Posts Tagged ‘tooth decay’

Central Leeds dentist recommends six-monthly dental check ups

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

A large part of your dental hygiene routine will be carried out at home with brushing and flossing. This is undoubtedly the most crucial part of keeping your teeth clean, as it is effective daily hygiene that keeps your teeth and gums free from plaque and bacteria. However, even the best brushing and flossing isn’t always enough to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

It is therefore very important that you also make sure you have a dental check up every six months with a Central Leeds dentist. Dental check ups are so vital because it is only the dentist that can spot the first signs of disease and decay. There are parts of the teeth that it is impossible to see without the right equipment and the earlier you catch gum disease and tooth decay, the easier it is to treat and prevent further long-term damage.

Dentists are also trained to spot the first signs of oral cancer, one of the most virulent forms of the disease. This can manifest itself as small white or red patches on the lining of the mouth or other soft tissue and again, earlier treatment is crucial to give yourself the best chance of beating the disease.

Dentists will also be able to recommend improvements in your oral hygiene routine and highlight areas of the teeth and gums that need particular attention. Although many people don’t like visiting the dentist or feel they haven’t got the time, it is a fact that the more regularly you go for a check up, the less likely you are to need any unpleasant or expensive dental treatment in the future.

Foods to eat and avoid for good dental health - ask a Central Leeds dentist

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Choosing the right food is very important not just for the health of your body, but also for the health of your teeth. Good oral hygiene can be affected by the food you put into your mouth, so it is definitely worth taking into consideration how your diet is made up. It is especially important for children to eat healthy foods so their teeth develop well and they also grow up with good habits.

Food comes into contact with the bacteria and germs that live in the mouth. By not brushing your teeth effectively, plaque can start to build up on the tooth enamel and gum tissue. This happens because plaque thrives on the sugars and starches found on certain foods. When the plaque is combined with the starch and sugar it can release acid which is the main cause of tooth erosion, eventually causing tooth decay and tooth loss. This acid erosion can occur for up to twenty minutes after eating which is a long time, especially if it happens three times a day, everyday.

Obviously, foods high in starch and sugar should mostly be avoided. Sweets and sugary snacks and drinks can encourage the build up of plaque and speed erosion. But even fruit and vegetables have some starch and sugar in them, so it is important to have a balanced diet. There is no need to completely cut out any food but be aware that some may be more damaging to teeth than others. It is also true that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid snacking between meals and drink plenty of water after eating. Central Leeds dentists have more information about what foods to eat and what to try and avoid for good dental health.

Advice from central Leeds dentist on foods to eat and avoid for good dental health

Foods to eat and avoid for good dental health – ask a Central Leeds dentist

Choosing the right food is very important not just for the health of your body, but also for the health of your teeth. Good oral hygiene can be affected by the food you put into your mouth, so it is definitely worth taking into consideration how your diet is made up. It is especially important for children to eat healthy foods so their teeth develop well and they also grow up with good habits.

Food comes into contact with the bacteria and germs that live in the mouth. By not brushing your teeth effectively, plaque can start to build up on the tooth enamel and gum tissue. This happens because plaque thrives on the sugars and starches found on certain foods. When the plaque is combined with the starch and sugar it can release acid which is the main cause of tooth erosion, eventually causing tooth decay and tooth loss. This acid erosion can occur for up to twenty minutes after eating which is a long time, especially if it happens three times a day, everyday.

Obviously, foods high in starch and sugar should mostly be avoided. Sweets and sugary snacks and drinks can encourage the build up of plaque and speed erosion. But even fruit and vegetables have some starch and sugar in them, so it is important to have a balanced diet. There is no need to completely cut out any food but be aware that some may be more damaging to teeth than others. It is also true that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid snacking between meals and drink plenty of water after eating. Central Leeds dentists have more information about what foods to eat and what to try and avoid for good dental health.

Protect your teeth with good oral hygiene and check up from Leeds dentist

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Oral hygiene is one of the only aspects of our health over which we have almost total control. No matter how fit and healthy we are we are always at risk of any number of internal or external health conditions. But when it comes to our teeth it is our own actions that determine how healthy they are.

