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The Dangers Lurking Behind Sleep Apnoea

July 25th, 2015

4443553_blogMany people snore without really thinking about it, but if you snore on a regular basis, gasp for breath or regularly wake feeling like you’ve had a restless night, this could be a sign of sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing. It can potentially be very serious and should therefore be carefully managed. If you suffer with sleepless nights, we are here to help – call today to book an appointment.

What exactly is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that occurs when the airway becomes obstructed for longer than 10 seconds. This results in interrupted breathing, shortness of breath and gasping for air while you sleep. Loud snoring is often a common symptom.

Sleep apnoea can range from mild to severe. In the most serious cases, it can even be fatal.

What causes sleep apnoea?

The main risk factors for sleep apnoea include:

  • being overweight
  • having a large neck circumference
  • family history
  • smoking
  • drinking alcohol

Treating sleep apnoea

There are various treatment options when it comes to sleep apnoea, including lifestyle changes such as losing weight, doing more exercise, giving up smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, especially at night. In more severe cases, additional treatment may be required and this can involve taking medication and using a breathing mask to ensure constant air flow while you sleep. This form of treatment is known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). At City Dental, we also recommend the use of custom-made mandibular advancement devices, which are suited to those with mild or moderate symptoms. These devices hold the jaw in a forward position, keeping the airway open and facilitating oxygen flow.

Happy Hygiene: The Importance of a Healthy Mouth

July 24th, 2015

2823674_blogOur dentists strongly believe that the mouth is a window to the rest of the body and a healthy mouth often reflects a healthy body. At City Dental Leeds, we can’t stress the importance of looking after the teeth and gums enough and we are always here to provide preventative treatment and offer advice to help you maintain good oral hygiene at home and keep dental disease at bay.

Oral hygiene

Dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease are preventable and good oral hygiene is the best means of keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Daily hygiene practices are essential because they remove potentially harmful bacteria and clear away food debris. If leftovers and bacteria are left lurking in the mouth, this increases the risk of plaque developing and consequently increases the risk of decay and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky substance that clings to the tooth enamel and the gums. When the bacteria within the plaque feed, they release acids that erode the enamel and irritate the gums.

A good daily oral hygiene routine should include twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing. Brushing should be thorough but gentle to avoid damage to the enamel and you should devote at least two minutes to cleaning in the morning and evening. We also highly recommend sticking to six-monthly check-ups and regular dental hygiene sessions.

Oral health and general health

We have always known that oral health is important, but in recent years there have been a number of studies published linking poor oral health to compromised general health. Studies show that oral diseases, particularly gum disease, can increase the risk of heart disease, strokes and even Alzheimer’s disease.

If you have any questions or queries about oral hygiene or oral health in general, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or call the clinic for advice.

Let Us Enlighten You About Teeth Whitening

July 23rd, 2015

529808_blogAt City Dental Leeds we are incredibly excited about our ever-growing range of cosmetic dental treatments and are particularly proud to offer our patients in Leeds and beyond the amazing Enlighten system. If you’re interested in a bright white smile, allow us to enlighten you about the fabulous benefits of the world’s leading whitening treatment:

What is Enlighten?

Enlighten is a professional tooth whitening treatment that is hailed as the best whitening system in the world by many dental professionals. Enlighten is often featured in magazine and television makeovers and it is currently the only treatment available in the UK to guarantee the lightest tooth shade, B1.

Combining the best aspects of convenient home treatment and effective in-chair treatment, Enlighten takes 15 days to transform the appearance of the smile. For the first 14 days clients wear a custom-made whitening tray containing bleaching agent at home. The tray is designed to fit perfectly and can be worn at any time of the day or night, making it really convenient for even those with the busiest schedules. On the 15th day, clients are invited to come in for an in-chair treatment that lasts just one hour. We simply ask you to lie back, relax, pop on some goggles and wait to see your incredible new smile. We apply Enlighten whitening agent onto the teeth and then shine a light to activate the agent and produce a radiant, beautiful smile.

