Archive for the ‘gums’ Category

Cure embarrassing bad breath at Leeds dentist

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Bad breath is a very unpleasant condition for both the sufferer and those around them. Worst of all, there is often no way of telling if you are suffering from unless someone tells you and this can be very embarrassing.

There are a number of causes of embarrassing bad breath. It may be being caused by digestion problems, which will probably require wider medical attention or a radical change in your diet. It may also be being caused by gum disease. Many dentists can tell if a patient is suffering from gum disease before they have even conducted a proper examination because of the distinctive smell. This kind of bad breath can usually be treated and cured along with the gum disease.

However, in 90% of cases, bad breath is caused by nothing more than poor oral hygiene and is easily remedied. Inadequate and ineffectual brushing and flossing allows bacteria to build up on the teeth and gums. Food particles can also get trapped in between teeth and in pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria acts upon this food breaking it down and releasing nasty smelling sulphurous odours which are then carried out of the mouth on the breath.

Using mouthwash and other products may only make the bad breath worse. The only sure fire way of treating embarrassing bad breath properly is to improve your dental hygiene and visiting a Leeds dentist for more information. They can offer advice on how to improve your dental hygiene and also make sure that the problem is not being caused by any of the more serious measures.

Links between gum disease and diabetes explained by City of Leeds dentist

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

It is a fact that people with diabetes are more likely to be suffering from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, as people who do not have the condition. This is mainly because diabetes affects the immune system making sufferers more likely to catch infections. Periodontal disease is widely considered to be the sixth complication of diabetes by healthcare professionals.

Patients who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. According to a study in the US in the Journal of Periodontology, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes sufferers are far more likely to be at risk from gum disease as those who are in control of their condition. Further research suggests that gum disease can also make it more difficult for patients to get their diabetes under control, making it something of a catch 22 situation.

More severe periodontal disease can increase the blood sugar levels meaning there are longer periods of time when the body is functioning with higher blood sugar. This increases the risk for diabetics. City of Leeds dentists therefore encourage diabetic patients to have regular check ups on order to reduce the risk of both periodontal disease and further health complications.

It is also true that there are links between periodontal disease and heart disease. This can mean that diabetic patients are increasing their risk of cardiovascular problems if they don’t keep their gums in especially good condition. Dentists usually recommend six-monthly check up appointments but it may be that diabetic patients need to make appointments more regularly. Contact your City of Leeds dentist who will be happy to offer advice about the best course of action.

City of Leeds dentist spots and treats first signs of periodontal disease

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Periodontal disease, often commonly referred to as gum disease, is seen in two degrees of severity. Milder gum disease is called gingivitis and involves a mild inflammation of the gum tissue. It is estimated that three quarters of all adults in the UK will experience some gingivitis at some point. It is usually easily remedied by improved oral hygiene and some treatment from a dentist. The other more serious form of gum disease is called periodontitis and requires much more substantial treatment. It usually stems from a failure to address or treat the milder form of the disease and can cause significant dental problems such as infections and tooth loss. In fact, periodontitis is responsible for more tooth loss in the UK than tooth decay.

Gum disease is caused, like tooth decay, by plaque. This is a sticky substance that forms in the mouth and coats the teeth and gums. Consisting of food debris and bacteria, plaque releases acid that gradually erodes enamel and destroys gum tissue. Proper brushing and flossing can usually remove most plaque keeping the teeth and gums safe but if this is lacking the plaque begins to harden becoming tartar which is much more difficult to remove.

It is important that you make regular visits to the dentist every six months who can examine teeth for the symptoms of gum disease. Catching periodontitis early gives the patient a much better chance of successful treatment and avoiding any of the more unpleasant treatments for serious disease such as tissue removal and even extractions.
Gum disease has also recently been linked to heart disease which means there is now more reason than ever to have your gums checked by a City of Leeds dentist.

Avoid decay and gum disease by visiting Central Leeds dentist

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Tooth decay and gum disease are still a major problem in the UK thanks to poor diet and insufficient standards of oral hygiene. While many people do not see their dental health as all that important, decay and disease can have significant consequences for your overall health.

