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Teaching the Kiddies to Take Care of Their Teeth

Monday, June 22nd, 2015

At City Dental Leeds we are all about encouraging good oral health habits and championing prevention over cure and we are always here to offer advice to help you and your family enjoy beautiful smiles and remain free of oral diseases. If you’re eager to encourage your children to adopt good practices from an early age, here are some tips to teach kids to take good care of their teeth and gums:

Start early

It’s never too early to lay foundations and the sooner you start looking after your child’s teeth, the better. Encourage them to hold a brush as soon as they can and show them how to clean their teeth and work their toothbrush. Set a good example and let them learn by watching you and supervise brushing while they are still young. If teeth cleaning becomes part of a routine early on, children will be used to it and there will be a lower risk of tantrums and fall-outs when you ask them to go and clean their teeth in the mornings and before they go to bed.

Make teeth cleaning fun

Cleaning your teeth is perhaps not the most exciting thing to do, especially when there are toys or television programmes to distract your attention, but there are ways to make brushing your teeth more enjoyable. Try making up games and setting challenges, reward good behaviour and brush together as a family. Many children also like to use brushes and toothpastes that feature their favourite cartoon, literary or film characters.

Educate children

It’s important that children know why it’s essential to clean their teeth every day. If they have an understanding of why they need to clean their teeth, they will be more likely to do it without making a fuss. Teach them about what brushing achieves and what may happen if they don’t clean their teeth. There are some really useful guides, articles and books available to educate kids about oral health and show them how to perfect their brushing technique. Our dentists will also be more than happy to answer questions for children, show them how to brush and talk to them about healthy eating and the importance of brushing at home.

Tags: Children's dental health Central Leeds, Children's dental health City of Leeds, children's oral heath Leeds, Children's teeth Leeds
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How to Have Happy Hygiene This Summer

Monday, June 15th, 2015

Beautiful, happy smiles are top of our wish-list this summer and we have some excellent treatments on offer, including hygiene and cleaning treatments and the latest cosmetic dental innovations. If you’re eager to start the summer with sparkly pearly whites, why not call and book a session with one of our expert dental hygienists?

What happens when you go to a hygienist?

Hygienists are experts in dental hygiene and have a range of important roles within the dental team. Hygienists offer advice about dental health issues and provide preventative dental treatments and treatment for gum disease, bad breath and cavities. When you go to see a hygienist, they will chat to you about your oral health, ask about any underlying health or dental problems and have a good look around your mouth. They may recommend specific cleaning treatments and offer advice to help improve your oral health.

Your hygienist will give your mouth a thorough clean to remove any plaque and tartar and polish your teeth. Deep cleaning helps to reduce the risk of oral health issues as well as making your smile look more attractive.

The advantages of seeing a dental hygienist

Visiting a dental hygienist has a number of benefits for all patients, even those who have strong, healthy teeth. Hygienist treatments achieve a more powerful clean than home brushing and this dramatically improves oral health. Cleaning treatments are also really effective for those who want their teeth to look whiter and brighter, as they remove surface stains. If you already have dental health issues such as bad breath or gum disease, seeing a hygienist can have very positive implications for your condition and help to ease symptoms.

If you would like to book a cleaning treatment or consultation with one of our brilliant dental hygienists in time for summer, contact us today!

Tags: Dental hygiene Central Leeds, Oral Hygiene Central Leeds, oral hygiene City of Leeds, Oral Hygiene Routine
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The Importance of Tooth Brushing for Children

Tuesday, June 9th, 2015

At City Dental Leeds, healthy smiles are at the heart of everything we do and we are eager to equip our patients, young and old, with the information and treatments they need to enjoy healthy, strong teeth and gums. We pride ourselves on focusing on preventative care and we welcome patients of all ages. With the summer holidays in sight, you may be thinking about booking your child’s dental check-up. Here’s why oral health is so important for youngsters:

Why is tooth brushing so important for children?

Oral health should be a priority for all children, as good oral health during childhood helps to increase the chances of healthy teeth in later life. Losing baby teeth prematurely increases the chances of dental health problems and orthodontic issues. Research shows that dental health complaints can also hold children back at school and affect their confidence and self-esteem.