The benefits of Enlighten

Enlighten offers a host of benefits including incredible long-lasting results, a simple and convenient treatment process, painless treatment and increased confidence. Enlighten is also specially formulated to prevent sensitivity, which is often associated with teeth whitening treatment.

If you’re eager to enjoy a stunning summer smile, why not call now and book your appointment? In just a few weeks, we can transform dull, discoloured teeth into glimmering pearly whites.

Crowns as a Treatment for Bruxism

July 22nd, 2015

2445507_blogBruxism is the medical name for tooth grinding, a common problem that affects thousands of people across the UK. Tooth grinding can cause problems for the structure of the teeth as well as contributing to muscular aches and pains in the facial muscles, jaw, neck and shoulders. If you grind your teeth or regularly start your day with a headache, stiff jaw or neck pain, we can help.

What causes bruxism?

There are various factors that increase the risk of bruxism. Many cases are believed to be linked to increased stress levels and anxiety, while issues with the bite may also result in unwanted contact between the upper and lower arches of teeth. In some cases, loose fillings and crowns can also be the cause.

Crowning as a treatment for bruxism

New crowns can help to alleviate symptoms associated with tooth grinding in scenarios where loose crowns or fillings are causing you to grind your teeth during the night. Removing and replacing loose or damaged restorations helps to stabilise the teeth, reduce the risk of injury, improve oral function and prevent bruxism.

Before a new crown is placed, the old one will be removed and an impression of the tooth will be formed using dental putty. The impression is used as a mould for the new crown, which is usually made and returned to us within two weeks. Once your new crown is ready, the tooth will be cleaned thoroughly and then your bespoke crown will be fitted and secured.

Crowns are a very effective treatment for damaged and decayed teeth and can be made from ceramics such as porcelain to create a really subtle and natural looking aesthetic. Crowns help to protect the teeth and they should last for around five years.

If you suffer with bruxism and are looking for a solution, call us today and book a consultation.

Why It’s Important to Report Bleeding Gums to Your Dentist

July 21st, 2015

585804_blogWith any other part of the body, most people would seek urgent help if they noticed abnormal bleeding. But with the gums, many of us admit to ignoring blood, often assuming that the problem will resolve itself. At City Dental Leeds, one of our main priorities is to prevent gum disease and equip patients with knowledge and advice to keep their gums healthy. If you notice bleeding when you brush, please get in touch and arrange an appointment. Often, there will be nothing to worry about but if you do have signs of gum disease we will provide a speedy remedy before it gets any worse.

What do bleeding gums mean?

Bleeding gums are one of the most common symptoms of gum disease, an oral disease that can potentially lead to the premature loss of the teeth. Gum disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth release acids that irritate the gums. The most common risk factor for gum disease is poor oral hygiene. However, smoking can also increase the risk of developing gum disease and our diets also play a role in the status of our gum health.

Other symptoms of gum disease include swelling, pain, soreness and tenderness.

When should I see my dentist?

If you have inflamed or sore gums or spot blood when brushing your teeth, it’s advisable to get in touch and book a session with us. With gum disease, symptoms tend to get worse fairly quickly and dealing with them as early as possible is always the best course of action. In many cases of gingivitis (mild gum disease), it is possible to prevent the advancement of the disease by providing powerful cleaning treatments and adopting good oral hygiene practises at home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dental health, so if you do have bleeding gums, notice changes in your mouth or develop dental pain, the best course of action is to get checked out.

To book an appointment, simply call us today.

Magical Makeovers to Transform Your Smile

July 20th, 2015

529808_blogSometimes a single treatment just won’t do and you need to treat your teeth to a total transformation. Our amazing smile makeovers are designed to bring you the perfect smile. We offer a bespoke service and we use a range of restorative and orthodontic treatments in addition to the latest cosmetic innovations to make your dreams come true and achieve a magical makeover. If you’re sick of hiding away from the camera, feel self-conscious when doing presentations or interviews or  suffer from low confidence when your smile is visible, now is the time to take the plunge and give us a call!

