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Posts Tagged ‘gums’

Leeds dentists tell patients that certain herbal remedies might be beneficial for their gums

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

It is well known that a number of herbs can be used for medicinal purposes in various cases. Leeds dentists are also now telling patients that some herbs can be useful in combatting gum disease. Far from being a trifling matter, and in no way of secondary importance behind dental decay, gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss and can cause much pain and inconvenience.
Of course there is no substitute for good brushing and flossing to remove plaque but here are some of the substances which can help combat the effects of gum disease: sage, peppermint and basil. These three herbs are all commonly available in many forms and are thought to be of help when it comes to gingivitis. One can even purchase tooth paste which contains them.
Less common are substances such as calendula, extract of grapefruit and Echinacea. Rubbing these straight into the gums can help to relieve any symptoms of gingivitis like swelling and reddening. Similar properties can be found in clove and aloe vera but dentists warn that the direct application of any of these herbs can be too aggressive for some gums. It is best to seek advice about using these direct remedies.
These herbal solutions can be a great help in relieving the symptoms of gum disease but they do not address the causes. Remember that gum disease is caused by plaque being left on the gum line of teeth and the best way to avoid gingivitis and periodontitis is to brush rigorously and floss between your teeth too.

Brushing Your Teeth In Central Leeds

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

From a young age, we are brainwashed into the importance of brushing our teeth and how to do it. But is there a correct way of brushing? Well not exactly, according to a dentist in central Leeds. Every mouth is different and should be brushed according to our individual requirements. Caring for our teeth has become big business and we’re bombarded with options when it comes to brushing. But the best place to start is with your dentist- they will be able to evaluate your teeth’s requirements, brushes, toothpaste and even how to brush your teeth correctly. Starting with brushes- generally a soft brush will suffice for the removal of plaque and a smaller head will enable to reach those more difficult areas. Handles, grip and head angles are all designed to allow you better access to your teeth and maintain hygiene. Electric brushes do the work for you- especially if you have limited movement in your hands. Then we have the choice of toothpastes. Most products come recommended- but some are designed for specific uses such as whitening or sensitive teeth. When it comes to brushing, a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be placed on the brush and then it’s generally considered that you should start at the inside of the teeth, working off the gums, front to back- the same method being applied to the outside of the teeth. The teeth should then be flossed to ensure the full removal of foodstuff and plaque. Chewing dental gum can aid brushing, as can rinsing with a suitable mouthwash.

Get Your Dentures from the Best Dentist in Leeds

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Humans have made use of dentures for a very long time now, with people in ancient times using a variety of animal and human teeth to take the place of the ones they have lost. Thankfully, one does not have to go through all that trouble these days, and it is very easy for a person who has lost some or all teeth to get a replacement set from a dentist.
Most people believe that dentures are necessary only to improve the physical appearance of the wearer. There is no doubt that they achieve this aim very well. The false teeth available today look very realistic and one can barely make them out to be artificial since they fit better and have a very natural colour. They also fill out the cheeks of the person wearing them, which gives them a youthful appearance, as opposed to the hollow cheeked look that happens as a result of tooth loss.
They help the wearer eat certain types of food that cannot be chewed only by the gums. The other advantage of wearing these false teeth is that they fill up all the gaps on the jaw, thereby preventing bacteria from settling there and causing infections and bad breath.
As a person living in Leeds, you have the option of going to dental practices that have all the equipment and expertise for giving you the best treatment. You will walk out with a brand new set of teeth that will look extremely natural.

City of Leeds dentist advises how to keep gums healthy

Friday, June 4th, 2010

The health of your teeth is very important. Just ask anyone who has suffered the pain of serious toothache or losing a tooth to infection. Cleaning with brushing and flossing is very important to remove plaque and keep your teeth safe from cavities and other dental traumas such as tooth abscesses. But it is important not to ignore the health of your gums, as these can be just as important to your overall oral health.

Your gums are the soft tissue around the base of the teeth that hold the teeth in place. They also form a crucial aesthetic part of the teeth and smile. Gum tissue is just as susceptible to attack from bacteria and plaque as the teeth themselves and if not cared for properly will result in painful gum disease.

In its mild form, gum disease is known as gingivitis. This is characterised by a redness or soreness of the gums, and maybe some small bleeding. Gingivitis is relatively easily dealt with by improving your standards of oral hygiene and making an appointment with a City of Leeds dentist. However, if the problem is not addressed in time it can transform into the more serious periodontitis, which is a lot harder to treat and a lot more painful. Treatment for periodontal disease may involve antibiotics, tissue removal or even a stay in hospital and tooth removal.

