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

Posts Tagged ‘dental hygienist’

Stalling Bad Breath in Central Leeds

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

One big social problem that you can suffer from in central Leeds is bad breath; it can cripple you at work and it can cripple you socially and unless someone has ‘kindly’ pointed out that you have a problem, you may be completely ignorant to the issue. Bad breath is bad in itself for all of the above reasons, but it could indicate that you have let things slip and that there are things going wrong in your mouth. Tooth decay and gum disease are two major contenders to halitosis, as is having a condition called dry mouth, but you can only ascertain this with help from your dentist and then address it, maybe with some work in your mouth. But the reasons you got into this state in the first place could have been because of your lifestyle. Bad diet, smoking and excessive drinking, coupled with bad oral hygiene is a recipe for disaster in your mouth, let alone your body and the whole lot mangled together will lead to bad breath. Everything needs to change to at least give your system a chance to recover and stabilise itself and so that your mouth can become healthy again. The way you look after your teeth and gums will also need improvement using various methods and probably the best way you can attack this is to embrace the ways of a hygienist, maybe a nutritionist and possibly someone versed in herbal remedies. It will take hard work but it is beatable.

 

Flossing in the City of Leeds

Saturday, June 2nd, 2012

One of the greatest aids we have in the city of Leeds to help back-up our daily oral hygiene is dental floss or tape, as using this has become as important as brushing. When you go shopping for floss, you will notice that there is quite a range to choose from and this could be a bit of trial and error at first until you get the one that works best for you; some are thicker than others and so may not be able to fit between you teeth- again, try and see. You can also buy flosses that are already sprung between two small sticks, which takes away the need to wrap the floss between your fingers. Whatever you settle on, you are then going to have to learn a technique that ensures you are using it correctly and removing foodstuffs from between your teeth. The best way of doing this is to get advice from your dentist or hygienist who can show you the correct use of dental floss- it isn’t hard- practising in front of a mirror helps but if you persevere, it will become like clockwork to you and you will be able to do it with your eyes shut. Remember, flossing is the ultimate way to prevent bacteria developing in your mouth.

Beautiful Brushwork in Central Leeds

Sunday, May 6th, 2012

Brushing your teeth daily in central Leeds is probably as important as anything else that you do throughout the day and so it is important that you understand how to do it and put in a lot of effort to ensure the longevity of your teeth. When growing up, you were probably taught to brush up and down as opposed to side-to-side, and then it was gum-tooth-off. That technique is still valid today, although a lot of things have changed for the better when it comes to the type of brush you use, as many are designed to do a lot of the work for you. The bristles for example come in a range of soft to hard to cater for all teeth and gums, then, some brushes are angled and flexible to ensure you approach the teeth at the right angle. But one of the greatest advances in toothbrush technology has come with the electric toothbrush; these certainly do all of the hard work for you as long as you point them in the right direction. Rotary heads are great for swirling around the gums; up and down heads take the technique back to school-day basics; the pulse head brushes are designed to break plaque and tartar- all however work remarkably well and look after the interests of your teeth. With any brush that you choose, they need to be changed regularly in order to maintain the standards required to protect your teeth, most are colour coded and fade when it’s time for a change. Also, there is a greater need to ensure that your tongue is brushed as well- most brushes come with the facility to do so.

Tooth Decay is Not Something We Advocate in Central Leeds

Monday, April 30th, 2012

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental cavities (or caries) occurs when the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth are worn down by bacteria. Bacteria produce harmful plaque acids, which break down the outer layers of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth. If holes are left to grow, bacteria can invade the living tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp and cause the tooth to die, until eventually the tooth will fall out.

How common is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems, affecting the majority of people. More than half of adults in the UK have one or more decayed teeth and rates of decay are increasing in children.

What are the symptoms of tooth decay?

Tooth decay does not usually cause symptoms until decay is severe and this is why regular dental checks are so important. One decay has become advanced, symptoms include tooth pain, bad breath, heightened sensitivity and spots of grey and yellow discolouration on the teeth.

How is tooth decay treated?

