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Posts Tagged ‘Cavity Protection’

Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Cavities

Wednesday, May 13th, 2015

3708143_blogCavities are holes that develop in the tooth surface. They are caused by tooth decay, one of the most common preventable illnesses among children and adults in the UK. If you have cavities or tooth pain, we urge you to get in touch with your dentist and make an appointment. Leaving cavities increases the risk of severe infection and may even lead to tooth loss.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by harmful bacteria that collect and multiply in the mouth. These bacteria release acids that attack and erode the tooth enamel, eventually wearing holes in the outer layer of the tooth. The most common risk factors for cavities are poor oral hygiene and a diet that contains a lot of sugary and acidic foods.

How can I tell if I have a cavity?

Sometimes it’s possible to feel or see a cavity. You may be able to see the hole in the surface of the tooth, especially if it has become discoloured. You might also feel it when you run your tongue over the surface of the tooth. Other signs of decay include increased sensitivity that manifests itself through pain when the teeth come into contact with hot and cold substances, toothache and a feeling of weakness when you use the tooth.

Why it’s important to treat cavities

If you have cavities, it’s important to get them sorted by your dentist. Once the enamel layer of the tooth has been penetrated, there is a risk of infection spreading through the tooth into the living tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp. It is possible for the pulp to become infected and this may result in severe damage or even loss of the tooth. In this case, it may be possible to save the tooth by means of performing root canal treatment. Decay can also increase the risk of dental abscesses, which are usually very painful.

As with all dental diseases, we believe that prevention is better than cure when it comes to tooth decay and we recommend a good daily oral hygiene routine, regular dental check-ups and steering clear of too many sugary treats!

Do You Have a Tooth Infection? Signs and Symptoms

Wednesday, February 11th, 2015

364999_blogDental infections can cause sudden, severe pain. If you have a dental infection, don’t suffer in silence! Our amazing City Dental team is here to help.

What is a dental infection?

Dental infections are caused by bacteria. Often, the first sign of an infection is decay, which erodes the enamel, causing a hole known as a cavity to form. Cavities can be treated easily with a filling. However, if they are left untreated, there is a risk that infection can spread to other parts of the tooth, increasing the risk of more severe infection and the development of dental abscesses.

Symptoms of a cavity include pain, weakness in the tooth, tenderness in the tooth and sensitivity. In some cases, you can also feel the hole when you run your tongue over the surface of the tooth. It may also be possible to see the cavity when you look very closely at your mouth in the mirror.

About dental abscesses

Dental abscesses are fluid-filled sores that can develop inside the tooth (periapical abscess) or between the teeth and gums (periodontal abscess). Abscesses contain pus, which is a yellow fluid that contains bacteria. Abscesses cause pain, which may be severe and throbbing, tenderness and inflammation and they can also cause you to suffer from fever and make you feel under the weather.

Normally, abscesses are treated by doctors. However, in the case of dental abscesses, these must be treated by a dentist. Dental abscesses are treated in a different way and they need to be drained and removed, rather than treated with a course of antibiotics.

If you think you may have a dental abscess or you have severe dental pain, call us and we will do our best to see you and free you from pain as quickly as possible.

Useful Oral Hygiene Tips For City Leeds Patients

Thursday, September 11th, 2014

357249_blogGood oral hygiene makes the world of difference when it comes to oral health and we are always here to offer advice about maintaining a clean and healthy mouth at home. By sticking to a good oral hygiene regime, you will reduce your risk of developing a host of dental problems, including gum disease, dental decay and bad breath.

Oral hygiene tips

Brushing and flossing

Brushing is really important and it only takes 2 minutes of your morning and evening to make a difference. Brushing removes bacteria and food debris from the mouth, which helps to prevent the development of plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colourless substance, which is made from bits of food, saliva and bacteria and it is bad news for oral health. Plaque irritates the gums and increases the risk of cavities. Brushing should take place twice a day, for at least 2 minutes each time. It’s advisable to use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen and protect the enamel.

Flossing is another really simple way of keeping your teeth and gums healthy and you only need to do it once a day. The beauty of flossing is that it takes over where brushing leaves off and it cleans the parts of the mouth that are tricky to cover with a toothbrush. Flossing can take a little getting used to, but it’s well worth persevering, as it helps to keep your teeth looking bright and clean, as well as keeping decay at arm’s length. When you floss, simply pass the dental tape through the cracks between the teeth and avoid pulling.

Seeing a dental hygienist

On top of good oral hygiene at home, we recommend seeing a dental hygienist. Our amazing dental hygienists can help to banish plaque, prevent gum disease and give your teeth a beautiful, white glow.