The two main threats to the health of our teeth are tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these conditions can be particularly nasty and incredibly painful, as anyone who has suffered a toothache can tell you. Yet they are both completely preventable by sticking to a disciplined oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled brush will remove plaque, the substance responsible for much of the inflammation in gum disease and for the erosion of tooth enamel that causes tooth decay. Backing up this brushing with flossing will remove the plaque, bacteria and trapped food particles that may be lodged or hiding in the difficult spaces in between the teeth. These spots are especially important to clean, as they are often the place where decay or disease first starts.

Cleaning and brushing effectively will also prevent bad breath, of which nine out of ten cases are caused by poor standards of oral hygiene. Dentists also recommend that some patients can benefit from a special tongue cleaner to remove bacteria from the warm and moist groves of the tongue.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, always remember to make a regular six-month visit to a Leeds dentist. Even the healthiest teeth still need to be checked regularly for signs of decay and infection. This will back up all the good work you do at home and help to keep your smile looking beautiful for years to come.

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.

Central Leeds dentist highlights need for more than just brushing for healthy teeth

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

With gum disease and tooth decay on the increase amongst children and adults in the UK, dentists are keen to stress the importance of effective teeth cleaning. For many people, cleaning their teeth simply involves giving them a quick brush in the morning when they get up and before they go to bed but a thorough dental hygiene routine should be so much more than that.

Looking after your teeth is very important and something that will actually make a real visible difference. Dental care is one of the few aspects of the body where we have almost complete control over the diseases and disrepair that affect it. As well as brushing for three minutes at least twice a day (after every meal is desirable although not necessarily always practical) patients should be flossing at least once a day. The importance of flossing is to remove plaque, bacteria and food debris from hard to reach areas such as between the teeth and in the gum pockets below the gum line. This helps to limit gum disease and tooth decay, both of which are caused by plaque acid.

Dentists also recommend the use of tongue cleaners to remove bacteria from the soft grooves of the tongue. This can help to lower plaque production limiting decay. Cleaning your tongue with your toothbrush is often not that effective as the bristles are too soft to remove the bacteria. Chewing gum and using mouthwash do have a place in dental hygiene but it is always best to check with your dentist first as they can also have adverse side effects such as destabilising the bacteria levels.

Most importantly of all however, is the need to visit a Central Leeds dentist every six-months, to monitor the teeth and keep an eye open for the first signs of decay and disease.

Experience the advantages of preventative dentistry at City of Leeds dentist

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

The health of our teeth and gums is one aspect of the body we can almost fully control. The practice of actively seeking to avoid the problems of gum disease and tooth decay is commonly known as preventative dentistry. This involves your dentist working with you and the dental hygienist to develop a plan of treatment to best help you avoid these conditions.

This will usually take the form of assessing your case history and developing a plan to avoid the recurrence of any prior dental problems. The dentist or hygienist will then fully scale and polish your teeth to remove any tartar or stains that can damage the teeth. The hygienist or dentist will then usually discuss your dietary and lifestyle habits and assess what changes need to be made to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. They will also suggest which dental hygiene products are most suitable for your teeth.

Any repair work such as dental bonding of chips and cracks and fillings will also be carried out or checked if from prior treatment. The aim of this is to get your teeth in the best possible condition before it is down to you to implement improved standards of oral hygiene to keep them that way. Dentists will be able to monitor your progress with regular check ups but there is a degree of discipline needed on the patient’s behalf for preventative dentistry to be fully effective.

Preventative dentistry is particularly effective at preventing gum disease, one of the most common dental concerns amongst adults in the UK. Make an appointment with a City of Leeds dentist to discuss the possibility of developing a preventative dentistry plan.

Improve your oral hygiene by visiting Central Leeds dentist

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Looking after your teeth really doesn’t take much effort when you consider the consequences of not doing it properly, yet so many of us fall short of the recommended standards of cleaning. It is very easy when it comes to our teeth to assume that they are fine because they are causing no immediate problems, but this can be very deceptive and dangerous.

Tooth decay and gum disease occur very gradually over time as consistent poor hygiene allows plaque acid to erode enamel and irritate gum tissue. This may not be immediately painful and you may not realise it is happening but the longer you leave it the more serious it will become. It is therefore very necessary to ensure that you are cleaning your teeth properly to remove plaque and limit the threat of dental disease.

