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Posts Tagged ‘flossing’

How important is it to clean between the gaps of teeth?

Friday, June 30th, 2017

shutterstock_402210988Most people know that it’s important to clean the teeth twice a day. Although brushing is really effective, it only cleans part of your mouth. This is why we strongly recommend cleaning between the teeth.

The importance of cleaning between the teeth

When you brush your teeth, you clean away bacteria and food debris from the biting surfaces and the areas of the teeth you can access with a brush, but it’s not possible to get the brush head into every area of the mouth. It’s usually very difficult to clean between the teeth because the brush head is too large to fit between the gaps. This is when flossing and interdental brushing come in useful.

Flossing

Flossing is a popular means of cleaning the gaps between the teeth. It involves passing a thin piece of tape, called floss, between the teeth. Flossing displaces trapped bits of food and bacteria from those narrow cracks, reducing the risk of plaque formation. It can also help to prevent staining in areas that you can’t polish with your toothbrush. When you’re flossing, always be gentle, and never tug at the tape. If you pull too hard, this can hurt your gums.

Interdental brushing

Interdental brushes are specially designed, small hand-held brushes, which target the cracks between the teeth. There are various different sizes and thicknesses to choose from, and your dentist or hygienist can help you to choose the right brush for you and give you a demonstration to show you how to use your interdental brushes.

Brushing is really important for keeping dental diseases at bay, but don’t underestimate the importance of cleaning the cracks between your teeth. If you do this, you’ll achieve a much more thorough clean and you can reduce your risk of decay and gum disease by preventing plaque formation.

Spellbinding Sonicare Will Blast Away That City Leeds Plaque

Saturday, October 11th, 2014

464425_blogPlaque is a major problem for dentists and we strongly recommend the Sonicare brushes to keep dental disease at bay and blast bacteria. With good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of running into dental troubles and Sonicare makes brushing easier than ever before.

Why Sonicare?

Sonicare brushes have been developed using the latest design concepts and technological breakthroughs and they offer functionality and innovation, as well as proven results. Electric toothbrushes are proven to remove plaque more effectively than manual brushes and the Sonicare range has attracted plaudits from all over the world. There are brushes to suit all budgets and you don’t need to pay the earth to reap the rewards.

Brushing tips

When using an electric toothbrush, you don’t need to put in any additional effort and you should avoid pushing the brush, as brushing too firmly can actually damage the enamel. Simply guide the brush head around your teeth, taking care to cover every surface of every tooth and angling the head to brush along the gum line. We recommend brushing for 2-3 minutes and you can buy brushes with a built-in timer; if you don’t have a timer, try brushing along to a song instead.

Flossing

In addition to brushing twice a day, we recommend flossing. Flossing is important because it covers the corners, the gum line and the gaps between the teeth, which are tricky to reach with a toothbrush. Flossing can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and decay by decreasing the risk of plaque development.

If you have any questions about choosing a toothbrush or you’re unsure which toothpaste to buy, we are always happy to help; don’t hesitate to give us a call or have a chat when you next have an appointment.

Suffering From Oral Abscess Agony In the Heart Of Leeds?

Tuesday, August 5th, 2014

4361359_blogDental abscess can be very painful and cause you great discomfort. If you are suffering from the symptoms of oral abscess and haven’t been for a check-up, you should visit City Leeds where we can seek to ease your pain as soon as possible.

Oral abscess symptoms

The symptoms of oral abscess agony involve a throbbing, tender pain which fades and intensifies intermittently. Chewing and talking can intensify the pain and swelling can occur in and around the affected area. Your teeth can also seem weak close to the abscess. It is important to seek treatment for these symptoms as abscesses can be potentially dangerous.

Abscess treatment

It is important to visit your local dentist, rather than your general practice doctor for oral abscess treatment. This is because your doctor has limited options compared to your dentist. Oral abscesses need to be drained and removed, unlike abscesses anywhere else on your body. Call us to arrange a swift appointment. In the meantime it’s advisable to avoid hot food and drink.

Protect against oral abscess

A great oral hygiene routine is the greatest way to avoid the occurrence of oral abscesses. Try to work flossing into your routine if you haven’t already. Use a soft toothbrush to clean with morning and night, whilst avoiding sugary food and drink. Check-ups are also key to maintaining a healthy dental regime.

Leeds Gum Disease Needs To Be Stopped Before It’s Too Late

Thursday, June 26th, 2014

863081_blogIt’s easy to keep the teeth and gums healthy, yet gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the UK. At City Dental we promote good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices to keep gum disease at bay and allow you to enjoy good oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile.

