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Posts Tagged ‘gum disease’

Gum Disease: Get It Sorted Before It’s Too Late In Leeds

Wednesday, July 30th, 2014

3520145_blogAt City Dental it’s our job to make sure you have beautiful, bright teeth and healthy gums and we are big fan of the motto ‘prevention is better than cure’. With gum disease, it’s really important to treat symptoms early because this disease is progressive and it can result in permanent damage to the mouth and even tooth loss.

Gum disease is preventable, yet it causes more adults to lose teeth prematurely in the UK than any other condition. We have a very simple plan in place to encourage patients to take good care of their teeth and gums and we strongly advise patients to maintain good oral hygiene at home, keep an eye on what they eat and drink and see their dentist for regular check-ups. These simple steps can make a massive difference to oral health and help you to ward off decay and gum disease.

Spotting the signs

Common symptoms of gum disease include bleeding, sore and swollen gums. Most people first notice their gums bleeding when they brush their teeth. The gums may also look very red and they may be tender.

When should I see a dentist?

If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should ring and arrange to see your dentist. It is always better to get checked out than take a risk, as gum disease can get worse very quickly and advanced gum disease, known as periodontal disease, causes irreversible damage to the gums and supportive bone tissue beneath.

If you have any questions about gum disease, or you’ve noticed blood when you brush your teeth, call and book an appointment with one of our expert dentists today.

Is Your Day Blowing Hot And Cold? Get Treatment For Sensitivity

Thursday, July 17th, 2014

3534882_blogTooth sensitivity is a very common problem and with the sun shining and many people looking forward to enjoying ice creams, iced coffees and lollies, it’s the perfect time to get your sensitive teeth sorted. If you suffer pain when you sip on a hot drink, you wince when you bite into an apple or your teeth throb after polishing off a knickerbocker glory, there are things you can do to ease the pain and prevent sensitivity in the future.

What causes sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel becomes thin or worn and the dentin section of the tooth is exposed; this is the part of the tooth, which contains the nerves and blood vessels and this is why you feel pain when your teeth come into contact with something hot or cold. There are various causes of enamel wear, but the most common is acid erosion; this occurs when you eat acidic foods or you eat sugary foods, which prompt bacteria to release plaque acids. These acids gradually wear down the enamel, exposing the dentin and increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.

What can be done for sensitivity?

There are some simple measures you can take to avoid pain associated with sensitivity, including using a straw and cutting up fruit, rather than biting straight into an apple or pear, for example; however, there are longer term solutions available. Sensitive toothpaste is specially designed to protect the tooth enamel, as well as providing relief for tooth pain, and it can really help.

If you have sensitivity, this may be indicative of decay and we advise arranging a check-up with your dentist. If you have a cavity, we can place a filling to reduce the risk of damage to the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading through the tooth.

Heavenly Hygienists Can Help In LS1

Thursday, July 3rd, 2014

658156_blogWhen it comes to keeping dental diseases at bay and ensuring your smile looks bright, clean and glossy, our hygienists have got it nailed. Our expert hygienists are on hand to provide advice, administer preventative treatments and help with the management of existing oral health problems, such as gum disease. We recommend our heavenly hygienists to everyone; even patients with beautifully clean and healthy teeth can benefit from a regular trip to the hygienist.

What do dental hygienists do?

Dental hygienists carry out a number of important roles at the practice, from providing younger patients with preventative treatments and offering advice about nutrition, oral hygiene and giving up smoking, to providing intensive cleaning treatments and helping our dentists with the treatment and management of advanced gum disease.

Dental hygienists are experts in oral hygiene and the treatments they provide are designed to clean the mouth thoroughly in a bid to prevent the spread of infection, ensure the teeth look bright and clean and reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

When should I see a dental hygienist?

It is now possible to book an appointment with a dental hygienist directly without a referral from a dentist and we encourage all our patients to visit a hygienist once a year. Hygienists provide powerful cleaning treatments, which remove bacteria and plaque from the mouth, polish the teeth and remove surface stains and cleanse the gums. You’ll be amazed at the difference just a short session with the hygienist can make to the way your teeth look and feel.

If you have a high risk of developing oral diseases or you have existing symptoms, it’s advisable to see a hygienist on a regular basis. Often, with cases of advanced gum disease, patients attend regular appointments with dentists and hygienists.

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.

How Can A Hygienist Help Me Here In Heartland Leeds?

Sunday, May 4th, 2014

585811_blogMany people are aware of the benefits of having a check-up every 6-9 months, but you may not be as familiar with the advantages of seeing a dental hygienist. Our amazing hygienists offer a wide range of treatments and services and regular sessions can be highly beneficial for all patients, including those who already have good oral health.

How could a hygienist help me?

If you have gum disease, you are at risk of developing gum disease or you have issues such as bad breath or staining, seeing a dental hygienist on a regular basis is extremely beneficial. Your hygienist will be able to provide you with cleaning treatments, which are much more powerful than brushing at home and this removes stubborn stains, plaque and tartar to reduce the risk of gum disease progressing and treat halitosis.

Even if you already have good oral health and there are no signs of decay or gum disease, you can still benefit from seeing a dental hygienist. Cleaning treatments will reduce your risk of developing oral health issues, keep your teeth lovely and clean and remove surface stains, which can build up even if you are very diligent with your oral hygiene regime at home.