One of the main problems among children is tooth decay and the number of children receiving treatment in hospital for this preventable illness is increasing year on year. As dentists, we are desperate for our younger patients to avoid suffering and pain and to enjoy confidence when they smile. We actively encourage good oral hygiene practices at home and regular dental visits from an early age. We are always on hand to offer advice and provide information about subjects related to oral health issues, including healthy eating and sugar consumption, brushing techniques and which oral hygiene products to buy for children.

Preventing oral health problems in young children

There are 3 key steps to good oral health and these include:

good oral hygiene: brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time
regular dental check-ups: ideally, children should see a dentist every six months from the age of 12-24 months
a healthy diet: sugar consumption is a real problem for today’s children. We advise parents to keep an eye o their child’s daily sugar intake and take steps to reduce the amount of sugar they consume

If you have any questions or concerns about children’s oral health or you would like advice about preventing dental disease in children, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Tags: Children's dental health Central Leeds, Children's dentistry Leeds, children's oral heath Leeds, Children's teeth Leeds
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Bye Bye Bad Breath!

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

If you suffer from bad breath, we can help you say bye-bye for good! Our hygiene treatments will banish halitosis and enable you to feel confident in social situations.

About bad breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common oral health issue that affects thousands of people in the UK. Many people feel embarrassed and self-conscious, especially in social situations, due to bad breath. However, we can assure you that you’re not alone and there are easy ways to tackle this problem and increase your confidence.

Bad breath is sometimes caused by eating strongly flavoured foods such as onions, garlic and spicy food. It can also be caused by smoking and taking some types of medication. However, it most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, which results in bacteria collecting in the mouth. When bacteria feed, they release gases that have an unpleasant odour. Most cases of bad breath are linked to bacteria located at the back of the tongue.

Treating bad breath

Temporary cases of bad breath can usually be alleviated by brushing the teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene at home. We also recommend chewing sugar-free gum after eating if you find that you are prone to developing bad breath after eating or drinking.

If you suffer from bad breath on a regular basis, the best course of action is usually to visit your dentist and dental hygienist on a frequent basis. Cleaning treatments are much more intensive than brushing at home and they target plaque and tartar to freshen up the mouth, remove bacteria and prevent bacteria build-up. We will also be happy to offer tips for cleaning at home and we recommend sticking to a thorough daily oral hygiene regime and cleaning the tongue, as well as the teeth.

If you’re embarrassed by bad breath or you’re looking for a solution that really works, call us now!

Tags: bad breath City of Leeds, Bad Breath in Leeds, Bad breath treatment City of Leeds, bad breath treatment Leeds
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Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Cavities

Wednesday, May 13th, 2015

Cavities are holes that develop in the tooth surface. They are caused by tooth decay, one of the most common preventable illnesses among children and adults in the UK. If you have cavities or tooth pain, we urge you to get in touch with your dentist and make an appointment. Leaving cavities increases the risk of severe infection and may even lead to tooth loss.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by harmful bacteria that collect and multiply in the mouth. These bacteria release acids that attack and erode the tooth enamel, eventually wearing holes in the outer layer of the tooth. The most common risk factors for cavities are poor oral hygiene and a diet that contains a lot of sugary and acidic foods.

How can I tell if I have a cavity?

Sometimes it’s possible to feel or see a cavity. You may be able to see the hole in the surface of the tooth, especially if it has become discoloured. You might also feel it when you run your tongue over the surface of the tooth. Other signs of decay include increased sensitivity that manifests itself through pain when the teeth come into contact with hot and cold substances, toothache and a feeling of weakness when you use the tooth.

Why it’s important to treat cavities

If you have cavities, it’s important to get them sorted by your dentist. Once the enamel layer of the tooth has been penetrated, there is a risk of infection spreading through the tooth into the living tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp. It is possible for the pulp to become infected and this may result in severe damage or even loss of the tooth. In this case, it may be possible to save the tooth by means of performing root canal treatment. Decay can also increase the risk of dental abscesses, which are usually very painful.

As with all dental diseases, we believe that prevention is better than cure when it comes to tooth decay and we recommend a good daily oral hygiene routine, regular dental check-ups and steering clear of too many sugary treats!

