City of Leeds, we can make your dreams come true. We offer a vast range of treatments and we will be able to advise you which treatments to have based on your current oral health status, the kind of smile you want and your budget. We will tailor-make your treatment plan to suit your individual needs and desires.

Popular treatments include:

Tooth whitening
Orthodontic treatment
Veneers
Cosmetic bonding
Crowns
White fillings

How much does a Smile Makeover cost?

The cost of a Smile Makeover varies depending on the procedures you choose, with some treatments much more expensive than others. We will take your budget into account when designing your treatment plan and a full breakdown of the cost will be provided before you agree to go ahead with treatment.

Tags: City of Leeds, porcelain veneers, Smile Makeover, Smile makeover City of Leeds
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The City of Leeds has an Unwelcome Visitor in Tooth Abscesses

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

What is an abscess?

A tooth abscess, known as periapical abscess, is a collection of pus, which develops inside the tooth structure. Abscesses that develop in the gums are known as periodontal abscesses.

What causes an abscess?

Abscesses develop as a result of bacterial infection. Bacteria infect the tooth and spread, causing the pulp of the tooth to become infected. The pulp contains all the living tissue, including the nerves and blood vessels, but once the pulp is infected, the tooth can effectively die. Bacteria will continue to spread through the tooth until they reach the alveolar bone and this is where the abscess forms.

Bacteria enter the teeth through caries (also known as cavities). Cavities develop as a result of poor oral hygiene and eating a lot of sugary and acidic foods. Once the tooth is infected, the bacteria can spread through the tooth is the cavity is left untreated.

How is an abscess treated?

Dental abscesses do not go away on their own and it is important to get treatment as quickly as possible. A tooth abscess is removed by means of root canal treatment. Your City of Leeds dentist will drill through the infected tooth to reach the abscess and drain the pus, before removing any infected tissue and cleaning and sealing the root canals to prevent further infection. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort.

Preventing tooth abscesses

The best way to prevent a tooth abscess is to maintain dental health and visit your dentist every six to twelve months. It is also advisable to avoid eating a lot of sugary and acidic foods, which cause decay and to visit your hygienist for regular cleaning treatments.

Tags: dental hygienist, Leeds, root canal treatment, Root canal treatment Leeds
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Mouth Ulcers are a Cause for Concern for Patients in Leeds

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

What are mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are sores that are found in the mouth, which are usually oval or round in shape and most commonly develop on the inside of the cheeks. Mouth ulcers are very common in Leeds and around the country and most people will develop at least one ulcer in their lifetime.

What causes mouth ulcers?

In most cases mouth ulcers are not a result of infection and possible causes include:

Damage to the mouth (for example, biting the inside of the cheek by mistake).
Brushing very hard.
Damage caused by a sharp or jagged tooth.

If ulcers appear on a regular basis, this may be a result of:

Stress and anxiety.
Hormonal changes in the body, for example during pregnancy.
Oral trauma, for example brushing too hard.
Family history

Eating some foods also increases the risk of ulcers. These include:

Strawberries
Cheese
Tomatoes
Coffee
Peanuts
Almonds

How are mouth ulcers treated?

Most ulcers heal naturally without any treatment. If you have a mild ulcer, you may find it useful to use a soft toothbrush, avoid eating hard foods and avoid stressful situations. If you have a more serious ulcer and it causing you pain, your GP or dentist may advise you to take medication.

Tags: dental hygienist, General dentistry, General dentistry Leeds, Leeds
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Don’t let Smelly Breath be the End of Your Excitement in Central Leeds

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a very common problem and most people will suffer from bad breath at some point in their lives. Most of us experience bad breath from time to time after eating foods that have a strong flavour or odour or drinking certain drinks, such as coffee, but for some, bad breath is a chronic problem, which can have serious implications for their confidence and self-esteem.

What causes bad breath?

The most common cause of bad breath is the action of bacteria breaking down the food we eat. This can cause bacteria to produce sulphur-based compounds, which have an unpleasant smell. Bad breath can also be caused by smoking, drinking alcohol and eating foods that have a very powerful odour, such as onions, garlic and spicy food. Poor oral hygiene is another common cause of bad breath.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

At our Central Leeds practice we recognise that bad breath can be an embarrassing problem, but there are many things that can be done to treat bad breath and prevent halitosis in the future. The most effective way of tackling bad breath is a good daily oral hygiene routine, which includes cleaning the tongue as well as brushing the teeth and flossing. Rinsing with mouthwash can also be very effective and there are various flavours available. Eating sugar-free mints and chewing sugar-free gum can help to neutralise unpleasant odours after eating.

If you suffer from persistent bad breath this may indicate an oral health disease, such as gum disease and it is advisable to see your dentist. Visiting a dental hygienist is also highly beneficial for patients with bad breath. Hygienists provide intensive cleaning treatments, which help to remove food deposits, plaque and tartar for the mouth and leave you with an incredible fresh feeling in your mouth.

Tags: dental hygienist, Dental hygienist Leeds, General dentistry, Leeds
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People in the City of Leeds Understand the Significance of Tongue Cleaning

Sunday, April 8th, 2012

Why is it important to clean your tongue?

Most people are aware of the benefits of brushing their teeth and using dental floss and mouthwash, but you may not realise how important it is to clean your tongue.

The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, which collect on the tongue and at the back of the mouth to produce sulphur-based compounds. These compounds are a major contributor to bad breath, a problem that most people experience at some point in their lives. Cleaning the tongue can also help to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay by decreasing the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

How should I clean my tongue?

You can clean your tongue using your toothbrush or a specialist tongue cleaner. We can offer advice and information about products and talk you through the tongue cleaning process, so please ask City of Leeds dentist or hygienist if you want to find out more.

The tongue cleaning process involves running the brush or tongue cleaner across the surface of the tongue to remove dead cells, food deposits and bacteria. Repeating the action will help to target areas that may have been missed during the first cleaning session. Once you have cleaned your tongue, use mouthwash to rinse out your mouth and you should experience a fresh, clean feel.

If you have a good oral hygiene routine and you clean your tongue on a regular basis and still suffer from bad breath, see your dentist, as this may be indicative of an oral health condition.

Tags: dental hygienist, General dentistry, General dentistry Leeds, Leeds
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