On your shopping list when you visit the super market or the corner store will probably be tooth paste containing fluoride, a new tooth brush if your current one is not fit for purpose and some dental floss. But many people wonder about whether to pick up some mouth wash too. The adverts tell us that mouth wash kills bacteria and freshens breath but is it worth our while to use it?
Mouth wash does indeed kill bacteria in the mouth, indeed some boast of being able to kill ninety nine point nine per cent of all bacteria. But that is part of the problem. Not all bacteria in the mouth is bad for you and mouth wash is unable to discriminate; it kills the good bacteria and the bad bacteria.
Mouth wash is able to freshen your breath by killing the bad bacteria and freshening breath by implanting a flavour in the mouth, mint or cloves for example. But this can be a further problem. Mouth wash actually makes the mouth rather dry and this is the ideal condition in which bad breath bacteria can thrive. When the teeth and tongue are dry, it is far easier for bad bacteria to stick to teeth. In short, you could be making your mouth into the ideal playground for bad breath bacteria by using mouth wash. It’s no wonder then that some people like to chew gum after using mouth wash because it stimulates saliva production and makes the mouth more moist.
Sometimes your Leeds dentist will advise you to actually use mouth wash, especially if you are suffering from gum disease. There are specially formulated mouth washes available for this purpose and you should always follow your dentist’s advice but they will probably tell you not to use it too often.
Archive for the ‘dental hygeinist’ Category
Should I use mouth wash? Leeds dentists can answer all of your questions
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011How to improve your daily dental hygiene routine with help from Leeds dentists
Saturday, April 16th, 2011
Taking care of your teeth properly needs to form an integral part of your every day routine in the same way that you have a shower, eat your meals and go to bed at night. If you don’t take care of your teeth properly then you could lose them and they are the only natural set that you have. Don’t put yourself at the mercy of dental decay and gum disease, follow the simple suggestions set out below and you should have nothing to worry about when it comes to the good health of your mouth.
Twice a day – first thing in the morning and before you go to bed at night are recommended – you should brush your teeth with tooth paste that contains fluoride. Make sure that your brush has firm bristles otherwise it won’t function as well as it might. Brush all corners of your mouth, including the inside of your teeth, which can sometimes be missed out in peoples’ routine.
Once you have brushed, get into the habit of flossing as well. By doing so you are removing even more plaque because the bristles of your tooth brush cannot get into the tight gaps between your teeth and clear those areas of plaque.
Pursue a healthy, balanced diet as well and keep sweet snacks to a minimum. Sugary foods contribute to greater production of plaque which is the major cause of both decay in teeth and disease and inflammation in gums. By following these simple routines then you should be giving your mouth the best chance of staying free from disease. Keep your Leeds dentist abreast of what’s going on your mouth by attending an appointment with her or her every six months or as directed.
The Benefits of Fluoride in Leeds
Friday, January 28th, 2011
Fluoride has been used for over 50 year in dental care- it is used in most common toothpastes all over the world, and you will even find it in your drinking water in Leeds- it is a great benefit to the teeth…or is it? Fluoride has proved itself in the fight against to decay- it helps to maintain a good level of saliva in the mouth that breaks down bacteria naturally and neutralises acids. It regenerates minerals in tooth enamel, making it harder and helps to reverse any decay that might be in its early stages- hence it can be found in most oral hygiene products, from mouthwashes to flosses. A dentist can also administer fluoride directly on the teeth for extra protection and to fight gum disease. However, some dentists are turning away from the use of fluoride because it is toxic and this is especially a concern in children- they tend to eat more paste than they brush with. This can not only lead to the teeth discolouring and dental fluorosis, but also a build up of fluoride the brain (and in some cases death). There are fluoride free toothpastes available on the market, aimed at kids, until they have kicked the habit of swallowing the stuff! Like most things, fluoride should be used in moderation. There is enough information out there to make your own informed decisions on the subject, but there is no doubt about the protection qualities that fluoride has for the teeth.
Arrange a dental visit with your Central Leeds dentist to safeguard the health of your mouth
Friday, January 14th, 2011
Brushing and flossing your teeth effectively and making sure you have a balanced diet are, of course, very important in ensuring lasting oral hygiene but you should combine this with regular visits to your dentist. Having your mouth checked by a professional is immensely helpful in making sure that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Even if you are extremely vigilant at home and are on the look out for signs of plaque build up, tooth decay and gum disease, you might miss something. This is where your dentist comes in. Get into the habit of visiting them every six months so that they can give your mouth a thorough check.