Gum disease has been strongly linked to heart diseases. Infections which start in the gum tissue infiltrate the blood stream and are transported to the areas around the heart. This can cause blockages in the arteries, which can cause serious cardiac problems including heart attacks. Gum disease can also be very painful and if allowed to progress can need treatment ranging from antibiotics, tissue removal and even hospitalisation.

Tooth decay, which like gum disease is caused by plaque releasing acid, can also be incredibly painful and nasty. Decay can lead to infection which destroys the very sensitive dental nerve and cause painful abscesses. Theses abscesses can burst releasing infected material into the mouth where it can damage other teeth and enter the bloodstream causing further complications.

Both tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented by more effective cleaning and being aware of what you are eating. Effective brushing and flossing, combined with regular trips to a Central Leeds dentist can help to keep your teeth and gums clean, healthy and free from disease.

Get healthier teeth by treating gum disease at Central Leeds dentist

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

The easiest way to make sure you have healthy teeth is to have healthy gums. After all, teeth are secured by gum tissue so having unhealthy gums affected by disease will have a negative impact on the teeth as well. Gum disease is very common in the UK with three out of four adults suffering from at least the milder form of the disease at some stage in their life. Gum disease is easily treated in its early stages with improved dental hygiene and some treatment from a dentist. This will not only improve the appearance of your gums but will also help to keep the teeth strong, healthy and free from decay.

Gum disease is caused by plaque acid destroying gum tissue. Plaque is the sticky substance that coats the teeth and gums consisting of bacteria and food debris. It is usually the most dangerous after eating which it is why dentists always recommend brushing of flossing after eating. Although mild gum disease is easily treated, the more serious form of the disease, also called periodontitis, is a different proposition. This may require more severe treatment such as anti-biotics and in extreme cases some tissue removal and even a stay in hospital.

Central Leeds can help patients to spot the first signs of gum disease and offer advice on the best ways to avoid it. They can also treat any gum disease they notice during routine check ups. Keeping your gums healthy will make keeping your teeth healthy all the more easy to help you have the perfect smile, framed by perfect gums.

City of Leeds dentist and parents help children beat gum disease

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Many people think that gum disease is only a problem that affects adults but studies reveal that nearly half of all children have gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Although it is true that cases of periodontal disease (the more serious form of gum disease) are more common among adults, it still can occur in children.

Gum disease usually happens as a result of poor oral hygiene, so it is very important for parents to ensure their children are looking after their teeth and gums. Gingivitis happens when gum tissue is attacked by bacteria and plaque acid that has built up on the teeth and gums. It causes the tissue to swell and become irritable and in some cases it can also cause the gums to bleed. In other cases, receding gum tissue or constant bad breath can also indicate gum disease.

Research has shown that gum disease may be on the increase in children due to lack of motivation to maintain good oral hygiene. Children who have been taught good oral hygiene from a young age are much more likely to keep up good habits of brushing and flossing throughout their life and suffer fewer dental problems as a result. So the parents’ role in early childhood is very important.

It is also very important for parents to be aware of the signs of gum disease as early diagnosis can limit the damage caused by gum disease and makes treatment significantly easier. It is therefore important to monitor your children’s teeth and gums and make sure they are cleaning them correctly. Making regular visits to a City of Leeds dentist with your child for check ups is also crucial in the battle to beat gum disease.

Central Leeds dentist breaks link between gum disease and heart disease

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

There has always been a suspected link between heart disease and gum disease but the evidence of recent studies has seemingly conclusively proved this connection. Patients with bad cases of gum disease were twice as likely to suffer from serious heart conditions, so cleaning your teeth and having healthy gums really could save your life.

The link between gum disease and heart disease comes from the transfer of the oral infection into the blood stream. Once this infection has spread into the blood vessels it can cause them to narrow putting enormous pressure on the heart, as it then has to work harder to pump blood around the body. In mild cases this can cause high blood pressure but if the heart becomes so overworked it can suffer a potentially fatal attack.

Gum disease is caused by a lack of proper oral hygiene in the mouth. Poor or ineffective oral hygiene allows bacteria to build up and form plaque. This filmy substance clings to the teeth and gums releasing damaging acids that break down tooth enamel and cause gum tissue to swell and become painful. In more serious cases of gum disease, known as periodontitis, gum tissue can become so infected that it bleeds and spreads the infection around the body. It also causes gum tissue to die resulting in tooth loss.