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease is preventable, yet it affects thousands of people. There are some very easy steps you can follow to reduce your risk of developing sore and swollen gums and reduce the risk of severe gum disease, which eventually leads to premature tooth loss.

Oral hygiene is the foundation of good oral health and it’s really important to be diligent with your brushing and flossing. We recommend brushing twice a day, every day to remove food debris and prevent the formation of plaque, a sticky film made of bacteria, which is the main risk factor for decay and gum disease. Brushing also helps to remove surface stains to keep the teeth looking white and bright and it reduces the risk of bad breath. Flossing takes over where you leave off when you brush and is an important part of a good oral hygiene plan; it cleans the gaps between your teeth and the area where the gums meet the teeth.

Diet is also a really important consideration for your oral health, as certain foods increase the risk of damage to the enamel and irritation of the gums. We recommend sticking to a healthy and balanced diet and keeping an eye on the amount of sugary foods you eat. Acidic foods and drinks are also harmful for the protective enamel layer of the tooth and we strongly advise limiting your intake of these foods, especially between meals.

Spotting the warning signs

It’s best to treat gum disease as early as possible as it can get worse quickly. The warning signs to look out for include sore and swollen gums, with redness in the gums and bleeding, which you usually notice when you brush your teeth. If you have any of these symptoms, call and arrange to see your dentist.

Horrible Hygiene Can Be Sent Packing In The City Of Leeds

Tuesday, June 17th, 2014

1787127_blogPoor oral hygiene doesn’t just give you bad breath it also increases your risk of tooth pain, sensitivity, cavities and gum disease. We actively recommend sticking to a smart daily oral hygiene routine at home and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups to keep oral diseases at bay and ensure you teeth look bright and clean.

The importance of good oral hygiene

Great oral routine is not just important for your oral health; it also plays a role in your general health. Numerous research studies have established a link between gum disease and a higher risk of heart problems or strokes and so keeping your mouth clean is really important. Good hygiene will also prevent bad breath and help to keep your smile looking healthy.

A great oral hygiene routine

A good daily oral hygiene routine will help to protect your teeth and gums and keep your teeth gleaming. All you need is 5 minutes a day to give your oral health a massive boost. We recommend brushing twice, every day, for at least 2 minutes in the morning when you wake and 2 minutes in the evening after a meal. It’s important to reach into the corners and to brush every surface of every tooth when you clean your teeth and to make sure you brush for long enough. If you think you aren’t brushing for long enough, you can buy a brush with a timer, set a timer on your phone or watch or even brush along to a song.

In addition to brushing, flossing is really important. Flossing involves passing dental tape, known as floss, through the gaps between the teeth and it helps to target areas that trap food, such as the gum line and the narrow gaps between the teeth.

Dental hygiene sessions

We highly recommend our dental hygienists and encourage al our patients to see a hygienist on a regular basis. Hygiene treatments are intensive and they give the mouth a really thorough clean. Not only will you teeth look and feel amazing, but your risk of decay and gum disease will also be lowered.

Remember To Floss Away the Days Bacteria in LS1

Wednesday, May 28th, 2014

510441_blogMost people find the time to brush their teeth every day, but flossing is much less common. Surveys show that most people do not floss as frequently as recommended. Failing to floss could increase your risk of bad breath, cavities and gum disease. If you’re unsure how to floss, our hygienists and dentists will be happy to show you; flossing can make a massive difference to your oral health, as well as the look of your smile.

About flossing

Flossing involves using dental floss to clean the gaps between the teeth and the gum line; it is not painful and it doesn’t take long. It’s important to floss because you can’t clean all the areas of your mouth with a brush. The bristles of the brush can’t fit in the cracks between your teeth and it can be tricky to brush along the gum line properly. With floss, you can ensure you cover the areas you missed when you were brushing and this helps to prevent bacteria from lingering in your mouth.

If bacteria gather in your mouth, they join forces with leftover food particles and form plaque, which is very troublesome for your teeth and gums. Plaque is the sticky white film, which you can sometimes feel and see on your teeth when you first wake up in the morning; it can be removed really easily by brushing or flossing, but if it’s left, it can cause decay and gum disease.

How to floss

When you have your piece of dental floss, hold it between your thumb and fingers and guide it through the cracks between your teeth. Pass the floss through gently and never pull at it, as this can make your gums sore. Try to use a new piece of floss for every corner of the mouth and floss every day. If you have any questions or you can’t seem to get the hang of flossing, ask your dentist.

If you notice bleeding when you floss, this may be indicative of gum disease. If you are flossing for the first time, it is common for the gums to bleed, but if you’re used to flossing and you notice that your gums are bleeding, arrange to see your dentist so that they can check your gums.

