Posts Tagged ‘periodontal disease’

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Central Leeds dentist removes plaque to prevent periodontal disease

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused when bacteria build up to form a substance called plaque, which coats the gums and releases acids. These acids erode the gum tissue and begin to cause an irritation. If this problem is not treated or improved with more effective cleaning, it can soon develop into an infection and cause a variety of different dental health complications.

In its milder form, gum disease is known as gingivitis. This mild infection is characterised by reddened and sore gums. Better brushing and flossing, as well as some minor treatment from a Central Leeds dentist is usually enough to bring this problem under control and prevent the need for further treatment.

However, if the plaque is not removed, the gum tissue will continue to come under attack resulting in a more serious problem. Periodontal disease will need to be treated with antibiotics, tissue removal and in some cases hospitalisation and removal of the teeth.

Furthermore, gum disease has recently been found to have strong links with heart disease and even heart failure. This is because when the infection enters the bloodstream it causes a chemical chain reaction that causes a narrowing of the arteries around the heart. This can put strain on the heart and result in a series of cardiac problems and in very extreme cases, even death.

Over three quarters of adults in the UK will suffer some form of gum disease at some point in their lives so it is very important that you make sure you are correctly cleaning your teeth and gums. It is also crucial that you maintain regular six monthly dental check up appointments with your dentist. This is the best way to prevent gum disease becoming a serious problem and affecting your overall health.

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Prevent painful periodontitis at City of Leeds dentist

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

The two most common problems that affect the health of our teeth are tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay is when plaque acid has eroded the protective layer of enamel, exposing the more sensitive central part of the tooth to bacteria and infection. This can result in painful and unpleasant complications and expensive root canal and crown treatment. Most early decay is addressed by fillings, which most people will experience during their lifetime.

Gum disease is slightly less obviously a problem than tooth decay but with nearly all of us standing a good chance of having it at some point in out lives it is very worthwhile to recognise the signs and symptoms and know what to do about it. Gum disease in its mild form is called gingivitis and will usually involve a slight inflammation of the gum tissue. This can be quite sensitive but gingivitis is usually easily treated with improved dental hygiene and treatment from a City of Leeds dentist.

However, if the first signs of gingivitis are not picked up by you, and you are missing your six-monthly check ups with your dentist, the problem could become the more serious periodontitis. This is a much more serious form of gum disease that involves severe inflammation, bleeding of the gums and even recession of the gum tissue. Once gum tissue has been destroyed it will not grow back, so it is vital you receive the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

In some serious cases, periodontitis may involve the need for tissue removal, hospitalisation and even extraction. It will also be very painful and require continued treatment with antibiotics. You can prevent periodontits and all gum disease with improved cleaning and more regular visits to your dentist.

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Recognising the signs of periodontal disease with help from Central Leeds dentist

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis or gum disease, describes the condition that begins with bacterial growth and plaque build up in the mouth that can lead to tissue destruction and ultimately lost teeth.

In the first stages of the disease (most commonly called gingivitis for less serious cases) plaque and bacteria build up around the gums causing inflammation and possibly bleeding. This irritation of the gums also may cause them to be sore. It can be treated with improved cleaning or by a dentist. If left untreated however, it will continue to progress causing further health problems for your gums. It can cause gaps to develop between the teeth and gums which in turn become infected allowing the disease to spread.

Periodontal disease can be caused by a number of factors. Hormonal changes or illness may the cause an imbalance of bacteria and make the gums more sensitive. This can also be caused by taking some medications and lifestyle choices such as smoking. The most common cause of gum disease by far, however, is poor oral hygiene. Inadequate brushing and flossing means not enough plaque is removed from the teeth or gums and the disease is allowed to take hold.

If you suspect you may be suffering from periodontal disease, it is important that you make an appointment to see a Central Leeds as soon as possible. If the condition is mild it may be easily treatable, but serious cases may require antibiotics or possibly even surgical treatment. This is because of the serious nature of advanced periodontal disease and the possible links to heart disease and further health complications.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Prevent painful gum disease with check up at City of Leeds dentist

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Gum disease is the infection of the gingival tissue that surrounds and supports teeth and occurs in two stages called gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease and is indicated by red, swollen gums that are prone to bleeding. Most people will suffer from some mild gingivitis at some point in there life and it is often so mild that it causes no pain and requires no treatment other than improved cleaning.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, is more serious and can be very unpleasant. It causes gums to pull away from teeth leaving exposed pockets where bacteria can grow damaging the bones that support the teeth. The gums continue to shrink back as the infection gets worse leaving loose teeth that will eventually fall out or need to be extracted by a dentist.