The good news about gum disease however, is that in most cases it is completely preventable with an improved regime of oral hygiene. Central Leeds dentists can demonstrate how to effectively clean your teeth to reduce your chances of gum disease, helping to keep your mouth and your heart healthy.

Prevent gum disease at Leeds dentist

Friday, January 1st, 2010

Gum disease happens when the gum tissue in the mouth becomes infected due to the presence of bacterial acid found in plaque. Plaque is allowed to build up on the teeth and gums when oral hygiene is insufficient. Initially this causes gums to become red and irritable and possibly bleed when being cleaned, but mores serious gum disease can lead to tooth loss, hospitalisation and even tissue removal during surgery.

Luckily, gum disease can be easily prevented with more effective cleaning methods. Brushing your teeth at a forty-five degree angle to the surface allows the bristles to clean the gums simultaneously. Although you must remember not to brush too hard and always use a suitable brush. A Leeds dentist can offer advice about appropriate products at your next check up.

It is also important to remember to floss, as this cleans the areas just below the gum line of the teeth where it is hard to reach with a conventional brush. This will also help to keep gum tissue clean and healthy. Although cleaning can help, most people will suffer with some mild gingivitis at some point in their life so it is always necessary to visit your dentist regularly. The key to successful prevention is to have your gums examined thoroughly by a professional every six months. This will help to keep your gums, teeth and whole mouth healthy and clean and could save you a lot of pain and discomfort in the future.

Central Leeds dentist helps remove bacteria that cause gum disease

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

There are over 350 types of bacteria found in the average human mouth but many of these have no real harmful effects. However, about 5 per cent of these bacteria are responsible for causing gum disease if not removed by brushing and flossing.

Gum disease is characterised by the painful inflammation and loss of gum tissue because of bacterial infection. Most people will experience some kind of gum disease in their life ranging from very mild to very serious. Mild gum disease is known as gingivitis and can be treated easily with improved oral hygiene and advice form a Central Leeds dentist. More serious gum disease, which usually occurs as a result of ignored gingivitis, is known as periodontitis and can result in anti-biotic treatment, tooth loss and even emergency surgery. Gum disease can be very serious as it has strong links to heart disease as the oral infection can easily spread into the blood stream.

It is bacteria that build up in the mouth that causes the infection responsible for gum disease. This bacteria releases acid which irritates and destroys soft tissue causing the infection. Bacteria exist in a substance called plaque which clings like a film to the teeth and gums if not removed by brushing and flossing. Plaque can easily be removed but not after it has hardened to become tartar.

Most instances of gum disease are easily preventable with better dental care and advice from your dentist. Take a few more minutes each day to clean your teeth and prevent the possibility of gum disease in your mouth.

City of Leeds dentist explains link between diabetes and oral health

Monday, December 28th, 2009

The links of diabetes with heart disease, stroke and kidney failure are well known but perhaps lesser known is the link between diabetes and periodontal disease. Sufferers of diabetes have difficulty controlling their blood sugar level which greatly increases the chance of them developing serious gum disease.

While gum disease may not seem as serious as heart disease or a stroke it is something certainly not to be taken lightly. Serious periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, tissue removal and hospitalisation. It is also worth remembering that there is a direct link between heart disease and gum disease. This occurs because infections in the gums can enter the blood stream easily and head straight for cardiovascular area. This can cause a narrowing of arteries leading to heart attacks and other coronary problems. For diabetics already at increased risk of heart disease this could be particularly dangerous.

Diabetics can help to prevent gum disease through better control of the blood glucose levels. It is also necessary for any diabetic patients to inform their City of Leeds dentist and make sure they attend regular six-month appointments to check for the first signs of gum disease. In its early stages it is significantly easier to treat than when it becomes a more serious periodontal infection. It is also necessary to inform your dentist if you are diabetic when you having any non-vital dental surgery performed because unstable blood sugar levels can cause complications during any surgery.

Diabetics are at a greater risk of gum disease, but with the right care and a necessary degree of caution it can easily be kept in check.