Gums can be cleaned easily each day by angling the toothbrush towards them as you brush your teeth. Flossing around the base of the teeth will also prevent inflammation and infection. Ask your dentist for advice on how best to look after your gums and tips on what to do and what not to do to keep them in the best possible shape.

Central Leeds dentist explains why you should be flossing daily

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Central Leeds dentists are always stressing the importance of flossing to all patients at dental check ups. This is because despite all the evidence that points to the benefits of flossing, there is still only a relatively small percentage of people who actually do it. Nearly everyone brushes their teeth, but many people are perhaps wrongly convinced that this enough.

Just what is it that makes flossing so important? Whereas brushing cleans the flat surfaces of the front and back of the teeth, removing plaque and bacteria that build up after eating, there are many areas in the teeth and around the gums that are very difficult to reach with a conventional brush. This particularly applies to the areas between the teeth and around the base of the teeth in the gap between the gums. These areas are very susceptible to attack from bacteria and plaque, which if not removed will eventually begin to erode the enamel and irritate the gum tissue.

If this is allowed to happen, tooth decay and gum disease will usually follow and this could result in a series of very nasty dental problems. These will then require treatment, which can be unpleasant and very expensive. By brushing, and importantly, flossing correctly every day for a few minutes, you could help to make this a significantly less likely possibility.

Flossing at least once a day with an appropriate floss will help to remove food particles stuck between the teeth. These are breeding grounds for bacteria and can also cause unpleasant bad breath. Flossing around the base of the teeth stimulates the gums and removes trapped food from the small pockets between the soft gum tissue and hard tooth enamel. Ask your dentist at your next appointment about the importance of flossing and ask them to demonstrate the correct technique to avoid damaging your gums.

Tips on taking good acre of your teeth from City of Leeds dentist

Monday, April 5th, 2010

924884_blogYou should never take your teeth for granted. It is important to keep up good standards of oral health and report any problems to your dentist as soon as possible. Here are some tips on taking good care of your teeth.

You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least three minutes using an appropriate brush, ideally after main meals. You should use a soft bristled brush as it is better for your gums and more effective for removing plaque from flat surfaces. Hold the brush at a slight angle to the teeth pointing towards the gums for maximum cleaning potential. It is important that your gums get clean as well as your teeth but remember not to brush too hard. Toothbrushes get worn out so remember to replace yours every three or four months. Your dentist may also recommend that you use an electric toothbrush as these can be more effective.

Brushing can’t reach all the spaces in the mouth, especially the smaller gaps between the teeth and between teeth and gums. This is why it is so important to floss at least once a day. This helps to remove plaque and small food particles from between the teeth. If you have trouble flossing your teeth you could try using s waxed floss which could make it easier and always remember to floss the back teeth as well as the front, even if it is more difficult.

Finally, always remember to report problems to your dentist as soon as you notice them. Early treatment is better fro al forms of dental treatment and outing it off could make the difference between effective treatment and unpleasant dental procedures. See your City of Leeds dentist every six months and you will be able to keep on top of any dental problems that arise.

City of Leeds dentist restores smile with dentures

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

It can be very embarrassing for people who have lost some or all of their teeth but there is a solution. A denture, or partial denture, is a set of artificial teeth that fit around the gums giving the appearance of a full and healthy set. There are many reasons why people have lost their teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease are usually the main cause, but other patients lose teeth in car accidents and other incidents that involve head trauma.

It is very important to replace missing teeth, even if it is only one or two, because teeth act as rigid supports for facial muscles. When teeth are missing, the facials muscles begin to sag, giving a sunken expression. Existing teeth begin to lean into spaces caused by missing teeth, which can have adverse effects on bite and profile which is difficult to reverse.

A set of dentures will not only restore the cosmetic appearance of healthy teeth but will also prevent any unwanted alteration to facial structure. Modern dentures are far superior to the dentures of the past in terms of strength and appearance. They are currently made from acrylic resin, but further advances in technology have seen the recent introduction of Valplast flexible dentures.

Dentures are often associated with the stigma of adhesive and the embarrassment of them falling out at inopportune moments. Although some patients like to use adhesive for extra security, a good pair of dentures will be perfectly secure with only natural suction alone. If your dentures are falling out they may be too big and need adjustment. Likewise, dentures that cause irritation to the gums are likely to be too small.

Dentures can be a perfectly acceptable substitute for natural teeth if measured and fitted correctly. If kept clean, like real teeth, they will last a long time. Dentures can be cleaned with regular toothbrushes and should be left out over night in water to allow the gums a chance to recover. A City of Leeds dentist will be able to measure and fit a lifelike set of dentures that can restore your smile and prevent missing teeth causing you any further embarrassment.