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Archive for the ‘general dentistry’ Category

The Link Between Oral Health and General Health Problems

Friday, October 16th, 2020

2823674_blogMany people are aware of the damage a poor oral hygiene routine can do to their teeth and gums, but have you ever thought about the link between oral health and general health? Many dentists describe the mouth as a window to the rest of the body and often, problems in the mouth reflect underlying general health conditions. There is also a significant body of evidence to support the notion that oral health issues increase the risk of general health problems.

Oral and general health

Numerous studies have established a link between oral and general health and the consensus is that looking after your teeth and gums can really make a difference to your general health. One of the most significant findings of research studies in this area is the potential connection between gum health and general health. Several studies have now established a link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart problems and strokes. Experts believe that harmful bacteria from the mouth can travel around the body via the bloodstream. This can trigger an inflammatory effect, contributing to a heightened risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Studies have also shown that poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of oral cancer and there is evidence to support a link between missing teeth and gum disease and a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. People with gum disease are also more likely to suffer from diabetes.

Ways to boost oral and general health

If you’re eager to enjoy good oral and general health, here are some simple steps to follow:

  • maintain good oral hygiene at home
  • eat a healthy diet, which moderates sugary, processed and fatty foods
  • see your dentist every six months
  • be aware of your mouth – look out for changes and see your dentist if you have symptoms including swelling, toothache, sensitivity and bleeding gums
  • drink plenty of water
  • drink alcohol in moderation
  • avoid smoking

Five Things You Can Do To Prevent Toothaches

Friday, July 14th, 2017

shutterstock_253445443If you’ve ever had toothache before, you’ll know that it can really put a dampener on your day. If you’re keen to keep pain at bay, here are 5 things you can do to prevent toothaches:

  1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste: brushing is your best bet when it comes to removing harmful bacteria, which cause gum disease and decay, from your mouth. Use fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride helps to strengthen and protect your tooth enamel. Brush in the morning and evening for two minutes each time.
  2. Book a dental check every 6 months: if you attend regular check-ups, you’ll reduce your risk of developing decay and gum disease significantly. If you haven’t been to the dentist for the last 6 months, now is the time to get in touch!
  3. See your dentist if you have pain: if you start to notice pain or you experience heightened sensitivity, see your dentist. Don’t wait until your next check-up. Pain is often a sign of a cavity or an infection, so it’s best to get checked out.
  4. Avoid snacking: when you eat, the bacteria in your mouth release acids, which weaken your enamel on a temporary basis. Your enamel can only resist a limited number of acid attacks, so if you’re grazing throughout the day, it’s very likely that your enamel will become thin and worn. Stick to 3 meals a day and if you do get hungry, choose sugar-free snacks such as raw vegetables.
  5. Keep an eye on your sugar intake: most people know that sugar is bad for the teeth, but have you ever actually worked out how much sugar you consume each day? You may be surprised to find out that you exceed the recommended intake on a regular basis if you don’t pay much attention to food labels. Use an app or a food diary and try and keep below that RDA.

Five Tooth-Friendly Summer Foods

Monday, May 15th, 2017

shutterstock_569837926Summer is on its way, and many of us are looking forward to embracing some seasonal favourites. If you’re keen to keep your diet tooth-friendly this summer, here are 5 foods to include on the menu:

  1. Strawberries: strawberries are packed with vitamins, but they also contain malic acid, which is a natural stain remover. The rough skin of the strawberry can also help to banish surface stains, giving you a lovely, glossy smile.
  2. Cheese: summer is a perfect time of year to enjoy picnics, salads and cold pasta dishes. Cheese is a great addition to these simple meals and snacks, and the good news is that it’s not just tasty. It’s also laden with calcium, which is great for keeping your teeth strong, and it has a high pH value. This is beneficial because it reduces acidity in the mouth.
  3. Raw vegetables: when it’s hot outside, it’s much more tempting to reach for raw vegetables and fruit than when it’s raining cats and dogs. Eating celery, cucumber and raw carrots stimulates saliva production and blood flow to the gums. These snacks are also sugar-free, and they contain important vitamins and minerals.
  4. Leafy green vegetables: salads are all the rage at this time of year, and this is great news for your teeth. Salad leaves and leafy green vegetables contain vitamin A and calcium, both of which help to strengthen the tooth enamel.
  5. Salmon: salmon is a superfood, which has all kinds of benefits for your health. Salmon and other types of oily fish contain essential omega oils, which have been found to reduce the risk of gum disease.

Three Ways City Dental Can Give You A Brighter Smile

Monday, May 8th, 2017

shutterstock_278603378At City Dental, we love seeing the difference a trip to the dentist can make to our patient’s confidence. Most of us long for a gorgeous, bright smile, and if your teeth are looking a little dull and drab, we are here to help! Here are just 3 of the ways we can give you a brighter smile for summer.