Gum disease, like dental decay, is caused by a filmy, bacteria-rich substance called plaque. Plaque is allowed to build up by ineffectual or irregular cleaning and releases toxins which irritate the gum tissue. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing it will continue to attack the gum tissue causing irreparable damage. Plaque that is not removed will also harden and transform into a tough, yellow substance called tartar which will need to be removed by a dentist. Several factors increase the risk of gum disease including smoking, stress and diabetes.

A dentist will be able to diagnose gum disease fairly simply at a routine check up and recommend the best form of treatment. Treatment ranges from mild steps like improved cleaning and dental scaling to tissue removal and antibiotics. The best form of treatment for gum disease however is prevention. Effective cleaning by brushing and flossing twice a day can help to prevent gum disease and help keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. It is also important that you keep up regular appointments with a City of Leeds dentist who will be able to examine your gums for the first signs of infection.

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Dentures from Central Leeds dentist replace missing teeth

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

The stigma that has been attached to wearing dentures over the years is gradually disappearing. As they become better manufactured and more lifelike, many denture wearers now go through life without anybody ever knowing they are wearing them.

There are several reasons why someone may have lost some or all of their teeth. It may be the result or periodontal disease or it could be due to a head trauma from a sporting injury. Either way it can be a very painful and embarrassing situation. Apart form being a source of embarrassment, missing teeth can also have a negative physiological impact. Because teeth act as rigid supports for facial muscles, if they are missing the muscles tend to sag which leaves the patient with a sunken looking appearance. This can have the effect of making the patient look much older than they are and is difficult to reverse once the muscle has been sagging for too long.

It is therefore very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible, both for the self-confidence of the patient and for the maintenance of their profile. The most obvious artificial replacement is a denture or partial denture. Modern dentures are made form acrylic resins and appear far more realistic than the dentures of the past.
Dentures should be held in place by suction alone, but often if they do not fit correctly they can fall out. This means that many patients use dental adhesives to secure their dentures. This may make the feel more secure but they are also an unnecessary fuss and mess. More and more patients are opting for mini-implants to secure dentures. These are mini screws that are anchored to the jawbone. Dentures are then able to clip on and off to these screws providing a great deal of security for the patient, which can in turn increase the confidence of the patient in their dentures.

Modern dentures are fairly resistant to staining and wear. If they are properly looked after they can last for many years. This involves brushing them twice a day like natural teeth and removing them to soak at night. Patients who wear dentures are advised to make regular visits to the dentist. This is because dentures can cause painful erosion of the gums. This can also affect the way the dentures fit in the mouth. Regular dental check ups with a Central Leeds dentist can help dentures to feel more comfortable in the mouth.

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Bring back your smile with a set of dentures from a Leeds dentist

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

Dentures are a dental solution for patients who have no remaining teeth, or patients who have several teeth missing, when a partial denture may be used. There are a number of reasons why patients may have lost their teeth. It may be the result of periodontal disease, tooth decay or even some kind of trauma to the head. When some, or all teeth, are missing it is very important to replace them as it can result in a sagging facial appearance which can make you appear older because teeth act as rigid supports for facial muscles.

The loss of teeth can also have a big impact on your self-confidence and make you reluctant to smile or make eye contact. A set of dentures acts as a removable replacement for teeth. They are specially designed to look and feel like your own. Today’s dentures are vastly better than the ill fitting and fake looking sets of the past, and will look and feel natural and comfortable.

Modern dentures are usually made from acrylic resins, but with the continued advancement in dental technology a whole new range of materials is being used. Ask a Leeds dentist about the very latest Valplast flexible cosmetic dentures.

A pair of well-constructed and accurately fitting dentures should be secured in place by suction and fit alone but occasionally an adhesive is necessary to secure them. Other people just feel more confident knowing their dentures are secured, but adhesive gels and strips can be messy and make the eating of certain foods very difficult. More and more patients are opting for dentures that are secured with dental implants for a more permanent hold that can provide extra confidence when wearing dentures.

Dentures will last a long time if they are properly cared for and kept clean. They should generally be removed at night to allow the gums a rest and always cleaned thoroughly before you put them back into your mouth. A Leeds dentist will also be able to professionally clean your dentures should they begin to become stained or harder to clean with a normal brush. It is also important to have your dentures measured for size regularly as poorly fitting dentures can cause gum irritation and erosion.

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