Tags: Cavity Protection, dental cavities, dental decay Leeds, tooth decay treatment Leeds
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Looking After Your Kids’ Teeth This Summer

Tuesday, May 12th, 2015

The summer holidays are fast approaching and what better time to book your child’s dental check-up. If your child is due a check-up or you’re looking for ways to boost their oral health and ensure you keep decay firmly at bay, we are here to help. Here are some simple tips to help you look after your child’s oral health this summer:

Brushing up on oral hygiene at home

Brushing is so important because it helps to clear away harmful bacteria and bits of leftover food, which can combine with saliva to form plaque if left in the mouth. Plaque is the leading cause of decay and regular brushing can dramatically reduce the risk of cavities. Ideally, children should be encouraged to brush twice a day from a very early age.

We know that brushing can be a bit of a battle for many parents and we recommend using children’s oral hygiene products, such as flavoured fluoride toothpaste and brightly coloured brushes, making up games based on brushing and brushing together as a family. If you are one of the many parents that struggle to make their children brush for long enough, why not challenge your child to brush along to their favourite song from start to finish?

Making healthy food choices

Summer holidays are synonymous with sweet treats, barbeques and holidays abroad and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food and a relaxing time together as a family. However, we encourage you to spare a thought for your child’s teeth. Try to promote healthy eating, get kids involved with making healthy snacks and dishes and make sure that sweet foods such as cakes, sweets and biscuits are treats, rather than staples. Be wary of products that are marketed as healthy alternatives to fizzy pop, such as juices and smoothies, as these sometimes contain as much sugar as fizzy drinks. Encourage children to drink plenty of water and milk, which is a good source of calcium.

Dental visits

The summer holidays are an ideal time to get routine dental checks in without children having to miss valuable classroom time, so why not call us today and book your child’s check-up? We are happy to offer family appointments as well as individual check-ups. Just ask our friendly reception team for more information.

Tags: Children's dental health Central Leeds, children's oral heath Leeds, Children's teeth Leeds, Dental hygiene Central Leeds
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How Does Smoking Affect My Oral Health

Thursday, May 7th, 2015

Many people are aware of the link between smoking and general health conditions, such as strokes, respiratory diseases and lung cancer, but have you ever stopped to think how smoking could impact your oral health?

Smoking and oral health

Smoking has negative implications for both general and oral health. Smoking affects the aesthetic of the smile as well as increasing the risk of potentially serious oral diseases.

Smoking and gum disease

Smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease because smokers are prone to plaque development. Plaque is a sticky film made from saliva, food debris and bacteria, which is the main risk factor for gum disease and decay. Smokers are also more likely to develop advanced gum disease, as smoking makes the symptoms worse. This is because smoking reduces blood flow (and subsequently, the transportation of oxygen) to the gums, increasing recovery times and slowing down the healing process.

Smoking and oral cancer

Smoking is a major risk factor for oral cancer, a form of cancer that affects the soft tissue in the mouth and throat. People who smoke are up to five times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. If you smoke and drink alcohol on a regular basis, this increases to 30 times. Cancer Research UK estimates that 65 percent of cases of oral and pharyngeal cancers are associated with smoking.

Smoking and bad breath

Smoking is one of the most common causes of bad breath, also known as halitosis. It can also contribute to stained teeth, which look unhealthy and unattractive.

Quitting smoking

If you would like advice on how to quit smoking, we would be happy to help. We are here to provide information and offer support and reassurance to help you give up for good. Our dentists and dental hygienists have extensive experience in this field, so why not give us a call and book a consultation?

Tags: Oral cancer screening Central Leeds, quit smoking Leeds, smoking and gum disease, Smoking Risks in Leeds
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Freshen Up by Flossing in Addition to Brushing

Monday, April 20th, 2015

If you’re looking for ways to freshen up and make your smile sparkle this spring, why not add a couple of extra minutes to your daily oral hygiene regime and incorporate flossing or inter-dental brushing? You often hear dentists stressing the importance of flossing in addition to brushing, but the reality is that most people focus solely on brushing.

Why is flossing so beneficial?

Flossing involves passing very thin tape known as dental floss through the cracks between the teeth. It helps to dislodge food debris and remove bacteria and it’s really important because it cleans the parts of the mouth that can’t be reached easily with a toothbrush. Flossing helps to reduce the risk of plaque formation, which in turn decreases the chances of decay, bad breath and gum disease. Flossing can also help to reduce staining and discolouration.

