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Archive for the ‘dental disorders’ Category

Sore Tooth? What You Can Do Right Now To Help

Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

shutterstock_566092438Are you suffering with dental pain? Have you had a sore tooth for a while? If so, here are some things you can do right now to help.

Book an appointment with your dentist

Sometimes, toothache comes and goes, but it can often be a sign of something a little more serious. Tooth pain may be caused by damage to the tooth, decay or infection. If you’ve experienced heightened sensitivity or you’ve noticed that the tooth is very painful when you bite down, this may indicate that you’ve got a cavity. When you see your dentist, they will have a good look at the tooth, and they can discuss treatment options with you. It’s always best to get aches and pains checked out. Often, treating problems early prevents the situation from getting worse, and it’ll save you from suffering any longer.

Maintain good oral hygiene

If you’ve got a sore tooth, you may be tempted to swerve cleaning your teeth, but don’t. If you neglect brushing your teeth, you’ll have a higher risk of developing dental complications, and the affected tooth will get worse. Call your dentist and make an appointment, and in the meantime, make an effort to keep your teeth as clean as possible.

Take painkillers

If you have toothache, you can take over the counter painkillers to ease discomfort. If you’re not sure what to take, call us for advice or ask a pharmacist. Always follow dosage instructions, and double check with a pharmacist if you’re already taking medication or you have underlying health issues. Taking medication should always be a short-term solution, and it shouldn’t be an alternative to seeking advice from your dentist.

If you’ve got painful teeth, call us now, and we’ll do our best to have you fighting fit again in no time.

 

 

Fear Of Needles And Alternative Treatments

Saturday, September 12th, 2015

1788888_blogDental phobia is common and within this area, there are several more specific fears, including a fear of the dentist, the dental drill and pain. One of the most common causes of dental anxiety is a fear of needles and this can make going to the dentist a scary experience. Thankfully, for those who dread getting into the dental chair because of an impending injection, there are alternative methods available, including:

Gel anaesthetic: usually, anaesthetic is injected into the gums before a dental procedure, such as extraction, to prevent any pain; however, it is possible to apply anaesthetic gel to ensure that you don’t feel anything when the needle goes in. If you have a fear of needles and injections, make sure you tell your dentist, so that they are aware and they can take additional steps to make your feel reassured and more comfortable.

Painless injections: one of the main reasons people feel apprehensive about having injections is a painful experience in the past. Painless injections help to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. The Wand is a good example of a modern technique, which helps to eliminate the risk of pain caused by injections; it is a small device, which looks like a standard pen, which is controlled by a computer. The aim of the treatment is to regulate the speed of the flow of fluid, as a sudden surge or fast flow can cause discomfort.

Laser dentistry: laser dentistry is increasingly common and it has a wide range of uses within modern dentistry. One of the main benefits of laser dentistry is that it eliminates pain and drilling, which usually means that no needles are required. Laser treatment can be used to whiten the teeth, detect and treat decay and gum disease, removed decayed tissue and reshape the gums.

Overcoming Dental Phobia

Friday, September 11th, 2015

352388_blogResearch suggests that dental phobia is one of the most common phobias in the UK and most people admit that they experience at least mild anxiety when faced with a trip to the dental surgery. In some cases, fear of the dentist is so extreme that people avoid dental visits for years on end, often putting up with severe pain and risking serious oral health problems. If you’re one of those people who dread the dentist, there is help out there and modern dentistry is a completely different proposition to dentistry in days gone by. Here are just some of the techniques and treatments that may help you to overcome dental phobia:

Speak to your dentist: dentists today have training in caring for patients who suffer from anxiety and dental phobia and if they are made aware of your situation, they can then adapt the way they work to make you feel more comfortable. It is always beneficial to take time to speak to your dentist and to have a look around the surgery and learn more about what dental treatment entails and get any queries or concerns off your chest before you have treatment.

Sedation: sedation is a technique, which is used frequently in medicine and dentistry to help patients to combat anxiety and ensure that they don’t feel any pain during a procedure. When you are sedated, you feel drowsy and completely relaxed; you won’t feel much while the procedure is carried out and you probably won’t remember anything afterwards.

Drill-free dentistry: drill-free dentistry is highly beneficial for those who have a specific fear of the dental drill, as well as those who feel very anxious about being in a dental surgery. Modern techniques, such as laser treatment, help to eliminate factors, which may cause anxiety to some patients, including drilling, unpleasant noises, injections and pain.

Hypnosis: some people who suffer from phobias find hypnosis very effective; however, it is not for everyone. Hypnosis is designed to train your brain to think differently and change your mind-set so that something you previously viewed as scary becomes completely harmless.

