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Improve Your Oral Health by Visiting a Hygienist

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

Dental hygiene is the foundation of good oral health and we are delighted to offer clients a range of hygiene services with our highly qualified dental hygienist. Dental hygiene is important for a number of reasons and we highly recommend regular hygiene sessions.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Oral hygiene is important for both your oral and general health. Taking good care of your teeth and gums will not only help to keep decay and gum disease at bay, but it will also reduce your risk of several medical conditions. According to recent research studies, gum disease increases the risk of a host of health problems, including strokes, heart disease and diabetes.

Good oral hygiene helps to keep your mouth clean and free from harmful bacteria. Teeth cleaning and flossing also keep your teeth and gums looking glossy and healthy and ensure that your smile looks bright and attractive, which will increase your confidence and self-esteem.

Hygiene services are designed to boost oral health, but they also improve the look of your smile. Intensive cleaning can remove surface staining and give your smile a gorgeous, healthy glow.

Which services are available?

Dental hygienists work closely with dentists to treat and manage gum disease and provide oral health education and advice to ensure that people have the knowledge to take responsibility for their oral health.

Services available at City Dental in Leeds include scale and polish, oral health and lifestyle advice, bad breath treatment and gum disease management. Preventative dental treatments are also available.

We recommend combining a six monthly check-up with a hygiene session for the best oral health. Check-ups enable your dentist to identify and treat any problems as early as possible and a hygiene session will ensure that you leave the practice with beautiful, sparkling pearly whites, fresh breath and a clean bill of oral health.

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How to Get Healthy Teeth and Gums

Friday, July 8th, 2016

Start July with a bang by looking after your mouth by following our tips for great teeth and gums:

The first step to keeping your teeth looking great is by watching the colour of what you eat and drink. Red wine, coffee, black tea and cigarettes can all have a negative impact on the colour of your teeth. The best way to avoid staining is to brush your teeth after having anything that is likely to stain them. Using a bleaching agent recommended by your dentist can also help.

A healthier diet

You can also avoid problems with your teeth by cutting back on sugary food and drinks. Sugar can cause plaque, which leads to issues such as tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. Foods that are good for teeth include apples, celery and carrots, which help clean teeth due to being crisp and firm. Drinking water during the day also helps teeth by flushing out bacteria from the mouth and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

At City Dental in Leeds we advise replacing your toothbrush every three months at most to ensure that your mouth is being properly cleaned. Using an old brush will mean that bacteria is being moved from the brush to your mouth.

Brush your teeth

Most of us spend just half a minute brushing our teeth, instead of the recommended 2 minutes. Start timing yourself while brushing your teeth and divide it into 30 seconds each for the front and back of both the top and bottom sets if that helps. It is also good to get into a regular routine with flossing. If you begin and end at the same point every time you floss, you can be sure that all every tooth has been cleaned. If you find it difficult to use floss you may find it helpful to get a floss holder.

Tags: good oral hygiene, Oral health Central Leeds, oral health leeds, Oral Hygiene Central Leeds
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Which Lifestyle Factors are Harming Your Dental Health?

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016

No one wants to have poor dental health. People who are conscious of their teeth follow various oral hygiene steps to make sure that their teeth are doing well. However, even if you brush your teeth, floss and visit your dentist regularly, you can still have bad dental health if your lifestyle includes smoking, using other tobacco products and even sleeplessness.

Smoking

All the effects of smoking are negative. Most people are aware of only few of the medical conditions, such as lung cancer, strokes and heart diseases caused by the use of tobacco. But there are quite a few dental conditions caused by smoking. Tooth discoloration, bad breath, build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, gum disease, oral cancer and many more are all caused by smoking. Regular smokers have a very high chance of developing gum disease, as the tobacco in cigarettes weakens the attachment between the soft tissue and the bone. It is also interferes with the regular functions of the cells in the gums. This interference increases the risk of periodontal diseases.

Sleeping disorders

Sleeping disorders can also cause many dental conditions, since they weaken the immune system. We use our mouth to eat food, drink water and talk. However, every time we open our mouth, germs and bacteria are ready to get in and cause infection. The immune system of our body constantly fights these bacteria and allows us to lead a healthy life. People get sick because their immune system had lost the battle with harmful bacteria, virus or germs, due to inadequate strength. Therefore, apart from cleaning the mouth regularly and eating fresh fruit full of vitamins, it is also important to give your body a proper rest everyday in order to keep your immune system strong.

