Archive for the ‘dental check up’ Category

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Give Gum Disease the Elbow in Leeds

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

It is very easy to underestimate the damage gum disease can cause until it has wreaked havoc not only in your mouth, but also within the rest of your body as well.

Gum disease is a serious condition in Leeds that needs to be recognised and stopped as soon as possible, as a high percentage of people suffer from it at some point in their lives. The problem is, there can be a number of reasons that cause gum disease. This can range from poor diet and lifestyle, which breaks down the immune system, to the more obvious- poor oral hygiene.

Once plaque is allowed to form into tartar around the base of the teeth, the gums will become infected and start poisoning the blood stream and then the most vital organs in the body.

The first signs of this will be blood on the toothbrush after brushing and a bad taste in the mouth during the day, as gum disease can also lead to halitosis. The gums will also start to recede and you teeth may become sensitive around the root of the tooth.

Fighting gum disease can be a problem depending on how bad it has become. In the early stages, it can be deterred by a good level of oral hygiene, which involves everything from natural, herbal products to some regular cleaning from the dentist. However, in advanced stages, it may take physical surgery to remove the damaged tissue and involve some form of grafting. Of course, whilst this is going on, the infection will not only damage the teeth and the bone that holds them, but will also caused coronary problems and potentially the failure of other organs in the body.

 

 

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The Delightful Digital X-ray in the City of Leeds

Friday, March 16th, 2012

A lot of treatments are at their most effective if a diagnosis is made quickly. Some problems are obvious, but some conditions lay deeper below the gum line and so require an X-ray in order to make a full analysis of the problem.

In the past, X-rays could take a while to process and during this time, the problem could be worsening. They were also notoriously difficult to store due to their physical size, which didn’t help matters. Thankfully, most dentists around the city of Leeds these days are blessed with digital X-ray technology and it is a godsend for helping make a rapid diagnosis.

Digital X-rays works in a similar way to traditional X-rays in the sense that the image is taken in a similar way, but once taken, it is fed into a computer and an instant picture is flashed up onto a screen. This can highlight the extent of tooth decay, gum disease or periodontal problems, by colour coding and even a 3-D image can be projected so that repairs can be started immediately.

The images can be stored easily on a disc and retrieved at the touch of a button. Even better, they can be sent immediately to other people who specialise in a certain field for an instant diagnosis. It is just one of the perfect examples of how technology is helping to keep our teeth healthy.

 

 

 

 

 

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Dental Implant Treatments in Central Leeds

Monday, March 12th, 2012

One of the most favourable methods of overcoming tooth loss these days in central Leeds is to have a dental implant fitted.

This used to be way out of most peoples reach, as treatment was expensive. However, thanks to a revolution in dental technology using computers, lasers and healing techniques, the process has become much easier to do.

Once you have chosen the treatment, your details and x-rays of your jaw can be fed directly into a computer in order to get a precise location for the implant. Laser surgery does very little damage to the gums and jaw when forming the hole and then the implant can be screwed in almost immediately.

You will be fitted with a dummy crown at first, until the healing is complete before your new crown is fitted. The new fitting is as strong as the original tooth and more resistant to infection from bacteria.

The mini implant is also proving itself as a good treatment for denture sufferers, who are trying stabilise their dentures. After dental implant treatment dentures can click firmly into place on 5 or 6 implants.

Like most procedures these days, this treatment can be included in your insurance policy in order to get the treatment done as quickly as possible, or you can set up a  payment plan.

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Looking After Your Oral Health in Leeds

Sunday, March 11th, 2012

One of the things we try to do on a daily basis is to look after our health. Now that isn’t always the easiest thing to do in a busy, vibrant city like Leeds and it is very easy to let up on our overall and dental health.

However a balanced, healthy diet will give our immune system the chance to keep all of our body in fine fettle and that works for our mouth as well- a healthy body also means healthy teeth and gums. This will help the saliva levels to be high and fight of bacteria.

Bad habits like smoking and drinking can break down the saliva, so it is imperative that we maintain an impressive daily oral health regime to continue the battle against plaque and avoid further problems from tooth decay and gum disease.

