Posts Tagged ‘tooth decay’

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.

Keep children’s teeth looking healthy with advice from City of Leeds dentist

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

As parents, we always want the best for our children and that includes them having clean and healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, dental hygiene is very rarely at the top of the list of priorities of most children. They can often be very reluctant to clean teeth or even go to the dentist and sometimes our choices as parents can affect our children’s teeth.

Central Leeds dentists have some expert advice for parents about how to keep their children’s teeth as healthy as possible. Firstly, it is never a good idea to force children to clean their teeth as this may only make the resent the activity. Try explaining how important it is and even making it fun. If this proves difficult, try rewarding your children for cleaning their teeth properly. This will encourage good behaviour not just now but for the rest of their lives. The more they understand the importance of keeping their teeth clean in their developing years, the better their teeth will be as they grow.

Regular trips to the dentist are also crucial for keeping your children’s smile looking healthy. Although not nearly as bad as they used to be, dentist’s surgeries can still be quite intimidating places for young children so it is important that you explain what is going to happen and make sure they are completely comfortable. This again can encourage good long-term dental health.

Try and keep a close eye on your children’s teeth. Avoid letting them eat too many sweets or sugary food or drink. This can rapidly accelerate tooth decay in developing teeth and lead to a whole series of future dental problems. By following these few simple rules you can help to give your children’s teeth the best chance of staying clean and healthy for life.

Avoid painful tooth decay with effective cleaning and visits to Leeds dentist

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Tooth decay is a degenerative condition that takes place in the oral cavity involving the break down of tooth enamel. The destruction of this enamel leads to holes, known commonly as dental cavities, which can lead to more serious dental concerns like infections, abscesses and even tooth loss.

Tooth decay is caused by a build up of a filmy, sticky substance called plaque. When combined with the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth, plaque releases acids which erode tooth enamel causing cavities. Plaque can be removed by effective brushing and flossing, but if left it will transform into a harder substance called tartar. Tartar is impossible to remove with normal cleaning and needs to be removed by dentist using a process called scaling.

Tooth decay is not only increased by poor standards of oral hygiene. Maintaining a healthy diet and eating and drinking food low in sugar can help to keep decay to a minimum. Sugary foods increase the production of plaque acid that is the main cause of decay.

Tooth decay can be treated at several stages depending on the seriousness. Mild decay can be treated by increasing cleaning and oral hygiene. Larger cavities will need to be repaired with a dental filling. This is when the dentist removes any decaying enamel and uses a composite resin to fill the cavity. The resin is then set hard to protect the enamel from any further erosion. Large cavities are sometimes filled with ceramic inlays for an extra degree of structural protection.

If tooth decay has occurred to the point that the centre of the tooth is infected, a dentist will need to perform a root canal procedure. This involves drilling a hole into the tooth to allow the dentist to remove the infected material. Once the centre of the tooth and nerve are clean, the dentist will fill the root canal with medicine before sealing the tooth with a filling and possibly a dental crown. Root canal procedures are quite unpleasant and should be avoided if possible. The best way to avoid root canal treatment or any form of tooth decay is to properly brush and floss your teeth and keep up regular appointments with a Leeds dentist. By staying on top of tooth decay you could save yourself a lot of pain and money in the future.

Dental implant from Central Leeds dentist lasts a lifetime

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

There are many reasons why people loose teeth. It could be due to a dental trauma, possibly as the result of a sporting injury, through tooth decay or even just due to old age. Whatever the reason, missing teeth can have serious negative aesthetic and health related consequences.

Missing teeth leave hollows in the dental arc very difficult to clean with conventional brushes. These hollows become breeding grounds for bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. This can seriously damage the health of other remaining teeth in the mouth. Missing teeth can also cause existing teeth to move around in the mouth causing interruptions to bite. This can cause painful jaw conditions known as TMJs and sub-conscious teeth grinding called bruxism. If several teeth are missing it can cause facial tissue to sag, which becomes permanent if not supported by some rigid structure.

There are many ways to replace a missing tooth but one of the most sturdy and realistic is a dental implant. This is an artificial dental root implanted into the jawbone to act as a support for a dental crown. Usually made from titanium or other strong metal not harmful to the human body, dental implants are cylindrical screws secured into a pre-drilled socket.

Implants are only suitable for patients with strong existing gum and bone structures. A dentist will be able to ascertain the strength on the jawbone using a series of x-rays and scans. For patients with insufficient bone structure to support an implant it is possible to have a bone graft to increase the strength of the jaw.

Once the implant has been secured it is left to fuse with the bone and existing tissue, for a period ranging from six weeks to six months, in a process called osseointergration. During this period, a dentist may fix a temporary dental bridge to protect the implant and create the appearance of a full set of teeth. When fused, the implant can then be used as a base to attach a permanent dental crown.

Dental implants provide the only realistic alternative to an original tooth. Because they are anchored to the jawbone itself the crown acts and feels like a real tooth. Implants have been used for about 30 years to replace missing teeth and if properly maintained can last a lifetime. If you are suffering from a missing tooth or looking to replace an old dental substitute, make an appointment with a Central Leeds dentist to discuss the possibility of a dental implant.

