FREE CONSULTATION 0113 245 4868 Ask us about 0% Finance
Book Online

Posts Tagged ‘stress’

Monstrous Mouth Ulcers Are A Cause For Concern

Monday, October 27th, 2014

2143132_blogHalloween may be just around the corner, but the last thing we want is to see patients suffering with monstrous mouth ulcers.

About mouth ulcers

Ulcers are small sores, which develop inside the mouth; they usually heal without any need for treatment, but they can be very painful, especially if you accidentally catch them with your toothbrush or when you’re eating something with sharp edges.

In most cases, ulcers develop when the soft tissue inside the cheek or lip is damaged; this is most commonly caused by accidentally biting down on the tissue when you are eating. There is also evidence to suggest that you’re more likely to get ulcers when you are tired, stressed or run down.

Dealing with mouth ulcers

In many cases, mouth ulcers don’t cause any problems and there’s no need for treatment; however, if you have ulcers and they are very painful, you can buy over the counter gels to ease pain and speed up the recovery process. When you have an ulcer, it’s a good idea to avoid very acidic, sharp flavours and to take extra care when you are eating crisps, crusty bread or hard sweets. We also recommend brushing very gently to avoid touching the ulcer.

If you find that you’re developing ulcers on a regular basis, it’s advisable to see your dentist or your GP.

If you have ulcers or sores that heal slowly, we advise you to make an appointment. Slow-healing ulcers can be a sign of oral cancer and although it is very unlikely that this is the case, it is always best to get potential signs checked out.

Silent Stress Can Be A Grind To The Health Of Your Smile

Thursday, October 9th, 2014

1787127_blogAre you stressed? Do you constantly find that you’re chasing your tail or worrying about how you’ll get things done, how you can help others or find time to tackle a to-do list as long as your arm? If so, you’re not alone. Studies show that many people suffer from stress and this can be damaging to oral health, as well as your general health.

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is often associated with stress and anxiety and if you wake up with symptoms include tooth pain, headaches, migraines, earache or pain in and around your jaw, you may be grinding your teeth during the night. Tooth grinding is a subconscious action and most people are unaware that they do it.

What are the effects of tooth grinding?

Tooth grinding can damage and weaken the teeth, as well as increasing the risk of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, headaches and ear ache. TMJ disorder is a term given to symptoms that affect the TMJ, the joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. Grinding the teeth can also interrupt sleep, which may further increase stress levels and affect your mood, energy levels and concentration.

Stressed? We can help!

If you’re stressed, we can help. With our bespoke bite guards, we can help to prevent damage caused by tooth grinding and ensure you and your partner enjoy a proper night’s sleep. We can also offer information about stress management and provide treatment for TMJ disorder.

You Don’t Have To Put Up With Bruxism Any Longer In Leeds

Saturday, July 19th, 2014

1787127_blogIf you wake up with headaches, you often experience stiffness and pain in your jaw or your teeth feel sensitive, you may suffer from bruxism. Bruxism is the medical name for teeth grinding, a very common subconscious action, which usually happens during sleep.

Grinding or clenching the teeth can contribute to shoulder, neck and head aches, but it can also cause tooth wear. When the teeth grind together, this can wear down the surfaces and damage the enamel, which increases the risk of sensitivity.

What causes teeth grinding?

Many cases of bruxism are linked to anxiety and stress, but grinding the teeth can also occur as a result of orthodontic issues, which affect the alignment of the teeth, and problems, such as loose fillings.

When you have a consultation with a City Dental dentist, they will chat with you and examine your mouth to try and determine the cause; once this has been established, they can discuss possible treatments with you and offer advice to help you stop grinding your teeth.

Treatment for bruxism

In cases where tooth grinding is linked to anxiety or stress, we can offer advice about coping with stress and recommend stress management techniques, such as exercise, breathing exercises and massage therapy.

In severe cases, we recommend wearing a bite guard, which is similar to a gum shield; it helps to protect the teeth by preventing contact between the upper and lower teeth. Our bite guards are custom-made for maximum comfort and they shouldn’t interrupt your sleep in any way.

Don’t Be Afraid Of A Leeds Dentist. We’re Here To Help

Saturday, July 12th, 2014

18625029It’s very common to be afraid of the dentist, but we promise that we are here to help, not to harm or hurt! Our dentists are highly trained and they have experience in treating nervous and anxious patients; they are a really friendly bunch and they really will do anything they can to make you feel as calm as possible. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past or you have a negative perception of dentists because of stories you’ve heard from others or things you’ve seen in the media, we can hopefully change your views and ensure that you never dread going to a dentist again.

Why are people afraid of the dentist?

There are so many reasons why patients may be afraid of going to the dentist. For many, it’s not the actual dentist or dental practice that are a worry, but the instruments they may employ. According to a recent survey, around a significant proportion of people who have dental anxiety are scared because of a fear of needles, injections or pain.

Other possible causes of dental anxiety include negative past experiences, a fear of being told that something is wrong and further treatment is needed and embarrassment. We often see patients who have not seen a dentist for many years and they are often embarrassed about the state of their teeth and worried about potential oral health problems. We want you to feel comfortable with the prospect of going to the dentist and we stress to all patients that we are here to help and not to judge or criticise in any way.

If you are a nervous patient, we will do all we can to help you overcome your fears. Come and see us or give us a call.

Leeds dentist uses sedation to provide anxiety free treatment

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

In the UK, 93 per cent of people admit to having a fear of the dentist. For the most part they are able to overcome those fears as they know how important a check up is to their dental health. However, for nearly 30 per cent of patients, the fear of the dentist is far more serious and they avoid dental visits completely. This ‘dental phobia’ prevents these patients from receiving the dental care they need, putting them at risk of sacrificing their oral well being.

One option for patients who are unable to receive dental treatment due to dental phobia is to receive treatment under sedation. This practice has been widely used with great success in the USA and Canada and is now being implemented in the UK. It requires no needles and aims to establish a calm and relaxed state in the patient for the duration of treatment by using sedative drugs. These often take the form of tranquilisers, anti-anxiety medications or nitrous oxide, delivered through a variety of means, and can relax a patient to the extent that they can not remember the treatment afterwards.

When administered by a professional, sedation is a safe and effective way of getting patients through traumatic dental procedures. Unlike a general anaesthetic, sedation does not render the patient unconscious, as often the dentist will require the patient to be awake and cooperative during surgery. It is always recommended that patients undergoing oral sedation are accompanied by a responsible caregiver, who can take the patient home after surgery and stay with them for several hours until the effects have worn off.

The benefits of oral sedation are fairly obvious. Patients who would otherwise neglect their oral hygiene and who may be suffering painful dental conditions are able to receive the treatment they need without undue anxiety. Procedures that can last hours, may seem like only minutes to a sedated patient which will greatly limit the discomfort felt by the patients. Ask a Leeds dentist about oral sedation if you or a family member suffers from dental phobia and receive necessary dental treatment without undue anxiety and stress.