  1. Tooth whitening: tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments we offer. Home whitening is a simple, affordable and convenient option for those who want a whiter smile without any hassle. All you have to do is wear custom-made whitening trays for a period of time each day for 10-14 days at home. Whitening isn’t painful, and in just 2 weeks, your smile will look noticeably brighter.
  2. Cleaning treatments: your teeth can often look dull and discoloured as a result of surface staining. Our dental hygienists are experts in oral hygiene and they offer intensive cleaning treatments, which blitz surface stains and give your teeth a gorgeous, healthy glow. Cleaning treatments aren’t painful, and they offer major benefits for your oral health, as well as the look of your smile.
  3. Veneers: if you want a celebrity-style white smile, veneers could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Veneers are applied to the surface of the natural teeth and they create a brand new aesthetic. As well as traditional veneers, we also offer Componeers, which are made from dental composite. These are cheaper than porcelain veneers, and they can be fitted in a single session.

If you’re dreaming of a sensational summer smile, you’ve come to the right place! Call us today to book a consultation to discuss your options.

Top Three Tips to Protect Teeth While Exercising

Friday, April 21st, 2017

shutterstock_173963588Exercise has a wealth of benefits for your body and mind, but it can pose a risk to your teeth. Fast-paced activities offer carry a risk of injury, and it’s always a good idea to protect your mouth whenever possible. Here are 3 top tips to help you protect your teeth when you’re playing sport.

  1. Wear a mouth guard: mouth guards are specifically designed to protect the teeth from injury. They are plastic shields, which are custom-made. They slide over the teeth, providing a barrier between the teeth and objects, surfaces and other people. If you do get hit or struck in the mouth, there’s a much lower risk of damage if you’re wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are also known as gum shields and they are worn by participants in rugby, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts and fighting sports like boxing and wrestling.
  2. Use a helmet: in some cases, sports carry a risk of injury to the head, as well as the mouth, and it’s wise to wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head, facial and dental injuries. Examples including close fielding in cricket and American football.
  3. Check the pH of the pool: if you swim on a regular basis, it’s worth checking the pH of the pool. If the pH is too low, and the water is too acidic, there’s a higher risk of swimmer’s calculus, which is caused by acid erosion of the enamel. It’s best to try and keep your mouth closed when you’re swimming and to avoid swallowing the water.

Top 5 Sugar Free Snacks to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Friday, April 7th, 2017

shutterstock_96256037Many of us try and adapt our diets to lose weight and trim down when the summer is approaching, but have you ever thought of making changes to keep your smile in shape? If you’d like healthier teeth and gums, here are 5 sugar-free snacks to add to your diet:

  1. Fruit: Fruit is not strictly sugar-free, but it contains natural sugars, which are much less harmful than the artificial, added sugars you find in sweets and cakes. Opt for strawberries if you’re keen to boost your vitamin intake, as well as making your teeth gleam. The rough coating of the skin helps to remove surface stains, giving you a gorgeous, bright smile.
  2. Natural Yoghurt: Yoghurts are a really popular snack, and they can be brilliant for your teeth, as they’re a good source of calcium. However, it’s important to choose the right products. Many flavoured yoghurts contain a lot of sugar, so try and stick to natural yoghurt. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, add a sprinkling of berries, a banana or a spoonful of honey.
  3. Raw vegetables: If you’re hungry between meals, there’s nothing better for your teeth than raw vegetables. Chewing raw carrots and celery increases saliva production, which neutralises acids in the mouth, and it can also stimulate blood flow to the gums. These snacks are completely sugar-free and they’re also high in fibre and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
  4. Cheese: Cheese may not be the best option if you’re desperate to lose weight, but it’s very good for your teeth. Cheese is rich in calcium, and it’s also low in sugar. Cheese is also a good source of protein.
  5. Nuts: Nuts are often touted as a superfood snack because they contain essential oils and fatty acids. If you choose plain nuts, rather than sugar-coated or honeyed nuts, you should also find that they have low sugar content. You only need a small handful of nuts to keep you going between meals.

How to Treat Yourself Post-Surgery

Wednesday, March 29th, 2017

shutterstock_449928199When you’ve been through dental surgery, it’s important to do everything possible to ensure a speedy recovery. If you’ve had dental treatment, here are some tips to help you:

Rest

Any kind of treatment can put your body through its paces, and it’s best to take a day or so to rest and relax. It can take a while for the effects of anaesthetic or a sedative to wear off, so ask somebody to accompany you home, and stay with you until you feel a bit more awake and alert. Rest, and don’t try and do anything strenuous like exercise for a few days.

Take Painkillers

When you have surgery, it’s normal to experience mild pain afterwards. Your dentist may advise you to take over the counter painkillers or apply ice to the affected tooth to ease discomfort. Make sure you follow the dosage instructions, and ask your dentist or pharmacist for advice if you’re not sure what to take.

Avoid Hot Drinks

For the first couple of hours after surgery it’s best to avoid hot drinks. When your mouth is numb, you can burn yourself without realising.

