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Posts Tagged ‘Oral health City of Leeds’

The Link Between Oral Health and General Health Problems

Friday, October 16th, 2020

Many people are aware of the damage a poor oral hygiene routine can do to their teeth and gums, but have you ever thought about the link between oral health and general health? Many dentists describe the mouth as a window to the rest of the body and often, problems in the mouth reflect underlying general health conditions. There is also a significant body of evidence to support the notion that oral health issues increase the risk of general health problems.

Oral and general health

Numerous studies have established a link between oral and general health and the consensus is that looking after your teeth and gums can really make a difference to your general health. One of the most significant findings of research studies in this area is the potential connection between gum health and general health. Several studies have now established a link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart problems and strokes. Experts believe that harmful bacteria from the mouth can travel around the body via the bloodstream. This can trigger an inflammatory effect, contributing to a heightened risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Studies have also shown that poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of oral cancer and there is evidence to support a link between missing teeth and gum disease and a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. People with gum disease are also more likely to suffer from diabetes.

Ways to boost oral and general health

If you’re eager to enjoy good oral and general health, here are some simple steps to follow:

maintain good oral hygiene at home
eat a healthy diet, which moderates sugary, processed and fatty foods
see your dentist every six months
be aware of your mouth – look out for changes and see your dentist if you have symptoms including swelling, toothache, sensitivity and bleeding gums
drink plenty of water
drink alcohol in moderation
avoid smoking

Tags: general health, Oral health Central Leeds, Oral health City of Leeds, oral health leeds
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Which Lifestyle Factors are Harming Your Dental Health?

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016

No one wants to have poor dental health. People who are conscious of their teeth follow various oral hygiene steps to make sure that their teeth are doing well. However, even if you brush your teeth, floss and visit your dentist regularly, you can still have bad dental health if your lifestyle includes smoking, using other tobacco products and even sleeplessness.

Smoking

All the effects of smoking are negative. Most people are aware of only few of the medical conditions, such as lung cancer, strokes and heart diseases caused by the use of tobacco. But there are quite a few dental conditions caused by smoking. Tooth discoloration, bad breath, build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, gum disease, oral cancer and many more are all caused by smoking. Regular smokers have a very high chance of developing gum disease, as the tobacco in cigarettes weakens the attachment between the soft tissue and the bone. It is also interferes with the regular functions of the cells in the gums. This interference increases the risk of periodontal diseases.

Sleeping disorders

Sleeping disorders can also cause many dental conditions, since they weaken the immune system. We use our mouth to eat food, drink water and talk. However, every time we open our mouth, germs and bacteria are ready to get in and cause infection. The immune system of our body constantly fights these bacteria and allows us to lead a healthy life. People get sick because their immune system had lost the battle with harmful bacteria, virus or germs, due to inadequate strength. Therefore, apart from cleaning the mouth regularly and eating fresh fruit full of vitamins, it is also important to give your body a proper rest everyday in order to keep your immune system strong.

Sweets and treats

Even if you brush your teeth every day, it is important to brush your teeth after having sweets or carbonated drinks. This is because both sugar and acid stay active for at least one hour after you have them. Both sugar and acid will team up with the bacteria present in the plaque to produce harmful bacteria, which in turn will slowly eat away the enamel and make your teeth susceptible to various dental conditions.

Tags: Dental health Central Leeds, dental health Leeds, Oral health Central Leeds, Oral health City of Leeds
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Effective Tooth Brushing Techniques

Thursday, January 28th, 2016

Brushing your teeth is essential for good oral health and it also helps to reduce your risk of suffering from general health problems. Brushing is important because it removes plaque from the mouth. Plaque is a sticky white film made from food particles and bacteria and it clings to the tooth enamel. Plaque is a major cause of gum disease and decay and if it is left to collect, it hardens, becoming tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing.

Once plaque collects in the mouth, there is a risk of cavities, decay and gum disease. Research has also shown that as well as causing gum disease, harmful bacteria can also increase your risk of serious medical conditions, including heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

How should I brush my teeth?

Most people think that there is no real technique to brushing your teeth and simply holding your brush against your teeth will suffice. However, perfecting your brushing technique will make a big difference to your oral health. Here are some tips for brushing your teeth:

Use a brush with a small head with soft or medium bristles

Hold the brush at an angle and cover all surfaces of the tooth

Remember to brush along the gum line

Brush every tooth and spend equal amounts of time on each quadrant of the mouth

Use an electric toothbrush (they are proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes)

How long should I brush my teeth for?

You should aim to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. If you have difficulty brushing for the recommended time, try buying a toothbrush with a built-in timer or brushing along to your favourite song. You can also download apps that time you when you are brushing.

Which toothbrush should I use?