Sweets and treats

Even if you brush your teeth every day, it is important to brush your teeth after having sweets or carbonated drinks. This is because both sugar and acid stay active for at least one hour after you have them. Both sugar and acid will team up with the bacteria present in the plaque to produce harmful bacteria, which in turn will slowly eat away the enamel and make your teeth susceptible to various dental conditions.

Tags: Dental health Central Leeds, dental health Leeds, Oral health Central Leeds, Oral health City of Leeds
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Hints and Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

Thursday, March 24th, 2016

Numerous studies have found a link between poor oral health, plaque, dental bacteria and the onset of heart disease, cancer and exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. Brushing your teeth is one of the best things you can do for not only your mouth but also the rest of your body.

Brushing your teeth: the basics

When brushing your teeth it is advisable to spend at least 2-3 minutes thoroughly cleaning. Teeth should be cleaned along their front, back and in regard to the molars, along the tops. The gums should also be gently brushed to prevent bacteria from building up and cause tartar, which is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dental hygienist. Rotating the toothbrush head in circular motions is better than just brushing back and forth as it covers more surface area.

Why should I floss?

Flossing should also be an important part of your dental routine, as floss can reach between the teeth in order to reach plaque and debris that has become stuck and cannot be removed by a toothbrush. When flossing it is recommended that your clean down towards the gums. This will ensure that all plaque is removed and your teeth and gums remain healthy.

What is a good dental hygiene routine so important?

Dental hygiene is paramount to the health of your mouth, as unlike the rest of your body your teeth are unable to heal themselves. Once plaque is allowed to build up on the teeth, it will strip away precious enamel and minerals, causing holes and cavities to appear. If cavities are left untreated, whether by a dental hygienist or with fillings, they can expand until the tooth is completely decayed and falls out. This decay can then spread to other teeth and may also affect the gums and jawbone. One of the easiest ways to prevent this from happening is to brush your teeth twice daily, for at least 2 minutes. This prevents the plaque from settling on the teeth and wrecking its havoc. To arrange an appointment with one of our dental hygienists please get in touch with us at City Dental Leeds.

Tags: Brushing teeth Central Leeds, Dental hygienist Leeds, good oral hygiene, Oral Hygiene Central Leeds
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Our Hygiene Therapists Offer Oral Health Tips

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016

If you have healthy teeth, you may never have considered visiting a dental hygienist, but an annual hygiene session could help to ensure you stay free from oral diseases for years to come. Our amazing dental hygienists offer a wide range of hygiene services in addition to expert advice, which could help you to achieve better oral health and a brighter, whiter smile.

What do hygienists do?

Dental hygienists are a very important part of our dental team and they provide a range of services designed to prevent and treat dental problems, including bad breath, decay and gum disease. Using powerful cleaning techniques, the latest technology and preventative treatments, our hygienists can make a real difference to your oral health.

Hygienists are not just there to treat existing problems and seeing a hygienist on a regular basis is really good for your teeth, even if you have good oral health. As well as providing intensive cleaning treatments and curative measures to ease symptoms of oral disease, our hygienists are also here to pass on expert advice and help patients to make positive oral health decisions.

Oral health tips

Our excellent dental hygienists are always available to offer oral health tips, whether you need help with your brushing technique, you’re not sure which toothpaste to buy or you’d like support with giving up smoking.

Brushing, flossing and inter-dental cleaning: brushing, flossing and inter-dental cleaning are really important for good oral health, but it’s not enough to just brush your teeth twice a day and floss when you’ve got something lodged in your tooth. In order to protect your teeth from harmful oral bacteria, it’s beneficial to hone your brushing technique and ensure you get the most out of brushing every time. Our hygienists can show you how to brush and floss properly and also how to use inter-dental brushes.

Healthy lifestyle choices: sometimes, lifestyle choices have an impact on your oral and general health and our hygienists can help you to make positive choices in order to boost your oral health. Diet is particularly important and the foods you eat have a direct impact on your health. Seeing a hygienist can help you to identify potential problems with your diet and make it healthier for your teeth and gums. Smoking is another risk factor for oral health issues, especially gum disease, and we can offer guidance and support for those hoping to give up.

