Posts Tagged ‘healthy gums’

Advice on Keeping Your Gums Healthy from Your City of Leeds Dentist

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

In order to prevent the loss of your natural teeth, it is crucial that you take great care of your gums and avoid periodontal disease. Negligence of your gums may lead to periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis. In severe cases, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis which most certainly leads to tooth loss.

It is important to avoid very sugary and overly processed foods for healthy gums. Smoking and drinking alcohol are harmful to your gums. Certain types of medications may also take a toll on your gums. If you are concerned about the side effects of any regular medication, consult your dentist straight away.

Regular intake of calcium is also important for healthy gums. Calcium cam be obtained from dairy products, salmon, sardines, and green leafy vegetables. Fluoride is also key to keeping your gums healthy. You must brush and floss at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste containing.

If you need to know more about what foods are great for your gums or what brands of toothpaste are best, please consult your dentist in the City of Leeds. Remember, your dentist is always here to help you with your oral health! A healthy diet, active lifestyle, and great oral hygiene will keep your gums healthy. Visit your dentist regularly and you’ll be sure to avoid periodontal disease.

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Central Leeds dentist replaces missing tooth with dental implants

Monday, January 4th, 2010

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is implanted into the jawbone to act as a solid base for an artificial tooth. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth or in a series of five as a base for dentures.

What makes a dental implant better than other dental replacements?

They are a lot sturdier than other replacements like partial dentures and dental bridges as they are attached to the bone itself, rather than just other teeth. Because the implant replaces the whole of the tooth including the root it also looks and feels more like a real tooth. This means that patients are not limited in what they can eat which can be a problem for the less structural replacements. Because the implant is attached to the bone and not the tooth, no unnecessary damage is done to the adjacent teeth, which can happen when fitting a bridge. Dental implants are also very reliable, having one of the highest surgery success rates of any dental treatment.

Who are implants suitable for?

Dental implants are most suitable for patients with otherwise good oral health, including a strong jawbone and healthy gums. The implant fuses with gum tissue so it is very important the gum is free from disease and as healthy as possible. A Central Leeds dentist will be able to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant.

How long do dental implants last?

If properly maintained a dental implant can easily last for the rest of your life, unlike a bridge or partial denture that will last between ten and fifteen years on average. Because implants are so sturdy, any damage to the artificial crown can easily be repaired.

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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.

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