Using their expertise and specialist equipment, dentists can look at every corner of your mouth to determine the state of health of your teeth and gums. They will be on the look out for excessive plaque which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. They will also examine your gums themselves to see if you are developing gum disease, a common condition amongst British adults.
It is far better to spot any of these conditions early so that they can be dealt with effectively and without invasive procedures. What is most likely to happen at a dental visit is that your dentist will advise you on your home oral hygiene routine so that you can maximise your oral health through your own practices.
If you are anxious about seeing the dentist, rest assured that modern dentists take great pride in putting their patients at ease. Make an appointment today to see your Central Leeds dentist for a check up and avoid unnecessary complications with your oral health.
Brushing Your Teeth In Central Leeds
Thursday, October 14th, 2010
From a young age, we are brainwashed into the importance of brushing our teeth and how to do it. But is there a correct way of brushing? Well not exactly, according to a dentist in central Leeds. Every mouth is different and should be brushed according to our individual requirements. Caring for our teeth has become big business and we’re bombarded with options when it comes to brushing. But the best place to start is with your dentist- they will be able to evaluate your teeth’s requirements, brushes, toothpaste and even how to brush your teeth correctly. Starting with brushes- generally a soft brush will suffice for the removal of plaque and a smaller head will enable to reach those more difficult areas. Handles, grip and head angles are all designed to allow you better access to your teeth and maintain hygiene. Electric brushes do the work for you- especially if you have limited movement in your hands. Then we have the choice of toothpastes. Most products come recommended- but some are designed for specific uses such as whitening or sensitive teeth. When it comes to brushing, a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be placed on the brush and then it’s generally considered that you should start at the inside of the teeth, working off the gums, front to back- the same method being applied to the outside of the teeth. The teeth should then be flossed to ensure the full removal of foodstuff and plaque. Chewing dental gum can aid brushing, as can rinsing with a suitable mouthwash.
Dental Scaling Should Be Done Every 6 Months, Says City of Leeds Dentist
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
A dentist from the City of Leeds was very concerned about the dropping standards of oral hygiene even though there are so many dental cleaning products available in the market today. People are still not very educated about how to protect their teeth and in turn, their health. The doctor even talked about the importance o getting regular checkups done so that any problems could be nipped in the bud. A thorough cleaning could also be set up during the time of the dental check up.
Dental scaling is the process whereby teeth are cleaned extremely well at the dentist’s office. It is done with the help of a jet of water that blasts into the space between the teeth and removes all debris and food particles wedged there. It also chips away at the plaque that coats the teeth. Plaque is an extreme health hazard and it has to be removed regularly.
Dental scaling is not an uncomfortable process at all, although you might experience a slight raw feeling immediately after the treatment. You might even bleed a bit, but this is because the plaque needs to be pried away in a few places, thereby causing the gums to get a bit hurt.
Dental scaling will result in you having fresh breath since most of the places where bacteria hide would have been removed. Similarly, all the food that the bacteria eat would also have gone. It is therefore very important for you to get dental scaling done twice a year at least.
Leeds Dentist Advises People on How to Protect Dental Enamel
Friday, August 27th, 2010
According to a dentist from Leeds, people don’t take enough trouble to look after their teeth, which is shocking considering how easy it is to do. Most people persist in retaining habits and lifestyles that cause the erosion of their dental enamel, and which leads to a lot of problems for them.
The enamel is the hard covering of the tooth and it serves a very important function. It protects the sensitive inner portion of the tooth and also allows the tooth to do its job of biting or chewing. Unfortunately, this very strong substance can be destroyed very easily mostly because of acids that are formed by food particles left behind in the mouth. It follows, therefore, that people have to clean their teeth very well after a meal so that there is no food left in the mouth to create acids that can destroy the enamel. There are also habits which cause the enamel to be worn away. Brushing the teeth with excessive force or grinding ones teeth together are two examples. Having a diet rich is sweets and colas are also responsible for creating holes in the enamel. People can also accidentally break or chip their tooth enamel by eating very hard food or by playing games without adequate mouth protection.
It is very easy to protect the outer cover of the teeth by making note of these points and putting them into practice without fail. This will without any doubt reduce your need for dental treatment.