Dealing With Mouth Ulcers

Thursday, September 3rd, 2015

2143132_blogMouth ulcers are not usually anything to worry about, but occasionally, they can be very painful and make life a little trickier than usual. If you’re fed up of ulcers or you’re prone to developing mouth sores, here is a brief guide to help you cope:

About mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are oral sores, which tend to form after the delicate skin inside the cheeks and lips has been damaged or broken. This may occur after an injury or in the event that you catch yourself when eating something, for example. It is very common to develop ulcers from time to time, but if you have recurrent ulcers, this may be a sign of underlying problems, such as tiredness, stress or increased susceptibility to illness.

Ulcers are open sores, which are most commonly found on the inside of the cheeks and lips; they are usually yellow or grey in colour and they should heal within 1-2 weeks.

Treating mouth ulcers

In the vast majority of cases, it’s not necessary to treat ulcers formally, but if an ulcer is causing you pain or interrupting your day to day life, it may be worth visiting your local pharmacy and buying over the counter treatment, such as pain-relieving gel. These gels help to speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort. You can also use some self-help techniques to ease pain, such as avoiding acidic flavours and sharp foods, such as crisps, rinsing your mouth out regularly and taking extra care when you brush your teeth.

Mouth ulcers can be a symptom of oral cancer and although this is rare, if you have ulcers or sores, which take a long time to heal, you notice red or white patches in your mouth or you have difficulty swallowing, it is advisable to see your dentist. Mouth ulcers are usually absolutely harmless, but it’s always best to get checked out.

If you are worried about an ulcer or you seem to be getting ulcers on a regular basis and you would like advice, our dental team will be happy to help.

 

No Need To Shudder When Your Tooth Goes Bump In The Night

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014

1787127_blogWhen you head off to bed looking forward to a nice big sleep, the last thing you want is to wake up with terrible tooth pain. With our preventative and general dental services, we can help you to keep dental disease and toothache at bay; we can also offer same-day appointments in the event that you need urgent attention.

Preventing dental disease

Decay and gum disease are common, but they are preventable and with good oral hygiene, a sensible diet and regular dental appointments, you can make a major difference to your oral health.

Oral hygiene is extremely important and cleaning your teeth will help to significantly reduce your risk of dental problems, as well as keeping your teeth looking clean and bright. We recommend brushing twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes each time and flossing daily. If you have any questions about choosing a toothbrush or which toothpaste to use, we will be happy to help.

Diet is another major player when it comes to your oral health and a healthy diet will not just boost your chances of enjoying a great looking smile, it will also contribute to improved general health. Sugary and acidic foods are the main dangers for oral health, so we recommend limiting your intake of these foods and ensuring that you consume them at mealtimes only. When you eat the enamel softens and becomes weaker temporarily; if you snack on sugary treats between meals, this means that your enamel never has time to recover.

Regular dental checks are a great way of reducing your risk of dental injuries, damage to the teeth and oral health diseases. Check-ups are really quick and there’s no need to worry about them. We also recommend dental hygiene sessions; seeing a dental hygienist will help to reduce the risk of illness and infection, as well as making your teeth look radiant.

Monstrous Mouth Ulcers Are A Cause For Concern

Monday, October 27th, 2014

2143132_blogHalloween may be just around the corner, but the last thing we want is to see patients suffering with monstrous mouth ulcers.

About mouth ulcers

Ulcers are small sores, which develop inside the mouth; they usually heal without any need for treatment, but they can be very painful, especially if you accidentally catch them with your toothbrush or when you’re eating something with sharp edges.

In most cases, ulcers develop when the soft tissue inside the cheek or lip is damaged; this is most commonly caused by accidentally biting down on the tissue when you are eating. There is also evidence to suggest that you’re more likely to get ulcers when you are tired, stressed or run down.

Dealing with mouth ulcers

In many cases, mouth ulcers don’t cause any problems and there’s no need for treatment; however, if you have ulcers and they are very painful, you can buy over the counter gels to ease pain and speed up the recovery process. When you have an ulcer, it’s a good idea to avoid very acidic, sharp flavours and to take extra care when you are eating crisps, crusty bread or hard sweets. We also recommend brushing very gently to avoid touching the ulcer.

If you find that you’re developing ulcers on a regular basis, it’s advisable to see your dentist or your GP.

If you have ulcers or sores that heal slowly, we advise you to make an appointment. Slow-healing ulcers can be a sign of oral cancer and although it is very unlikely that this is the case, it is always best to get potential signs checked out.

A Jolt Of Tooth Sensitivity Needs Expert Intervention

Friday, October 24th, 2014

3534882_blogEven minor sensitivity can put a dampener on your day and with winter creeping ever closer and the lure of cosying up in front of the fire with a hot drink becoming increasingly tempting, now is the perfect time to sort out those sensitive teeth and book an appointment.

Most people notice sensitivity when they eat or drink very cold or hot drinks or food; it usually causes temporary pain, but it can sometimes cause shooting pain, which is very unpleasant.

Why have I got sensitive teeth?