Eat Soft Foods

If you’re hungry after surgery, try and make sure you stick to soft foods, which require very little effort to eat. If you try and tackle a piece of steak or a hard toffee, this could be very painful. It’s best to stick to foods like yoghurts and soups for the first couple of days. As you become more comfortable, you can start introducing a wider range of foods.

When you have surgery, your dentist will give you some aftercare tips. If you have any questions, or you’re worried about pain, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and get in touch.

Student Smiles: How to Protect your Teeth On a Budget

Thursday, February 23rd, 2017

shutterstock_283862963At City Dental Leeds, we aim to provide high-quality dental care at affordable prices. If you’re a student, we understand that money may be tight. Here are some budget-friendly ways to protect your teeth.

Prevention is better than cure

Preventative dental care is always going to be cheaper than paying for dental issues. If you can keep cavities and gum disease at bay, you’ll save yourself a lot of money. The best way to do this is by maintaining good oral hygiene at home, and keeping an eye on your diet. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, and try and limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Foods like sweets and biscuits and fizzy drinks and energy drinks can really take their toll on your teeth.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the best out of brushing. You can do a thorough job with a manual toothbrush, so don’t worry if you can’t afford a new-fangled electric brush with all the mod cons.

Dental visits are also incredibly important. If you see your dentist every 6-12 months, you have a much lower (up to 60%) lower risk of developing decay or gum disease.

Student discounts

We like to think of ourselves as a student-friendly practice, and we offer savings and special offers for students on certain treatments. If you’d like to find out more about how you could save money on dental treatment with us, don’t hesitate to give us a call or pop in and see us if you’re in the centre of Leeds.

What To Do If You Have a Missing Tooth

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016

Missing ToothAt City Dental Leeds, we always encourage the replacement of missing teeth. If you have gaps in your smile, we can help. We have a range of impressive treatment options and we are confident that we can find the perfect solution for you.

Problems caused by missing teeth

If you have missing teeth, you may automatically think about the aesthetic impact. However, there are other implications. Gaps don’t just affect the look of your smile and your confidence. They can also increase the risk of dental infections and cause the remaining teeth to slip out of position. If you have missing teeth, you may also notice that your face looks different. This is because the teeth support your lips and cheeks.

Our treatments

Replacing missing teeth can boost your confidence and enable you to eat and speak normally. It also helps to improve your oral health. Whatever your dental needs, we can find a solution. We have options available for individual gaps and multiple missing teeth. When you come in for a consultation, our dentists will go through the options with you and discuss your treatment aims and preferences to find the best fit. Our treatment options include:

Dentures: dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for decades. They are a reliable, affordable option for people with a few gaps or entire arches of missing teeth. Dentures are customised for comfort and they provide natural-looking aesthetics. We offer partial and complete dentures in addition to stabilised dentures, which are secured using mini dental implants.

Dental bridges: bridges are a popular option for single missing teeth. A bridge usually comprises a false tooth, which is supported by a crown on each side. Bridges are often made from porcelain, which ensures that the false tooth matches the surrounding natural teeth perfectly. Designing and fitting a bridge usually involves two sessions, two weeks apart. A bridge should last for up to 15 years.

Dental implants: dental implants are a long-term solution for tooth loss. They are made from titanium and the aim of treatment is to replace the tooth root. The implant integrates into the jawbone and it can then be attached to a crown, bridge or denture. With implants, you can enjoy the same standard of functionality as with healthy natural teeth. The aesthetics are also incredibly lifelike, so you’ll have a beautiful smile to show off.

For more information, give us a call today!

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Wednesday, October 26th, 2016

2839654_blogUnfortunately, dental emergencies are fairly common, so it’s advisable to learn how to act in an emergency situation.

Examples of dental emergencies

Examples of dental emergencies include broken teeth, avulsed teeth (teeth that have been knocked out), jaw injuries and severe dental pain.

If you are involved in an accident and you lose a tooth or your tooth is badly broken, it is advisable to contact your dentist as quickly as possible. In some cases, if you can get to the practice very quickly, it may be possible to save an avulsed tooth. If you have lost a tooth, try to wipe it clean while holding it by the crown at all times and then place it between your gum and the inside of your cheek or in a glass of milk.

If you have a broken tooth, you may need urgent treatment to repair it and prevent any further damage. When you see your dentist, it is likely that they will order an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage and identify the best course of action.

Dental pain can be very severe and it may come on very suddenly. If you have serious dental pain, contact your dentist. It may be that you have an infection or an abscess that requires treatment. If you have bearable yet persistent toothache, arrange to see your dentist as dental pain usually indicates an underlying issue, such as a cavity.

Emergency appointments

We always try to cater for patients with dental emergencies as quickly as possible. If you need urgent treatment, contact the practice and we will do everything we can to see you and treat the problem swiftly. If you suffer a jaw injury, such as a fractured jaw, you will need medical attention, so visit your local Accident and Emergency department.