Hygienist treatments

Hygienists offer a range of different treatments, including cleaning treatments, preventative treatments and information and education about oral hygiene, healthy eating and diet, giving up smoking and children’s oral health.

The most common treatment for issues such as bad breath and plaque and tartar formation is a scale and polish; this removes deposits from the teeth and gum line and cleans the teeth to give them a healthy looking glow.

Preventative treatments are often recommended for children and include fluoride varnish and fissure sealant treatment, both of which are designed to lower the risk of decay. Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent preventable diseases in children and these are safe, simple, painless and quick measures that can really help to protect the teeth. Fluoride strengthens the enamel, while fissure sealant treatment creates a protective barrier between the tooth and food debris and bacteria; the sealant prevents these from getting stuck in the tiny pits and cracks on the tooth surface.

Don’t Dismiss Those Bleeding Gums And Seek A Solution With A Leeds Dentist

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014

2839654_blogIf you’ve watched television of late you may have noticed adverts warning about the dangers of bleeding gums and we encourage all our patients to look out for signs of gum disease. The advert states that you wouldn’t ignore bleeding from any other part of your body, so why ignore your gums and this is a useful message. The problem with gum disease is that it gets worse the longer it is left untreated and eventually causes irreversible damage in your mouth.

Gum disease is preventable, but that doesn’t stop it from being extremely common. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among British adults. It is easy to prevent gum disease with good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices, but it is also important to be aware of the warning signs, so that you are able to act quickly.

If you have bleeding gums, this may be nothing to worry about, but it’s always best to see your dentist and get checked out. If you do have early signs of gum disease, your dentist can treat it before it gets any worse and causes permanent damage. Other signs to look out for include swollen, tender and red gums. Most people tend to notice bleeding when they brush their teeth.

City Dental dentists and dental hygienists work together to treat gum disease and free you from pain as quickly as possible. As well as providing hygiene treatments, they can also offer advice about oral hygiene and giving up smoking. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease.

When In Doubt Go For A LS1 Check-Up

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014

585811_blogRoutine dental check-ups are beneficial for patients of all ages and ideally, you should see your dentist every 6-9 months. The importance of check-ups should not be underestimated, as they provide your dentist with an opportunity to identify changes in your mouth, pick up any potential warning signs and have a chat with you about your general health and wellbeing and find out if you’ve been having any troubles with your teeth.

Check-ups only take a few minutes and they are nothing to worry about; they are painless and there are no needles, injections or drills involved. During a check-up, your dentist will look around your mouth, check your teeth, tongue and gums and give your teeth a quick clean and polish. Any changes will be jotted down in your dental notes and your dentist will talk you through any problems and discuss further treatment if this is necessary.

Check-ups are part of the preventative approach, but if you notice symptoms, such as bleeding gums and sensitivity, or you experience toothache, you should arrange to see your dentist to get these checked out. Even if you’re recently had a dental check or you have another appointment booked within the next few months, it is advisable to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, so that your dentist can examine your mouth and check for issues. The earlier decay and gum disease are treated, the better.

How Does a Sonicare Toothbrush Work Its Magic in the Heartland of Leeds?

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

3943593_blogTeeth cleaning is so important and we recommend using a Sonicare electric toothbrush to keep plaque and dental problems at bay.

The Sonicare range offers brushes for all budgets and is clinically proven to remove plaque effectively, deep clean the gum line and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. The brushes are easy to use and they boast impressive features, including built-in times and smart technology.

Brushing tips

Brushing the teeth removes bacteria and food debris from the mouth, as well as polishing the teeth to make them glossy and shiny. If bacteria are allowed to collect in the mouth, it can join with saliva and leftover food deposits to form plaque, the main risk factor for gum disease and decay.

When brushing, it’s important to make sure you cover all four quadrants of the mouth and angle the brush head to ensure you clean along the gum line. Using inter-dental brushes or dental floss will enable you to clean between your teeth effectively, which is very hard to do with a toothbrush. Ideally, you should brush for at least 2-3 minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If your toothbrush doesn’t have a timer and you’re worried that you’re not brushing for long enough, try brushing along to your favourite song!

We are always happy to recommend products and help with brushing and flossing. If you have any questions, just give one of your dentists or dental hygienists a shout and they will be able to advise you.

In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing or using inter-dental brushes, seeing a dental hygienist for regular cleaning treatments is also really beneficial for your oral health. Hygienists provide a very deep clean to rid your mouth of bacteria and banish surface stains from your teeth.

The grief of Gum Disease in the City of Leeds

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014

2591127_blogMake no mistake about it, gum disease can be a killer and unless you fight it on all fronts, it could be the death of you in the future in Leeds. You see, this condition is a direct result of you being flippant with your diet, your lifestyle and your oral hygiene and if it gets a hold, it is very difficult to tackle. If you find your gums are bleeding or weeping, get to your dentist ASAP and get treated; and whilst there ask for advice. You will have to turn your life around; change your ways and improve your lifestyle- certainly improve your oral hygiene. Bring in herbal remedies as they are good for tackling gum disease, and massage you gums each day, as this will promote blood flow. If you care to ignore this problem, good luck; it will lead to tooth loss, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Whilst the disease is doing a number on your gums, it is leaking toxins into your bloodstream which will be fed and deposited in all of your vital organs- especially the heart. In time these too will become diseased and in the end they will simply give up the ghost and fail….do you really need any other reasons to fight gum disease and look after your teeth and gums?