About smile makeovers

Smile makeovers, as the name suggests, are designed to makeover your smile to turn chipped, worn, crooked or missing teeth into beautiful pearly whites that make you feel proud when you smile. The idea of a makeover is to address cosmetic flaws and issues that affect the aesthetic of the smile using a range of treatments. The aim is to produce a stunning, radiant smile

We have a broad spectrum of treatment options available to our patients, including cosmetic, restorative and orthodontic solutions. The combination of treatments selected is usually dependent on the individual’s dental needs and oral health status, the kinds of issues they wish to address, their budget and any additional preferences or requirements, for example a desired time frame.

Some of our most popular smile makeover treatments include:

  • teeth whitening
  • porcelain veneers
  • porcelain crowns
  • dental bridges, dentures and dental implants
  • cosmetic braces such as the Inman Aligner, STb Social 6 braces and Six Month Smiles
  • cosmetic bonding
  • gum contouring
  • white fillings

If you would like to find out more about our smile makeover service, learn about the treatment options and start designing your flawless new smile, call us today and book your consultation. Within a few weeks or months, you could be enjoying a brand new look and showing off a fantastic new smile!

We Can Help You Conquer Your Dental Fear

July 19th, 2015

585804_blogSurveys show that dental phobia is one of the most common fears around and we take dental anxiety very seriously. We recognise that some patients feel very nervous about going to the dentist and many avoid the dentist for prolonged periods of time because they are too scared to pick up the phone and make an appointment. If this sounds familiar to you, we are here to help. Our team has experience in providing first class standards of care for patients who suffer from dental phobia and serious anxiety and we offer treatment under sedation and the latest techniques to minimise stress and ensure optimum patient comfort.

At City Dental Leeds, we work with patients to help them gradually overcome their fears and we are here every step of the way to offer reassurance, answer questions and provide ongoing support. We offer clinic tours and consultations to enable patients to meet the team and get a feel for the practice. Our dental team is always on hand to answer questions and provide advice and we have the latest equipment on-site to provide the best treatment outcomes. We also offer treatment under sedation.

About sedation

Sedation is used commonly in medicine and dentistry as a means of helping patients to feel more comfortable when they have a procedure. Sedation makes you feel very relaxed and calm and prevents you from feeling discomfort. It helps to ease your fears and block out pain without the risks of general anaesthetic. Under sedation, you will be conscious, but you will feel drowsy. After the procedure, the effects of the sedative will start to wear off and you’ll feel more alert. We recommend asking a friend or family member to come to the clinic with you and drive you home, as you should not drive for 24 hours after sedation.

If you would like to find out more about sedation or treatment for nervous patients at City Dental Leeds, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Taking Care of Your Jaw Joints

July 18th, 2015

2839654_blogMany people are aware that we need to take steps to look after our teeth and gums, but have you ever spared a thought for your jaw joint? Your jaw is heavily involved with lots of commonly performed actions and movements and it can be susceptible to wear and tear. We see many patients who have signs of TMJ(temporomandibular joint) disorder and if you regularly suffer from migraines, jaw pain or stiffness around the jaw, this could be causing problems for you too. Here is a brief guide to help you prevent jaw pain and cope with symptoms of TMJ disorder:

What is TMJ disorder?

This disorder is a fairly common condition characterised by symptoms that affect the TMJ. These symptoms include jaw, neck, shoulder and ear pain, headaches and migraines, a restricted range of movement in the jaw, stiffness and soreness in the joint and clicking and popping noises when you move your jaw. Most cases don’t require formal treatment, but if you suffer from severe or persistent symptoms, treatment may be recommended.

TMJ disorder can be caused by underlying health issues affecting the connective tissue, such as arthritis, but many cases are linked to tooth grinding. Grinding the teeth not only damages the them, it also increases pressure on the muscles around the joint and leads to wear and tear in the connective tissue. If you grind your teeth, it’s a good idea to see your dentist, as they can provide treatment to help prevent clenching and subsequently reduce the risk of developing symptoms. We provide custom-made bite guards to prevent contact between the top and bottom teeth when you’re sleeping and this helps to preserve the teeth and components of the joints.