Leeds dentist repairs tooth decay with filling

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Tooth decay is the process by which the enamel and dentine are eroded away by bacteria and plaque acid that accumulates in the mouth. Tooth decay can be very painful and can eventually lead to infection and tooth loss. However, tooth decay is completely preventable by the adequate and regular brushing and flossing of teeth.

Plaque is a filmy substance that is rich in bacteria and other debris, which clings to the teeth. The decaying bacteria and foodstuff release acid which erodes the enamel of the teeth causing dental cavities, or caries as they are otherwise known. If left unchecked, these cavities continue to grow until they penetrate to the centre of the tooth and begin to erode the pulp. The nerve endings are also located in the centre of the tooth and this is why patients experience toothache. Once the infection has taken hold in the tooth the body may begin to produce an excess of white blood cells to fight it. These pus deposits build up and painful tooth abscesses can form.

If decay reaches the point where it has infected the centre of the tooth the dentist will have to carry out a procedure called a root canal treatment in order to save it. This involves drilling a hole into the middle of the tooth and removing the infected mater and the nerve endings. The cavity will then need to be filled with medicine to prevent further infection before being covered with composite-resin dental filling and finally a crown.

Cavities can also be filled before they reach the centre of the tooth. Fillings used to be made form a silver amalgam substance, but controversy due to potentially poisonous mercury vapour and a more aesthetic appearance has seen a widespread change to tooth coloured composite resin fillings.

One sure fire way of preventing dental cavities in the first instance is to brush and floss correctly everyday. Maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene prevents the build up of plaque and stops tooth decay before it starts. It is also important to keep up six-monthly appointments with a Leeds dentist who will be able to spot the first signs of tooth decay, and repair any existing damage.

Prevent infection form tooth abscess with early visit to CentralLeeds dentist

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

When tooth enamel is breeched, either as the result of tooth decay or some kind of dental trauma, bacteria infiltrates the tooth and attacks the pulp at its centre. This causes an infection in the heart of the tooth that will slowly kill the tooth and spread to other areas of the mouth, if not treated. The body’s natural defence against the infection is to bombard it with white blood cells. This creates a substance called pus that will then gather around the infection causing a swelling called an abscess.
This swelling can be very painful and make everyday activities like eating and drinking a very unpleasant experience.

Usually the first sign of a tooth abscess is a toothache, although when an infection has killed the root of the tooth, this pain may go away. This can be particularly dangerous as patients may assume the infection has gone because the pain has stopped. In reality the infection may be spreading to other teeth and even into the bloodstream. This is why it is always essential to see a dentist even if you think the pain has gone away.

Other signs that you may be suffering from a tooth abscess are a bitter taste in the mouth or a foul odour coming form the mouth. A general feeling of nausea or being unwell could also be telling signs of an oral infection. The painful toothache is usually a continuous throbbing pain that is heightened when exposed to extremes of temperature, especially when eating.

Swilling salt water or taking paracetemol or other pain remedies can help to control the pain of a tooth abscess, but only by visiting a dentist can you be sure to attack the underlying causes of the infection. Make an appointment with a Central Leeds dentist if you think you may be suffering from a tooth abscess. Delaying may only give the infection time to spread meaning your treatment will be more intense and possibly more expensive. In some extreme circumstances, tooth abscesses may even require admission to hospital and painful oral surgery so early treatment is definitely advised.

City of Leeds dentist restores smile with dentures

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

It can be very embarrassing for people who have lost some or all of their teeth but there is a solution. A denture, or partial denture, is a set of artificial teeth that fit around the gums giving the appearance of a full and healthy set. There are many reasons why people have lost their teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease are usually the main cause, but other patients lose teeth in car accidents and other incidents that involve head trauma.

It is very important to replace missing teeth, even if it is only one or two, because teeth act as rigid supports for facial muscles. When teeth are missing, the facials muscles begin to sag, giving a sunken expression. Existing teeth begin to lean into spaces caused by missing teeth, which can have adverse effects on bite and profile which is difficult to reverse.

A set of dentures will not only restore the cosmetic appearance of healthy teeth but will also prevent any unwanted alteration to facial structure. Modern dentures are far superior to the dentures of the past in terms of strength and appearance. They are currently made from acrylic resin, but further advances in technology have seen the recent introduction of Valplast flexible dentures.

Dentures are often associated with the stigma of adhesive and the embarrassment of them falling out at inopportune moments. Although some patients like to use adhesive for extra security, a good pair of dentures will be perfectly secure with only natural suction alone. If your dentures are falling out they may be too big and need adjustment. Likewise, dentures that cause irritation to the gums are likely to be too small.

Dentures can be a perfectly acceptable substitute for natural teeth if measured and fitted correctly. If kept clean, like real teeth, they will last a long time. Dentures can be cleaned with regular toothbrushes and should be left out over night in water to allow the gums a chance to recover. A City of Leeds dentist will be able to measure and fit a lifelike set of dentures that can restore your smile and prevent missing teeth causing you any further embarrassment.