Sensitivity usually results from worn enamel; underneath the enamel lies the dentine, the section of the tooth, which contains the nerves. When the enamel is weak or thin, the dentine is exposed and this is why you feel pain. The enamel can be damaged through injury or eroded as a result of your diet; sugary and acidic foods and drinks accelerate enamel erosion.

Sensitivity can also be a sign of decay or damage to the tooth, such as a fracture.

When should I see a dentist?

If you suffer pain associated with sensitivity on a regular basis, you should see your dentist; you may need a filling or a new crown and we can help to ease your pain and have you fighting fit in time to enjoy those delicious warming winter drinks.

Protecting your teeth from sensitivity

Your diet is really important when it comes to protecting your enamel, so try to avoid eating and drinking sugary and acidic foods on a regular basis and stick to 3 meals a day; eating between meals is particularly damaging because the enamel softens when you eat sugary and acidic foods and grazing means that your enamel is under attack for long periods of time. Always wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth after eating and avoid brushing too hard, as this can damage the enamel.

Tender Gums And Throbbing Teeth Need Dental Intervention

Saturday, September 27th, 2014

863081_blogIf you experience dental discomfort whenever you bite hot or cold, it could mean you are suffering from a dental abscess. An abscess requires urgent dental treatment and it’s advised that you come and see us straight way.

What Causes An Oral Abscess?

Oral abscesses are often the result of harmful bacteria trapped below the gum line and left to spread. This then becomes infected and turns in to an abscess when left unchecked. If you touch the abscess by accident when you talk or eat you are likely to cause yourself further pain. If you cannot get to a dentist in time we advise you to take over the counter pain-killers as a temporary solution to the discomfort.

Visit a dentist

You need to visit your dentist to treat a dental abscess as other abscesses can be treated by a GP, these however, cannot. Your dentist will need to drain the area of infection as this will ensure that the majority of harmful bacteria is removed from the infected area. We advise you to avoid eating hard, acidic or chewy food during this period as to avoid further pain. Get in touch with a City Leeds dentist if you start to experience these symptoms. We are here to help!

Which Hot And Cold Foods Can Cause You Dental Abscess Agony?

Thursday, September 18th, 2014

3534882_blogDental abscesses can be very painful and often, eating can contribute to throbbing, severe pain. There are certain foods and drinks, which may cause you to feel more pain and it’s best to avoid these. Here are some tips for handling dental abscesses and helping to reduce pain:

Dealing with pain

Abscesses can cause severe pain and it is particularly painful when you catch an abscess by mistake, you accidentally touch it or you eat or drink something that is sharp, acidic or very hot or cold. We advise our patients to take over the counter painkillers to reduce discomfort, but we strongly advise reading the dosage instructions and checking with us or a pharmacist beforehand if you have any queries. We also recommend applying an ice pack to the affected tooth; this will soothe pain and also reduce inflammation.

Seeing your dentist

When you have an abscess, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as you can, so that they can provide you with suitable treatment and relieve your pain. Unlike other abscesses, dental abscesses must be treated by dental professionals, other than doctors and if you see your GP there is only a limited amount of help they can give you. The reason for this is because dental abscesses need to be drained; this is to ensure that all harmful bacteria and fluids are removed from the mouth.

Watching what you eat and drink

If you have an abscess it’s best to avoid eating very hard or chewy foods, such as boiled sweets or candies, sharp foods, such as crisps and crusty bread, acidic flavours such as sour sweets and very hot foods and drinks, such as pies and pastries, hot coffee and tea and hot soup. If you’re eating a hot meal, try to wait for it to cool for longer than you would usually.

Our Safe Hands Could Save You From A Dental Emergency

Sunday, August 31st, 2014

18625029When it comes to our patients, we’re always looking for ways to boost oral health and general wellbeing and we’re on hand to provide treatment, ease pain and prevent dental troubles. We understand that accidents can happen at any time and we do all we can to offer emergency treatment and prevent dental injuries.

Preventative measures

We offer a host of preventative measures and methods, from custom-made mouth guards for contact sports and treatments, such as fluoride varnish, to routine check-ups, hygiene treatments and pre-holiday check-ups. We also offer oral health education and advice to help patients reduce their risk of dental problems.

We encourage good oral hygiene at home and we can also offer advice about oral health and diet and giving up smoking. We also encourage all our patients to be aware of the symptoms and warning signs of oral diseases, including bleeding gums, toothache and inflammation.

Treatment for dental emergencies

As well as offering routine general dentistry and preventative dental care, we also offer urgent dental treatment for patients who have dental injuries or symptoms caused by trauma, sports injuries or unexpected accidents.

We urge all patients who need urgent assistance to call us and we will do all we can to arrange an appointment. Our aim is to make you feel comfortable and treat pain quickly and then find out the cause of your discomfort and find a solution.

We also advise patients to do something about dental pain; if you have toothache, throbbing pain or sore gums, come and see us; don’t put it off or suffer in silence, as the situation will only get worse.