Effective oral hygiene has three main aspects. The most important is brushing which dentists recommend you should do at least twice a day for three minutes to remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. Brushing should ideally be carried out using a soft bristled brush so as not to erode any gum tissue unnecessarily, and the head of the brush should be angled at forty-five degrees to the gums.

Next to brushing is flossing, which is equally as important, as it removes plaque and food debris from the difficult to reach areas between the teeth and around their base. By not flossing you may experience decay in these areas that are difficult to see. Lastly, and most obviously is to make sure that you visit the dentist on a regular basis. A Central Leeds dentist can make sure that no decay is taking pace and can address any issues before they become too serious. By making just these few changes you could vastly improve your chances of avoiding unpleasant dental concerns.

Look after your teeth with check up from City of Leeds dentist

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

It is all too easy to get complacent when it comes to your teeth. One or two all clear appointments and a lack of any pain or noticeable difficulty can lead to several years of missed six-monthly check-ups and then all of a sudden it can be too late and you’ve lost a tooth to decay.

While it is true that we can look after our teeth fairly effectively with efficient cleaning and the right lifestyle choices, it is only with the regular supervision of a dentist that you can be completely sure that your teeth are healthy. Dental decay is caused by plaque acid eroding the enamel. This is a gradual process that can happen over many months or even years and often happens in parts of the mouth that are quite difficult to clean effectively and also hard to see. City of Leeds dentists will be able to thoroughly examine all parts of your mouth to ensure that plaque, or tartar as it is called when it hardens, is not damaging your teeth.

Like all health problems, tooth decay and gum erosion are most easily treated in their early stages. The longer you leave it, the more damage is done and the more painful it will be. It will also require significantly more treatment if it has been allowed to develop, which may prove very costly. The absence of dental pain does not mean that your teeth are not under attack from disease and it really is your responsibility to prevent this at all costs.

A six-monthly check up is quick and easy and the more regularly you stick to this plan, the less the risk is of any nasty dental problems arising.

Ask Leeds dentist about the safety of fluoride

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Fluoride is an element that naturally occurs in both water and food and has a beneficial impact on the teeth. So much so, that for the last eighty years or so we have been adding it to drinking water as a preventative measure against tooth decay. As well as this there is also a range of fluoride toothpastes and supplements that people use in areas of low fluoridation of the water.

In recent years there has been some controversy surrounding the presence of fluoride in the water and the supposed benefits. This has also led to many people being unsure as to whether they should be supplementing their, or their children’s diets with fluoride. Dentists recommend that you should never give fluoride to children under the age of six or let them use toothpaste with fluoride, as it can be hazardous in large levels. It is also true that fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which causes discolouration of the teeth ranging from small white specks to larger brown discoloured patches. This happens when teeth are in their developing years before the age of six and cannot be removed.

Different areas in the UK have differing levels of fluoride in the water so it is probably best to find out how much is in your water supply. Your Leeds dentist will be able to tell you how much is in the local supply and give you an idea if you need to be supplementing your diet with fluoride or using a different toothpaste.

Avoid decay and gum disease by visiting Central Leeds dentist

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Tooth decay and gum disease are still a major problem in the UK thanks to poor diet and insufficient standards of oral hygiene. While many people do not see their dental health as all that important, decay and disease can have significant consequences for your overall health.

Gum disease has been strongly linked to heart diseases. Infections which start in the gum tissue infiltrate the blood stream and are transported to the areas around the heart. This can cause blockages in the arteries, which can cause serious cardiac problems including heart attacks. Gum disease can also be very painful and if allowed to progress can need treatment ranging from antibiotics, tissue removal and even hospitalisation.

Tooth decay, which like gum disease is caused by plaque releasing acid, can also be incredibly painful and nasty. Decay can lead to infection which destroys the very sensitive dental nerve and cause painful abscesses. Theses abscesses can burst releasing infected material into the mouth where it can damage other teeth and enter the bloodstream causing further complications.

Both tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented by more effective cleaning and being aware of what you are eating. Effective brushing and flossing, combined with regular trips to a Central Leeds dentist can help to keep your teeth and gums clean, healthy and free from disease.