If you would like to book an appointment or learn more about our hygiene treatments, call us today!

Tags: Dental hygienist Central Leeds, Oral Hygiene Central Leeds, oral hygiene City of Leeds, Oral hygiene Leeds
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Effective Tooth Brushing Techniques

Thursday, January 28th, 2016

Brushing your teeth is essential for good oral health and it also helps to reduce your risk of suffering from general health problems. Brushing is important because it removes plaque from the mouth. Plaque is a sticky white film made from food particles and bacteria and it clings to the tooth enamel. Plaque is a major cause of gum disease and decay and if it is left to collect, it hardens, becoming tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing.

Once plaque collects in the mouth, there is a risk of cavities, decay and gum disease. Research has also shown that as well as causing gum disease, harmful bacteria can also increase your risk of serious medical conditions, including heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

How should I brush my teeth?

Most people think that there is no real technique to brushing your teeth and simply holding your brush against your teeth will suffice. However, perfecting your brushing technique will make a big difference to your oral health. Here are some tips for brushing your teeth:

Use a brush with a small head with soft or medium bristles

Hold the brush at an angle and cover all surfaces of the tooth

Remember to brush along the gum line

Brush every tooth and spend equal amounts of time on each quadrant of the mouth

Use an electric toothbrush (they are proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes)

How long should I brush my teeth for?

You should aim to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. If you have difficulty brushing for the recommended time, try buying a toothbrush with a built-in timer or brushing along to your favourite song. You can also download apps that time you when you are brushing.

Which toothbrush should I use?

We recommend using an electric toothbrush because they are proven to remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes. Our friendly team at City Dental in Leeds will be happy to recommend toothbrushes, toothpaste and other oral hygiene products.

Tags: good oral hygiene, Oral health City of Leeds, Oral hygiene Leeds, tooth brushing Leeds
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Excellent Oral Health is a Must No Matter How Old You Are!

Friday, January 22nd, 2016

As a senior citizen you have every right to receive an impeccable standard of professional dental healthcare. After all, your mouth and teeth are a prized possession. They have served you during years of eating, drinking and celebrating, helped you speak and sculpt the smile and personality everybody knows and loves you for. They deserve your time and attention.

According to a survey carried out by Help the Aged, more than a third of over 75’s fail to have a regular dental check-up, a disconcerting discovery given that the elderly are more at risk of developing mouth cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure as a result of poor oral hygiene.

Although most people now regularly brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, simply brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough to sustain adequate oral health. Read on to discover how to maintain the dental health care you truly deserve.

Why senior dental health is a problem

Senior dental health is an issue in Great Britain for several reasons. Firstly, more and more elderly people are now retaining their own teeth, which can lead to the development of gum diseases that can in turn lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and oral cancer. Secondly, we are more likely to develop dental problems as we get older and oral cancer mainly occurs in people over 40. Thirdly, a lack of mobility means that fewer senior citizens are attending their regular six monthly check-up with their dentist.

Tags: Oral health Central Leeds, Oral health City of Leeds, oral health leeds, senior dental health
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Flossing or Inter-Dental Brushing?

Thursday, January 14th, 2016

Flossing and inter-dental brushing form part of a good oral hygiene regime. Dentists will advise when is best to use either dental floss or an inter-dental brush, and on the most appropriate technique. Where dental devices or restorations are present, an inter-dental brush may be more suitable than floss.

The difference between floss and an inter-dental brush

Floss is made of a collection of nylon fibres or a plastic thread. The thread is held between the fingers and inserted between and around each tooth to remove all debris and plaque. Some flossing disposable devices have a small plastic handle that may be held during flossing.

Inter-dental brushes comprise a tiny bristled head attached to a plastic handle, similar to the handle of a toothbrush. The bristled head comes in different sizes, attaches to the handle and is replaceable. Individuals hold the inter-dental brush handle while moving the bristles between and around the teeth, cleansing the surfaces between teeth and just below the gum line.