Banish That Bad Breath Bacteria In The Centre Of Leeds

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

758140_blogBad breath is a common problem, which can affect patients of all ages. The medical name for bad breath is halitosis. If you suffer from bad breath, there is no need to be embarrassed or ashamed; we are here to help and we’ll have you beaming with confidence in no time!

Causes of bad breath

There are many causes of bad breath, from smoking and eating spicy and strong foods, to taking some forms of medication, but most cases are associated with poor oral hygiene. Neglecting brushing and flossing leads to a build-up of bacteria inside the mouth and when these bacteria combine with food debris and saliva, this forms plaque, a leading cause of gum disease and decay. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth release acids and gases, which smell unpleasant and this is why you suffer from bad breath. It is particularly common for bad breath to be caused by bacteria collecting on the tongue.

What can you do to battle bad breath?

Good oral hygiene will drastically reduce your risk of suffering from bad breath, as it helps to prevent bacteria from gathering in your mouth. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash can really help to keep your breath smelling fresh.

Chewing sugar-free gum can also help to prevent bad breath, especially if you find that you suffer after eating.

If you have persistent bad breath, we recommend seeing a dental hygienist, who can provide intensive cleaning treatment to banish bacteria, remove plaque and give your mouth a really thorough clean. Hygienists have experience in treating bad breath and they can help to solve the immediate problem, as well as preventing halitosis in the future. As well as providing hygiene treatments, we can also offer advice about oral hygiene at home.

Good Grief! Gum Disease Can Be A Thing Of The Past In Heartland Leeds

Friday, April 11th, 2014

863081_blogGum disease is a condition, which affects thousands of people in the UK, but with good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, we can make sure that you are not one of the statistics. The good thing about gum disease is that it is completely preventable and we firmly believe that prevention is always a better option than cure.

Gum disease is most commonly caused by plaque, a sticky substance, which forms when bacteria combine with food debris and saliva. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become swollen, sore and tender. Bleeding from the gums is usually the first sign people notice. The best way to prevent plaque from developing in the mouth is to clean the teeth regularly and floss; when you brush your teeth, you remove bacteria and leftover bits of food from your mouth and this prevents harmful bacteria from gathering around the teeth and gums. Flossing is also essential because it targets areas, such as the gaps between the teeth, which cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush.

Treating gum disease

If you already have signs of gum disease, there is no need to panic; we can help! Our dentists work with highly trained dental hygienists to treat and manage gum disease and to reduce symptoms and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In cases of advanced gum disease, treatment usually takes a long time and involves repeat hygiene sessions. The most common treatments used for periodontal disease include scale and polish and root planning, which is designed to clean beneath the gum line.

The City of Leeds loves it Flossing

Thursday, January 2nd, 2014

357249_blogNo-one would deny the benefits of brushing your teeth with a good brush and paste in Leeds, as it is essential to remove any bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth left by food and drink, thus preventing and outbreak of plaque. However, brushes are not the tool to use to get in deep and personal with your teeth; they are just too big and clumsy to get inside intricate areas like between the teeth and around the gums. This is why it is important to back up your brushing with flossing. Dental floss is cheap to buy and you will find it in most major outlets, but you need to find one that suits your teeth, so try a few out first until you are happy because they come in many sizes and guises; you can even buy some floss that is already set up on small harps- again you can buy a bag of these for peanuts. Once you are ready to go, you now have to learn how to weave the floss between your teeth and up around your gums. One of the best ways to do this is to practise in front of the mirror over and over again until you can do it with your eyes shut. Flossing will remove foodstuffs that get lodged in these tricky areas and prevent the build up of plaque and tartar and if you finish all of this off with a plaque-busting mouthwash, you will be on top of your oral hygiene game.

 

Flossing with joy in Leeds

Friday, December 6th, 2013

357249_blogIf you really want to look after your teeth and your gums in Leeds, you have to work at it like anything in life, and caring for your oral hygiene can help you live a healthy and long life. As you grow up, brushing your teeth is taught early on and you rely on your parents to teach you to do the basics with you, supplying you with the right brush and paste. The older you get though, the more you should work harder with your hygiene and embrace other products in your daily routine, products such as dental floss. Normal brushing is okay, but it is always good to back it up with flossing and if you learn to do it right, it can help to keep your teeth clear of foodstuffs that can harbour bacteria, promote plaque, gum disease and tooth decay. Finding the right floss at first can be a little trial and error, but you have to continue to experiment in order to maintain a high level of oral hygiene. Flosses come in all shapes and sizes but find a good one that suits your mouth and then learn to use it. Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist for advice either and then practise using them. The more you get the hang of dental floss, the more you will be looking after your oral health.