Brush, floss and scrape with help from Leeds dentist
Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Judging by the increasing number of people in the UK who are suffering from dental cavities and gum disease, it would seem that the standards of oral hygiene are slipping. This is more than likely due to complacency when it comes to oral hygiene or even an ignorance of exactly what it takes to care for your teeth properly.
Many people seem to be under the impression that good dental care is just about brushing. There is no doubt that brushing your teeth well is the first line of defence against dental disease and decay, but it is far from the only preventative measure at our disposal. Brushing does remove more plaque and bacteria than any other form of cleaning, but unless you are flossing and using a tongue scraper, you are always going to be fighting something of a losing battle against dental disease. This is because bacteria and plaque often accumulate in areas that are difficult to reach with a conventional brush. These are areas such as the small gaps between the teeth and in the pockets between the teeth and the gum where they meet. Brushing will not remove this plaque and it is allowed to cause damage unchallenged.
Flossing will help to remove bacteria, making you less likely to suffer from dental problems. Tongue scrapers are ideal for removing food and bacteria from the small and moist groves of the tongue. The bristles of a toothbrush are not designed to clean the tongue and will leave bacteria to cause damage in other parts of the mouth. Leeds dentists can offer advice a check up appointments, which are also integral to keeping your mouth healthy and clean.
Get rid of plaque with better brushing – ask a Leeds dentist
Saturday, April 24th, 2010
Everyone has heard the word plaque countless times in adverts for dental products but how many people actually really understand what it is and why it is so dangerous for your teeth? Plaque is a filmy substance comprised of bacteria and decaying food debris that clings to the surface of the teeth. As the bacteria and food decay they release chemicals, collectively known as plaque acid, which erodes the surface enamel of the teeth and also irritates gum tissue. If allowed to remain in the mouth and continually release acid, plaque can be the cause of both tooth decay and gum disease. It will also harden over time so that it cannot be removed by conventional cleaning. This hardened plaque is commonly known as tartar.
However, plaque can easily be removed and your teeth protected simply by effective tooth brushing and also flossing. Brushing your teeth properly twice a day for three minutes as recommended by Leeds dentists will hopefully remove most of the damaging plaque on the teeth. It is often better to use a soft bristled brush as this will scrape off more of the plaque from the surface of the teeth and the gums. Hold the toothbrush at an angle, about forty-five degrees pointing towards the gum on both the top and bottom dental arcs. This is proven to remove more plaque and will also help to stimulate the gums and keep them free from plaque.
The alternative to properly cleaning your teeth is to suffer from dental cavities and gum disease. Cavities in the enamel will allow infections to penetrate to the heart of the teeth and cause a great deal of pain, not to mention damage to the teeth. This will require lengthy and costly dental treatment and may also result in the loss of a tooth. Gum disease will also result in the loss of teeth and great pain, so it really is advised to brush your teeth as well as possible to remove plaque,
Want Cleaner teeth? – Scaling and polishing from Leeds dentist
Monday, April 5th, 2010
Plaque is the soft, sticky substance that surrounds the teeth. It is mostly made from bacteria and releases acid that dissolves minerals in the enamel of the tooth, causing dental cavities, tooth decay and infections. Plaque that builds up around the gums can break down gum tissue leading to painful gum disease, which results in bleeding and possibly even heart disease. It is therefore very important to keep plaque under control with effective brushing and flossing at home.
However, sometime if plaque is left for too long it can harden and become tartar. This is a yellow-brown substance that is very difficult or impossible to remove with a regular toothbrush. Tartar will need to be removed by a dentist in a process known as scaling. The dentist or hygienist will use a special tool to carry out the scaling process to remove tartar. It is also possible to remove stains caused by food or drink using a process called polishing.
Hand scalers are manual tools to scrape away tartar from the teeth. It may not be the most pleasant experience you will ever have but the dentist will be careful to limit the discomfort as much as possible. Obviously, the cleaner your teeth are from home brushing and flossing, the less intrusive the scaling and polishing treatment will need to be. Dentists may also use electric scalers. For the polishing, they will use an electric polisher to leave the teeth as smooth as possible, making it hard for bacteria and plaque to cling to in future.
Scaling and polishing at a Leeds dentist will help to keep your mouth and teeth as clean as possible, limiting the chances of dental decay and a future of unpleasant dental treatment. Make an appointment today to give your teeth a deep clean.