Dental flossing technique

Take a piece of dental floss, about 18 inches in length. Wrap the floss around the each index finger and gradually insert it between the teeth, starting at one end of the upper dental arch. Clean each tooth, ensuring the floss gently moves in a C curve between and around the tooth and gum line. Use a fresh part of the 18 inch piece of floss per tooth. When the upper dental arch is complete, get another 18 inch piece of floss and repeat the action for the lower dental arch.

Inter-dental brushing technique

Use the right choice of brush head and to place it gently between the teeth, carefully removing it along with stuck food debris and sticky plaque. Repeat the action for each tooth so that any bacteria-attracting agents are removed to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If you would like you would like to know more about oral hygiene, please contact the team at City Dental in the heart of Leeds.

Tags: flossing and brushing Leeds, flossing Leeds, inter-dental brushes Leeds, Interdental Teeth Cleaning
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Have a Tooth-Happy Christmas with Our Hygiene Treatments

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2015

When the log fire is roaring, everyone’s gathered around exchanging presents and there’s Christmas tunes playing in the background, the last thing you want is a bout of toothache. If you’re gearing up for a perfect family Christmas and are eager to steer clear of any unwanted dental dramas, why not book a hygiene session today? Our experienced, friendly hygienists can give your teeth a good clean and polish and ensure you have peace of mind going into the festive season.

The benefits of hygiene treatments

Hygiene treatments are designed to provide a deep clean to target problem areas and rid the mouth of harmful plaque, the main risk factor for both decay and gum disease. Our hygienists can achieve a much more intensive clean than you can at home with a brush and treatment will not just make your mouth feel really clean and fresh and reduce the risk of festive dental problems, it will also give you a bright, sparkling smile in perfect time for the office party, family gatherings and New Year celebrations.

Hygiene treatments aren’t painful and they make a really positive difference to your oral health. Our hygienists will also be happy to talk to you about oral hygiene and offer some tips and guidance to help you improve your daily regime at home.

Do I really need to see a hygienist?

Many people assume that you only need to see a dental hygienist if you’ve got problems like bad breath or gum disease. However, seeing a dental hygienist has amazing benefits for every patient, regardless of their oral health status. Even the most diligent patients can benefit from an annual trip to the hygienist. In addition, we also encourage patients to keep up to date with routine check-ups.

To book an appointment or find out more about oral hygiene services, simply give us a call or pop in and visit if you’re in Leeds city centre.

Tags: Dental hygiene Leeds, Dental Hygienists, hygiene techniques, Oral Hygiene Central Leeds
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Cleaning Your Tongue – An Easier Business Than You Thought!

Monday, November 16th, 2015

Many people neglect their tongue when they clean their mouths, either simply from not knowing it should be cleaned or from not knowing the correct way to clean it. Many people simply don’t see the point in thoroughly cleaning their tongue, but it is actually strongly recommended by dentists.

It is advised to brush your teeth twice a day to dislodge plaque and food debris from your teeth and gums and to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In comparison, the smooth surface of your tongue makes it hard for plaque to take root and it is often washed away by saliva. As such it isn’t as necessary to clean your tongue as often in regards to preventing gum and tooth decay.

So why should I clean my tongue?

The main reason it is advised to clean the tongue is to prevent bad breath. Although it is very hard for plaque to get a foothold on the tongue, bacteria that can cause bad breath is often found at the rear of the tongue, towards the throat. Although not dangerous in the same way as plaque, this can lead to very poor smelling breath if it is allowed to build up.

How should I clean my tongue?

Using a regular toothbrush on your tongue at the same time as you brush your teeth is an effective and simple way of getting rid of bacteria. When you brush your tongue you don’t need to put too much force behind it, this could cause more damage than good. Because the area mostly affected by this bacteria is the back of the tongue, using a toothbrush can sometimes make you gag. To stop this, specifically designed tongue cleaners known as tongue scrapers can be bought from many pharmacies or supermarkets.

Looking for a Leeds dentist? City Dental dentists are here to help.

Anyone who is suffering from bad breath should clean their tongue on a regular basis if they are not already doing so as it is one of the leading reasons for bad breath. It should also be remembered that the best way to go about this is to clean the very back of the tongue, using either a toothbrush or a tongue scraper.

Tags: Leeds Dentist Tongue Cleaning, oral hygiene City of Leeds, Tongue Cleaning, tongue cleaning leeds
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