The erosion of the teeth, like most teeth problems in Leeds, is not always obvious at first. It’s caused by a repetitive attack of acids over time that reduces the enamel on the teeth; a process that is irreversible. These acids can attack the teeth in two different ways. Firstly, it’s down to what we expose our mouths from the outside (extrinsically). Fruit juices, carbonated drinks and soft drinks have a very high acidity level that attack the enamel of the teeth if not cleared away effectively. Certain medicines also contain a high acid content, as do chemicals found in swimming pools, such as chlorine, Secondly, acids that attack our teeth can be produced from inside the body (intrinsically). Poor diet, eating disorders, gastric acids, excessive vomiting from excessive alcohol abuse and bulimia. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms in order to stop the problem progressing. Teeth sensitivity, transparency, discoloration and cracking are all signs that you may be suffering from some form of erosion, and any of these can expose the teeth to decay. It is not impossible to treat however; getting a good diet and by laying off the booze, are the obvious starters. But a dentist will also be able to recommend certain fluoride treatments and toothpastes if the problem is caught early on. If the problem is a lot more advanced, you may require certain cosmetic procedures to restore your teeth.
Posts Tagged ‘enamel’
Eliminating Teeth Erosion in Leeds
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011Teeth whitening you can afford at City of Leeds dentist
Monday, May 10th, 2010
Your smile is one of the most noticeable aspects of your appearance and can have a big impact on how people perceive you and how you make a first impression. Therefore it is very important that you are comfortable with your smile and feel confident about showing off your teeth. However, many studies show that few of us are actually completely happy with our smiles. This is mainly because there are a number of factors that can spoil the appearance of a good smile.
This could be to do with the alignment, the condition of the enamel or even simply due to the colour of the teeth. As we get older, our teeth tend to naturally discolour. This happens at different rates for different people as all teeth vary but it can leave teeth looking old, tired and unhealthy. Thankfully, the rise in cosmetic dentistry procedures over the last few years has meant that treatments to correct these problems have become more affordable. Nowhere is this more true than with teeth whitening treatments.
In the past they have been prohibitively expensive and only really affordable to the wealthy. However, improvements in technology and an increased demand has seen many more dentists offering teeth whitening as a genuine option to improve the smile for most people.
Teeth whitening works by applying an active gel, containing hydrogen peroxide, to the surface of the teeth. This infiltrates and bleaches the enamel, returning it to a more healthy and whiter shade. This works on the enamel surface as a whole but also targets stained and discoloured areas.
Teeth whitening systems such as enlighten and Zoom are capable of lightening the colour of teeth by up to ten shades depending on the type of treatment you opt for. City of Leeds dentists are offering teeth whitening as an affordable and effective treatment to all patients. Ask how it could benefit your teeth at your next appointment.
Central Leeds dentist explains why you should be flossing daily
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
Central Leeds dentists are always stressing the importance of flossing to all patients at dental check ups. This is because despite all the evidence that points to the benefits of flossing, there is still only a relatively small percentage of people who actually do it. Nearly everyone brushes their teeth, but many people are perhaps wrongly convinced that this enough.
Just what is it that makes flossing so important? Whereas brushing cleans the flat surfaces of the front and back of the teeth, removing plaque and bacteria that build up after eating, there are many areas in the teeth and around the gums that are very difficult to reach with a conventional brush. This particularly applies to the areas between the teeth and around the base of the teeth in the gap between the gums. These areas are very susceptible to attack from bacteria and plaque, which if not removed will eventually begin to erode the enamel and irritate the gum tissue.
If this is allowed to happen, tooth decay and gum disease will usually follow and this could result in a series of very nasty dental problems. These will then require treatment, which can be unpleasant and very expensive. By brushing, and importantly, flossing correctly every day for a few minutes, you could help to make this a significantly less likely possibility.
Flossing at least once a day with an appropriate floss will help to remove food particles stuck between the teeth. These are breeding grounds for bacteria and can also cause unpleasant bad breath. Flossing around the base of the teeth stimulates the gums and removes trapped food from the small pockets between the soft gum tissue and hard tooth enamel. Ask your dentist at your next appointment about the importance of flossing and ask them to demonstrate the correct technique to avoid damaging your gums.
Leeds dentist uses porcelain veneers to completely transform teeth
Monday, February 15th, 2010
Veneers can have one of the most dramatic effects on the appearance of teeth. Modern porcelain veneers are incredibly lifelike and completely transform the appearance of damaged teeth. Modern veneer technology is also making the design and fitting of veneers significantly easier and less time consuming. It is also reducing the levels of discomfort the patient may experience during the treatment.
Veneers are ideal for restoring the appearance of teeth damaged by discolouration, staining or enamel damage. The veneer itself is an extremely thin porcelain case that fits over the existing teeth, restoring the colour and even size of healthy looking teeth. The veneers are attached using a bonding made of composite resin which will also be tooth coloured for maximum effect. This also provides another protective layer against further damage.
Leeds dentists are skilled in the manufacture and application of veneers, especially using the latest chair-side technology, which can produce veneers in a fraction of the time. Although veneers may be expensive, especially in opting for a total overhaul of both dental arcs, the results attainable are second to none in the filed of cosmetic dentistry.
Porcelain veneers look so realistic not only because they can be chosen to closely match the original teeth colour, but also because modern veneers can be made to be so thin they even have the particular translucent quality of tooth enamel. Thin veneers also don’t require the removal of any enamel that used to be the case with older treatments.