How often should I floss?

We recommend flossing on a daily basis. It only takes a minute or two, but it can really make a difference to oral health. If you have any questions about flossing or you’d like advice on how to floss, our dentists and dental hygienists will be happy to help.

Alternatives to flossing

If you don’t like flossing or you find it too fiddly, we recommend using inter-dental brushes. These small, hand-held brushes are specially designed to clean between the teeth. They come in various sizes and your dentist can show you how to use them.

Should my gums bleed when I floss?

If you’re flossing for the first time, you may find that your gums bleed because you’re not used to it. However, if you’re used to flossing and you notice bleeding, this may be a sign of gum disease and we advise you to call and make an appointment.

Tags: City of Leeds Dentist Flossing, flossing and brushing Leeds, flossing Leeds, Teeth flossing Leeds
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How Does a Good Diet Lead to Excellent Oral Health?

Sunday, April 12th, 2015

Most people are aware that eating a healthy, balanced diet can make a significant difference to their general health and wellbeing, but have you ever thought how the foods you eat impact your oral health? Paying attention to your diet can really help to keep dental disease at bay and ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.

Foods to include in your diet

Many people focus on the foods that are bad for your teeth, but there are lots of foods you can add to your diet to boost your oral health. Good examples include dairy products, leafy calcium rich vegetables, and fruits and vegetables that contain important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, D and E, potassium and iron. Calcium is really important, especially for children, because it helps to strengthen the tooth tissue, as well as the bones and nails.

Foods to try and avoid

The bad news is that there are lots of foods, usually ones we love, that are not so good for the teeth. Anything that has high sugar content, such as cakes, biscuits, sweets and chocolate, is not good news for the teeth and acidic foods and drinks are also harmful. Acids erode the protective enamel layer of the tooth and sugars cause bacteria in the mouth to feed and produce plaque acids, which attack the enamel surface. Examples of acidic foods and drinks include vinegar and vinegar-based salad dressing, wine, fruit juice, citrus fruits and fizzy pop.

Eating habits

Your eating habits are often as important as the types of food you eat when it comes to oral health. The frequency of eating has a major impact on oral health, as the enamel becomes temporarily weak after eating. It takes time for it recover and if you’re grazing throughout the day, this recovery period cannot take place. For this reason, we recommend trying to stick to three meals a day and ensuring that any sugary or acidic foods or drinks are consumed with a main meal. It’s also advisable to brush the teeth at least 45 minutes after eating, rather than straight afterwards; this helps to prevent damage to the enamel.

If you have any questions about healthy eating or which foods to include and avoid in your diet, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice.

Tags: Dental health Central Leeds, eating habits leeds, good diet for healthy teeth, Oral health Central Leeds
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Keep the Kids’ Teeth Healthy During the Spring Months

Thursday, April 9th, 2015

Spring is here and the Easter holidays have arrived, which is great news for kids, but maybe not such good news for their teeth and gums. Easter is synonymous with chocolate eggs and sweet treats, so here are some simple tips to look after children’s teeth this spring and enable them to enjoy the fun of the holidays without any dental pain:

Book a dental check-up: if your child is due to see their dentist for a check-up, the holidays are the perfect time to get an appointment booked. Check-ups only take a few minutes, but they can really help to reduce the risk of dental decay and gum disease. We strongly advise parents to keep up to date with check-ups and arrange six-monthly appointments.

Limit treats: it can be tricky to limit treats at Easter time, but try not to go too crazy when shopping for eggs and avoid letting kids eat sweets and chocolate all through the day. Limit your child’s sugar intake in line with daily intake recommendations and try to find healthy yet tasty alternatives. There are some great ideas and recipes online. Getting kinds involved in baking, cooking and preparing food will make them more interested in eating it, so try to get them to help you out with healthy cooking in the kitchen.

Supervise brushing: good habits can slip in the holidays, so make sure you supervise brushing for younger children and encourage them to brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time. If your child regularly sharks the recommended time limit, set a timer or put a song on for them to brush along to.

To book a dental check, simply call our friendly receptionists. We can also offer family appointments.

Tags: Children's dental health Central Leeds, Children's dentistry Leeds, children's oral heath Leeds, Children's teeth Leeds
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