It may sound silly, but it is vital that we choose the right brush and change it regularly, choose the right toothpaste and ensure we floss as often as we can during the day to remove any food caught up between the teeth and around the gums. This can also be followed by a good mouth-wash, with plenty of products available  to help win the war on plaque.

We also have the luxury of regular visits to the dentist for a thorough check-up, and if need be a cleaning session with a hygienist, to ensure that our teeth are given the best overhaul and cleaned at least twice a year.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and eating the best foods for our teeth and gums can ensure a life time of beautiful, healthy smiles.

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All-Round Dental Care in the City of Leeds, Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough

Saturday, March 10th, 2012

When somebody mentions dental hygiene, the first thing that comes to most peoples minds is cleaning their teeth. Obviously, this is a routine that features as a big part of our lives when we are growing up and stays with us as we become adults. However, this is the limit to most peoples knowledge of dental hygiene, they assume brushing your teeth twice a day is enough to avoid any nasty diseases or complications. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Dentists in the City of Leeds have been trying to educate the city on what constitutes good dental hygiene. They include the avoidance of some lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking coffee or red wine, as a way in which to prevent unnecessary treatment  in the future due to conditions such as gum disease.

They also stress the importance of maintaining regular appointments with your local dentist. The recommended frequency of check-ups is twice a year, or every six months. This allows for your dentist to keep an eye on any problems you may be having, or any treatment you might be needing (scaling and polishing for example). It is important to remember that bacteria and plaque are not visible to the naked eye, we cannot see the damage they are causing. Your dentist however, is professionally trained to recognise the symptoms of such problems and can offer you the best care and equipment to treat them with.

Finally, in order to maintain good oral health, it is important to avoid foods than can be harmful to your teeth. Sugary foods turn to acids in your mouth and these acids are the cause of cavities and the reason we need fillings. In order to prevent cavities, avoiding chocolate and sweets is essential. If you have a sweet tooth, you can replace these foods with sweet fruits such as raisins as these contain natural sugars that will not cause damage to your teeth.

 

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Avoid Sugar to Avoid Gum Disease and Bad Breath in Leeds

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Fighting the cause of gum disease and bad breath can be difficult when there are so many known factors that contribute to the conditions. It has always been known that sugar can increase the risk of gum disease, but it is knowledge that seems to be being ignored in today’s society.

Gum disease and bad breath are both essentially caused by the build up of  bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria is known to feed on sugar, so when the sugar intake of an individual is elevated, their buccal content of plaque and tartar will also increase, possibly leading to periodontal disease and bad breath.

In order to lower this risk, it is important that we find alternatives to sweets that are heavily laden with sugar. It is not just children who are at risk from eating too many sweets, adults also consume far too much processed food, all of which contains extremely high levels of sugar.

In order to combat gum disease and bad breath, the people of Leeds should limit the amount of sweets and chocolate they eat, substituting them with fruits such as raisins and cranberries. The healthy properties of fresh fruits such as these include anti-oxidants and a high water content. This means that although they contain natural sugars, they are diluted by their own concentration of water and so are harmless to the teeth and gums. Water also helps wash away the build up of bacteria and food in the mouth and around the teeth, so foods with a high water content will contribute to lowering the risk of developing gum disease and bad breath.

 

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Suffering from an Abscessed Tooth in Central Leeds?

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

An abscessed tooth is a painful experience, as anyone who has ever suffered from one would know. Abscesses are caused by an infection in the root of a tooth, or between a tooth and it’s surrounding gums, the infection is normally brought on by a severe case of tooth decay or tooth trauma.

The symptoms of tooth abscesses are mainly pain when chewing, running a fever, extremely sensitive teeth, bad breath, swollen neck, swollen glands and redness or swelling of the gums. If you are unsure about your symptoms, it is wise to consult your dentist in Central Leeds as they will be able to confirm or advise you on your condition. Even if your pain subsides, if you have experienced any of the above symptoms you must consult your dentist as the tooth decay that caused the abscess may have caused the tooth to die, but the infection will not yet be healed.

A common treatment for abscessed teeth is to drain the abscess of fluid, this is achieved through a process known as a ‘root canal’. Following this surgery, it may be necessary to cover the infected tooth with a crown. Antibiotics may be given to fight the infection and pain-killers may be prescribed if the patient is complaining of severe toothache.