We recommend using an electric toothbrush because they are proven to remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes. Our friendly team at City Dental in Leeds will be happy to recommend toothbrushes, toothpaste and other oral hygiene products.

Tags: good oral hygiene, Oral health City of Leeds, Oral hygiene Leeds, tooth brushing Leeds
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Excellent Oral Health is a Must No Matter How Old You Are!

Friday, January 22nd, 2016

As a senior citizen you have every right to receive an impeccable standard of professional dental healthcare. After all, your mouth and teeth are a prized possession. They have served you during years of eating, drinking and celebrating, helped you speak and sculpt the smile and personality everybody knows and loves you for. They deserve your time and attention.

According to a survey carried out by Help the Aged, more than a third of over 75’s fail to have a regular dental check-up, a disconcerting discovery given that the elderly are more at risk of developing mouth cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure as a result of poor oral hygiene.

Although most people now regularly brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, simply brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough to sustain adequate oral health. Read on to discover how to maintain the dental health care you truly deserve.

Why senior dental health is a problem

Senior dental health is an issue in Great Britain for several reasons. Firstly, more and more elderly people are now retaining their own teeth, which can lead to the development of gum diseases that can in turn lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and oral cancer. Secondly, we are more likely to develop dental problems as we get older and oral cancer mainly occurs in people over 40. Thirdly, a lack of mobility means that fewer senior citizens are attending their regular six monthly check-up with their dentist.

Tags: Oral health Central Leeds, Oral health City of Leeds, oral health leeds, senior dental health
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The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health

Thursday, October 15th, 2015

It has been confirmed at Hiroshima University in Japan that heart disease is strongly linked to oral hygiene. The idea of there being a correlation between the two has been debated in the past but the university study has proved there is a link.

According to the brain boffins of Hiroshima your chances of falling prey to a heart stroke are greatly increased if you have less than 24 teeth – almost 60% greater in fact – and are aged around 50 to 60.

The study was taken on 358 participants, all of whom were aged around 50 or 60 and strongly showed that those with 24 teeth or less had a 57% greater chance of having a heart stroke. Tooth loss is largely caused by gum disease and these finding have proved that those who regularly suffer from gum disease are at a much greater risk of heart problems as well as oral health problems, especially at an older age.

The doctors behind the research also discovered some other concerning issues while conducting the study. A large number of the people involved in the research had first begun to lose teeth around the age of 40, and given that the ages of those involved was between 50 and 60, many of the researchers expressed concern at the potential health problems and issues this entailed.

As well as the link to oral health, doctors are also emphasising the need to be aware of the effect of smoking, alcohol and obesity on the health of the heart and general healthy living is heavily encouraged to keep the heart in good condition and to avoid strokes and other heart diseases.

Tags: oral health and heart, Oral health Central Leeds, Oral health City of Leeds, oral health leeds
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How Does Oral Hygiene Affect the Rest of My Body?

Saturday, August 15th, 2015

Many dentists refer to the mouth as a window to the rest of the body and problems in the mouth can suggest issues in the body. In recent years, several studies have suggested a strong link between oral and general health, so it’s important to take good care of those teeth and gums.

Oral health and heart health

Research into the link between oral health and heart health is ongoing. Yet many studies have now connected oral health problems with an elevated risk of heart disease. This is especially true of gum disease. Researchers believe bacteria from the mouth can travel to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. This triggers an inflammatory response that increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A study in Scotland involving more than 11,000 adults revealed that you’re more likely to suffer from heart disease if you don’t brush your teeth twice daily.

Oral health and diabetes

If you have diabetes, your risk of developing oral health issues is increased. In many undiagnosed cases it is dentists who spot the warning signs of diabetes. Around one third of patients who have diabetes also suffer from periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease). The increased risk is due to poor control of blood sugars.

Oral health and pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about significant hormonal changes in the body. One effect is an increase in the risk of gum disease. Dentists advise all pregnant women to visit them on a regular basis and arrange a check-up if they notice warning signs such as bleeding and swollen gums. Studies have shown that untreated gum disease can cause complications during pregnancy and increase the risk of premature labour and even stillbirth.

Tags: Oral health Central Leeds, Oral health City of Leeds, Oral Hygiene Central Leeds, Oral hygiene Leeds
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Keep Your Mouth Happy with Oral Hygiene Checks

Tuesday, March 24th, 2015

Dental pain can really get you down, so why not make sure your mouth is happy with our oral hygiene checks? Good oral hygiene is the best form of attack against dental disease and a really effective means of ensuring your smile looks bright and beautiful. If you’re eager to maintain good oral health, now is the time to call and book an oral hygiene session.