In the very early stages, fluoride varnish can be applied to the teeth to prevent further decay; however, if decay is more advanced, a filing may be required. Fillings are used to fill cavities and prevent the spread of decay. If bacteria have infected the pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment will be performed. This procedure involves removing decayed pulp tissue and cleaning and sealing the root canals to prevent further infection. Root canal treatment is often a very effective means of saving an infected tooth.

Preventing tooth decay

Fluoride is a very effective means of preventing tooth decay, which can be applied to the surfaces of the teeth in varnish form and is also present in toothpaste and in drinking water in some areas of the country. Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth.

Regular dental check-ups with your Central Leeds dentist, every six to twelve months, are essential for good oral health.

 

Keeping Tabs on Your Oral Hygiene is Important in Leeds

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

A good oral hygiene regime is the key to preventing oral health diseases and keeping the teeth and gums strong and healthy.

What should a daily oral hygiene routine involve?

Dental hygiene is essential from a very early age and children should be taught to brush their teeth as soon as their first teeth start to develop. Electric and manual toothbrushes are both effective, but studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove plaque more effectively and some people also find it easier to brush with an electric toothbrush.

Oral hygiene treatments

Our City Dental Leeds dental hygienists provide a very effective service, which can help to prevent oral health diseases and treat existing conditions. Hygienists offer intensive cleaning treatments, which provide a much deeper clean than brushing, and target areas that are prone to plaque and tartar development. Dental hygiene services also help to make the teeth look glossier and healthier and can reduce surface staining.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Oral hygiene is essential for good oral health and studies have also shown that poor oral hygiene, which is a cause of oral diseases, can also contribute to an increased risk of serious, life-threatening health conditions, including heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Poor oral hygiene causes the teeth to look unhealthy, as well as increasing the peril of gum disease, abscesses and decay and this can have implications for an individual’s confidence.

The City of Leeds has an Unwelcome Visitor in Tooth Abscesses

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

What is an abscess?

A tooth abscess, known as periapical abscess, is a collection of pus, which develops inside the tooth structure. Abscesses that develop in the gums are known as periodontal abscesses.

What causes an abscess?

Abscesses develop as a result of bacterial infection. Bacteria infect the tooth and spread, causing the pulp of the tooth to become infected. The pulp contains all the living tissue, including the nerves and blood vessels, but once the pulp is infected, the tooth can effectively die. Bacteria will continue to spread through the tooth until they reach the alveolar bone and this is where the abscess forms.

Bacteria enter the teeth through caries (also known as cavities). Cavities develop as a result of poor oral hygiene and eating a lot of sugary and acidic foods. Once the tooth is infected, the bacteria can spread through the tooth is the cavity is left untreated.

How is an abscess treated?

Dental abscesses do not go away on their own and it is important to get treatment as quickly as possible. A tooth abscess is removed by means of root canal treatment. Your City of Leeds dentist will drill through the infected tooth to reach the abscess and drain the pus, before removing any infected tissue and cleaning and sealing the root canals to prevent further infection. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort.

Preventing tooth abscesses

The best way to prevent a tooth abscess is to maintain dental health and visit your dentist every six to twelve months. It is also advisable to avoid eating a lot of sugary and acidic foods, which cause decay and to visit your hygienist for regular cleaning treatments.

Mouth Ulcers are a Cause for Concern for Patients in Leeds

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

What are mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are sores that are found in the mouth, which are usually oval or round in shape and most commonly develop on the inside of the cheeks. Mouth ulcers are very common in Leeds and around the country and most people will develop at least one ulcer in their lifetime.

What causes mouth ulcers?

In most cases mouth ulcers are not a result of infection and possible causes include:

  • Damage to the mouth (for example, biting the inside of the cheek by mistake).
  • Brushing very hard.
  • Damage caused by a sharp or jagged tooth.

If ulcers appear on a regular basis, this may be a result of:

  • Stress and anxiety.
  • Hormonal changes in the body, for example during pregnancy.
  • Oral trauma, for example brushing too hard.
  • Family history

Eating some foods also increases the risk of ulcers. These include:

  • Strawberries
  • Cheese
  • Tomatoes
  • Coffee
  • Peanuts
  • Almonds

How are mouth ulcers treated?