Preventing an abscess is by far easier, and less expensive, than treating one. The importance of good oral hygiene is paramount in reducing tooth decay and its resulting complications, cleaning your teeth and regular trips to your dentist all play a role in avoiding abscessed teeth. In addition, if you experience any tooth trauma, chipping, knocking or loosening, you should seek professional advice straight away.

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Teeth Grinding and How to Stop it, from a Central Leeds Dentist

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

Bruxism is the clinical name for the condition commonly referred to as ‘tooth grinding’. It is a problem that no doubt effects many of us from time to time, but how many of us are aware that we are grinding our teeth in our sleep?

Nocturnal teeth grinding is actually as common as snoring, but can have damaging effects on not just your teeth but also the surrounding framework, including your skull. It is common is adults as well as children and has been attributed mainly to high levels of stress.

Symptoms of tooth grinding include flattened teeth, noticeable cracks and chipped teeth. However, if you are not sure if you are suffering from sleep grinding, you can visit your local dentist in Central Leeds who will be able to diagnose you straight away.

Combating nocturnal grinding usual takes the form of a night mouth guard, provided by your dentist. This is when the grinding is due to the simple alignment of the teeth, that they lie in such a way as to grind upon each other as the jaw naturally moves slightly during sleep. However, if your dentist is concerned that stress is the main reason behind your unconscious habit, they are likely to refer you to a psychiatrist in an attempt to discover and cure the root cause of the problem.

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The Dangers of Sleep Apnoea and Heart Failure in the City of Leeds

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Sleep apnoea is the night-time disease that is responsible for many sudden nocturnal deaths and auto-mobile accidents.  It is caused by the relaxation of tissues in the throat whilst sleeping and results in frequent pauses in breath. In actual fact, snoring, a common problem for many people, can be a precursor or companion to sleep apnoea as it is caused by the vibrations of the same tissues in the throat. Unfortunately, as it is a night-time disease, it is very hard to identify and diagnose, leading to many sufferers who are unaware that they are even at risk of the dangerous side-effects.

Sleep apnoea greatly increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, this is caused by the frequent periods of no respiration. Oxygen levels in the body decrease and in turn stimulate the blood vessels to constrict and bring blood back to the heart and brain, in order to conserve the most important organs.

Heart failure can be caused by sleep apnoea purely through the strain this puts on the heart. Thoriac pressure is greatly elevated in patients with this disorder and that alone can put the heart at risk. In addition, the sudden and aggressive rise in blood pressure can cause the damaging or blocking of important blood vessels that deliver oxygen to the heart. Finally, a decrease in oxygen content in the body can cause the tissues of the heart to become damaged and die, or can cause a stroke due to lack of oxygen being delivered to the brain. If you are concerned about sleep apnoea, consult your local doctor from the City of Leeds.

 

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Fight the Cause of Gum Disease in Leeds Today

Sunday, March 4th, 2012

Gum disease or periodontal disease is a nasty condition of the oral cavity in which an infection attacks the gums and the surrounding area causing them to swell, bleed and even begin to recede.

The infection is caused by bacteria which accumulate in the gums due to a build up of tartar on the surface of the teeth that provides a perfect breeding ground for infectious bacteria.

The disease is characterized by the discolouration of the gums from a coral pink to a red, raw colouring and the swelling of normally smooth tissue. If your gums are bleeding when you are brushing your teeth, you will certainly have some form of the disease, whether it be a mild or severe form. In addition, if you notice that your gums are painful, inflamed or have even begun to recede then you know you have to visit your Leeds dentist for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of gum disease will result in some form of treatment, whether it be the superficial scraping of the diseased tissue and bacteria, or a surgical procedure to remove diseased pockets from the gums. The latter process can be painful and can result in a loss of gum tissue, leaving your teeth more exposed.

The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene and ensure you do everything possible to prevent the build up of plaque and the formation of tartar in your mouth. Good oral hygiene is achieved by the proper brushing of the teeth, regular visits to your dentist, flossing at least once a day and avoiding tobacco (cigarettes).

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