Oral hygiene treatments

Our amazingly skilled dental hygienists offer a variety of treatments designed to treat and prevent dental diseases and problems such as gum disease, cavities, bad breath and plaque and tartar build-up. Regular oral hygiene sessions are not just beneficial for those at risk of dental disease or those with existing signs of dental problems. They are also effective for those with a clean bill of oral health as a preventative measure.

One really effective cleaning treatment is a scale and polish, which is designed to remove plaque from the teeth and gum line and polish the teeth to give them a lovely glossy shine. Scale and polish treatment doesn’t hurt and it makes a real difference to the feel of the mouth, as well as the look of the teeth. After treatment, your teeth will look bright and healthy and your mouth will feel fresh and clean.

We also offer preventative treatments for children, including fluoride varnish treatment and fissure sealant treatment. These simple procedures, which are completely painless, help to protect the teeth from decay.

Our hygienists work with our dentists to treat cases of gum disease and they can also help to advise about oral hygiene at home, giving up smoking, healthy food choices and preventing dental problems.

If you’d like to book a dental hygiene session for a spring clean for your pearly whites, simply call us or pop in and see us if you’re in Leeds.

Tags: Oral health Central Leeds, Oral health City of Leeds, Oral Hygiene Central Leeds, Oral Hygiene Routine
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How to Get into a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

Saturday, March 7th, 2015

Nothing sets you up for healthy, strong teeth and gums like a good oral hygiene routine. But what constitutes an effective regime and how can you improve oral hygiene at home?

Your daily oral hygiene routine

Ideally, you should spend around 5-6 minutes per day tending to your teeth and gums. This should include at least 2 minutes of brushing morning and evening and flossing or using inter-dental brushes. Brushing is really important because it cleans the teeth and removes bacteria and food debris. However, it is essential to back up rushing with inter-dental brushing or flossing, as these techniques clean the areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. When you’re brushing, use gentle circular movements and avoid brushing too hard. We recommend using a brush with a small head, so you can reach into the corners of the mouth.

If you struggle to brush for 2 minutes, try investing in an electric toothbrush with a timer, set a stopwatch on your phone or tablet or brush for the duration of a song.

How can I improve my oral hygiene routine?

If you think there are improvements to be made to your daily oral hygiene regime, we will be happy to help. Our dentists and dental hygienists can discuss what you’re currently doing and make recommendations to improve cleaning and help you to achieve a more effective result. We will be happy to advise you which products to buy and show you effective brushing and flossing techniques. We can also demonstrate how to use inter-dental brushes.

We also recommend regular sessions with our amazing dental hygienists in addition to routine check-ups.

Tags: Oral health City of Leeds, oral health leeds, Oral Hygiene Central Leeds, Oral hygiene Leeds
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Caring for your Oral Health in the City of Leeds

Friday, October 5th, 2012

You are going to overcome a lot of problems with your mouth in the city of Leeds, and the problems may multiply as you get older. However, if you do all you can at home to care for your oral hygiene and health; you will at least be giving your mouth a fighting chance. The first thing to do is ensure that you maintain a good, balanced diet so that you keep your immune system up and running, which will then help to keep your teeth and gums healthy as well. You must also try to keep the lid on more of your nastier habits like smoking and drinking as these are two of the biggest instigators of trouble in your mouth. But where you have to really excel is how you clean your teeth and gums on a daily basis. Getting the right tools are paramount in this so if you are having doubts about how you go about this, have a chat with your dentist at your next check-up and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The daily routine should include brushing, flossing and rinsing with a mouth-wash and without being patronizing, people still get this wrong. You should first practice in front of a mirror until you have got the perfect routine. By just spending a little time doing this each day can be the difference between you keeping or losing your teeth in the long run.

Tags: City of Leeds, healthy gums, oral health, Oral health City of Leeds
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It isn’t just about the brush in the City of Leeds

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

It would be a pretty safe gamble that most of us in the city of Leeds would consider a quick brush over in the morning and last thing at night, enough to keep the demons away from our teeth and gums. Well that could be a stake too far; caring for your teeth is not just about the brush. A big old brush will sort out the surface of the teeth, but it will not get into the places where the real terrors lurk, like between the teeth and around the gum line. Let’s not undermine brushing, but it is important to take oral hygiene to the next level. Food gets stuck in all areas of the mouth and a standard toothbrush will not do the job. Dental flosses have been a godsend in this area as you can weave the tape in the darkest areas of the mouth and remove all of the things that could cause you major complications in the future. Another back-up is inter-dental brushes- tiny little things that can slip between your teeth and remove any residue of food that may have embedded themselves. And finally, once you have done all of the above, there is nothing better than to throw a mouthwash into your mouth to rinse away any lingering problems.

Tags: City of Leeds, dental health, oral health, Oral health City of Leeds
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