Most ulcers heal naturally without any treatment. If you have a mild ulcer, you may find it useful to use a soft toothbrush, avoid eating hard foods and avoid stressful situations. If you have a more serious ulcer and it causing you pain, your GP or dentist may advise you to take medication.

Don’t let Smelly Breath be the End of Your Excitement in Central Leeds

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a very common problem and most people will suffer from bad breath at some point in their lives. Most of us experience bad breath from time to time after eating foods that have a strong flavour or odour or drinking certain drinks, such as coffee, but for some, bad breath is a chronic problem, which can have serious implications for their confidence and self-esteem.

What causes bad breath?

The most common cause of bad breath is the action of bacteria breaking down the food we eat. This can cause bacteria to produce sulphur-based compounds, which have an unpleasant smell. Bad breath can also be caused by smoking, drinking alcohol and eating foods that have a very powerful odour, such as onions, garlic and spicy food. Poor oral hygiene is another common cause of bad breath.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

At our Central Leeds practice we recognise that bad breath can be an embarrassing problem, but there are many things that can be done to treat bad breath and prevent halitosis in the future. The most effective way of tackling bad breath is a good daily oral hygiene routine, which includes cleaning the tongue as well as brushing the teeth and flossing. Rinsing with mouthwash can also be very effective and there are various flavours available. Eating sugar-free mints and chewing sugar-free gum can help to neutralise unpleasant odours after eating.

If you suffer from persistent bad breath this may indicate an oral health disease, such as gum disease and it is advisable to see your dentist. Visiting a dental hygienist is also highly beneficial for patients with bad breath. Hygienists provide intensive cleaning treatments, which help to remove food deposits, plaque and tartar for the mouth and leave you with an incredible fresh feeling in your mouth.

People in the City of Leeds Understand the Significance of Tongue Cleaning

Sunday, April 8th, 2012

Why is it important to clean your tongue?

Most people are aware of the benefits of brushing their teeth and using dental floss and mouthwash, but you may not realise how important it is to clean your tongue.

The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, which collect on the tongue and at the back of the mouth to produce sulphur-based compounds. These compounds are a major contributor to bad breath, a problem that most people experience at some point in their lives. Cleaning the tongue can also help to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay by decreasing the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

How should I clean my tongue?

You can clean your tongue using your toothbrush or a specialist tongue cleaner. We can offer advice and information about products and talk you through the tongue cleaning process, so please ask City of Leeds dentist or hygienist if you want to find out more.

The tongue cleaning process involves running the brush or tongue cleaner across the surface of the tongue to remove dead cells, food deposits and bacteria. Repeating the action will help to target areas that may have been missed during the first cleaning session. Once you have cleaned your tongue, use mouthwash to rinse out your mouth and you should experience a fresh, clean feel.

If you have a good oral hygiene routine and you clean your tongue on a regular basis and still suffer from bad breath, see your dentist, as this may be indicative of an oral health condition.

The Joys of Inter-dental teeth cleaning for Patients in Leeds

Saturday, April 7th, 2012

Most people in Leeds know how important it is to brush their teeth, but it can be extremely difficult to brush in-between the teeth and this can cause plaque to develop, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Inter-dental cleaning involves using specialist brushes to clean between the teeth and remove plaque from the cracks between the teeth.

Methods of inter-dental cleaning

There are two main methods of cleaning between the teeth; these are:

  • flossing
  • inter-dental brushing

Flossing

Flossing involves passing dental floss (specialist flavoured tape), between the teeth and along the gum line. Dental floss helps to remove plaque and food deposits from between the teeth and is an effective way of reducing the risk of oral diseases.

Inter-dental brushing

Inter-dental brushing involves using specially designed brushes to clean between the teeth. Inter-dental brushes are available in different sizes and most are colour-coded to distinguish between the sizes. Inter-dental brushes remove plaque from between the gum but they do not target the gum line. If you have any questions about inter-dental brushing or you want to find out more, we will be more than happy to offer you information and advice.