When should I see my dentist?

If you suffer from jaw pain that comes and goes regularly or gets worse, see your dentist. They will be able to examine the joint and carry out X-rays to identify any problems and find appropriate treatments and remedies.

There Are So Many Ways To Fix Gaps In The Smile

July 17th, 2015

2433646_sIf you’ve lost a tooth, have a number of missing teeth or are looking for a new solution for gaps in your smile, now is the time to call City Dental Leeds and find out about our fabulous tooth replacement treatments. Whether you have a single missing tooth or a smile full of gaps, we can help. We’ll have you showing off a beautiful smile and feeling confident in no time!

What are my options?

There are various options available for gaps in the smile, including:

  • Dental implants: dental implants are suited to a wide range of patients, as they can be used to replace single and multiple missing teeth. Implants are small titanium devices designed to replace the tooth root. They are secured into sockets in the jaw bone and left to integrate into the tissue before being attached to a new restoration, which replaces the crown. Implants can be joined with crowns, dental bridges or dentures. Implants last for many years and they are the closest match to natural teeth. We also offer All-on-4 implants, which are a same-day treatment used to replace a full arch of missing teeth.
  • Dental bridges: bridges present an affordable, hassle-free and hard-wearing replacement for lost natural teeth. Bridges can be fitted in just two sessions and we are able to use a range of materials, including metals and ceramics. A traditional fixed bridge, the most common type of bridge, is made from a bank of crowns that seamlessly bridges the gap between the natural teeth. Bridges should last around 10-15 years.
  • Dentures: dentures are prosthetic teeth that can be used to replace multiple missing teeth and full arches of lost teeth. Partial dentures are designed to blend in with the natural teeth, while complete dentures replace a whole arch. Modern dentures are light, streamlined and very lifelike and enable you to enjoy a confident, attractive smile, improved facial aesthetics, clear speech and the ability to eat properly. All our dentures are custom-designed using the best quality materials for durability and a perfect fit.

To find out more, why not call and book a consultation?

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnoea

July 16th, 2015

4443553_blogAt City Dental Leeds, we don’t just look after teeth and gums, we also provide treatment for sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnoea. If you’re struggling with sleep, we can help.

What is sleep apnoea and what risks does it pose?

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that affects breathing. It can be very serious and even life-threatening in severe cases. Apnoea is classed as interrupted breathing for 10 second periods and it is caused by the airway becoming obstructed. This obstruction reduces airflow and decreases the amount of oxygen travelling around the body.

The most common signs of sleep apnoea are gasping for breath, heavy breathing, loud snoring and struggling to breathe while you sleep. It is also very common to wake during the night and to wake up in the morning feeling like you’ve not slept well. Many people suffer from daytime tiredness and a loss of concentration as a result of disturbed sleep patterns at night.

Possible complications of sleep apnoea include:

  • high blood pressure
  • increased risk of accidents (caused by slow reactions, tiredness and reduced cognitive function associated with lack of sleep)
  • diabetes

What causes sleep apnoea and what can be done to help?

The most common risk factors for sleep apnoea include:

  • being overweight
  • having extra fat around the neck
  • drinking alcohol
  • smoking
  • family history
  • taking sedatives or sleeping tablets

Often, making positive lifestyle choices such as doing more exercise, eating a healthy diet, giving up smoking, losing weight and cutting out alcohol in the evenings can help to reduce symptoms. However, in some cases additional treatment may be recommended. In severe cases, a form of treatment known as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is recommended. This involves wearing a mask that helps you to breathe during the night. In milder cases, we can provide a mandibular advancement appliance, which is a custom-made device that moves the lower jaw forward slightly to increase airflow. By adjusting the position of the jaw, the airway remains open while you sleep.