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Posts Tagged ‘Oral hygiene Leeds’

Our Hygiene Therapists Offer Oral Health Tips

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016

2823674_blogIf you have healthy teeth, you may never have considered visiting a dental hygienist, but an annual hygiene session could help to ensure you stay free from oral diseases for years to come. Our amazing dental hygienists offer a wide range of hygiene services in addition to expert advice, which could help you to achieve better oral health and a brighter, whiter smile.

What do hygienists do?

Dental hygienists are a very important part of our dental team and they provide a range of services designed to prevent and treat dental problems, including bad breath, decay and gum disease. Using powerful cleaning techniques, the latest technology and preventative treatments, our hygienists can make a real difference to your oral health.

Hygienists are not just there to treat existing problems and seeing a hygienist on a regular basis is really good for your teeth, even if you have good oral health. As well as providing intensive cleaning treatments and curative measures to ease symptoms of oral disease, our hygienists are also here to pass on expert advice and help patients to make positive oral health decisions.

Oral health tips

Our excellent dental hygienists are always available to offer oral health tips, whether you need help with your brushing technique, you’re not sure which toothpaste to buy or you’d like support with giving up smoking.

Brushing, flossing and inter-dental cleaning: brushing, flossing and inter-dental cleaning are really important for good oral health, but it’s not enough to just brush your teeth twice a day and floss when you’ve got something lodged in your tooth. In order to protect your teeth from harmful oral bacteria, it’s beneficial to hone your brushing technique and ensure you get the most out of brushing every time. Our hygienists can show you how to brush and floss properly and also how to use inter-dental brushes.

Healthy lifestyle choices: sometimes, lifestyle choices have an impact on your oral and general health and our hygienists can help you to make positive choices in order to boost your oral health. Diet is particularly important and the foods you eat have a direct impact on your health. Seeing a hygienist can help you to identify potential problems with your diet and make it healthier for your teeth and gums. Smoking is another risk factor for oral health issues, especially gum disease, and we can offer guidance and support for those hoping to give up.

If you would like to book an appointment or learn more about our hygiene treatments, call us today!

Effective Tooth Brushing Techniques

Thursday, January 28th, 2016

464425_blogBrushing 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.

How Does Oral Hygiene Affect the Rest of My Body?

Saturday, August 15th, 2015

2823674_blogMany 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.

 

How is a Sonicare Toothbrush Different to Any Other?

Wednesday, August 5th, 2015

iStock_000006052729XSmallWhen it comes to toothbrushes, it can be impossible to narrow down the hundreds of choices in pursuit of the perfect brush. If you’re looking for inspiration or want to replace your current brush, we recommend the Philips Sonicare Range.

What’s so good about Sonicare?

The development of Sonicare brushes is based on many years of research. These brushes offer exceptional levels of cleaning power. The range is proven to remove plaque and provide your teeth with a deep clean and polish that leaves them feeling smooth and looking sparkly.

Sonicare offers a range of products catering for all budgets. All the brushes offer a host of impressive features as standard. If you’re after a brush that does everything, you can pay a little more for all the mod cons such as smart technology, varied brushing modes and a timer.

Brushing tips

The beauty of Sonicare brushes is that they do all the work for you. All you need to do is hold the brush handle and gently guide the head around your teeth. Take care to angle the brush head to cover the gum line and individual surface of each tooth. There’s no need to put any extra effort into brushing as the brush oscillates quickly, producing a thorough clean.

We recommend brushing for at least two minutes in the morning and again in the evening. Some brushes come with an in-built timer, but you could set an alarm on your watch or phone to make sure you brush for long enough. We also recommend using fluoride toothpaste.

For advice about buying a Sonicare toothbrush, don’t hesitate to give us a call or pop in if you’re in Leeds.

Don’t Despair About Discoloration: We Can Make Your Smile Sparkle!

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

18625010If discolored are giving you grief or you suffer from a crisis of confidence every time your smile is in the spotlight, we can help. With our amazing hygiene and whitening treatments, we can have your smile sparkling in no time.

Oral hygiene treatments

Poor oral hygiene, smoking, wear and tear and diet can all cause the enamel to lose its natural whiteness and often a really good clean can make the world of difference. Intense cleaning can remove surface stains, making the teeth look whiter and brighter. If you have significant discolouration, a series of sessions may be recommended.

Whitening treatment

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time of your to give your smile a boost. With home whitening treatment, it’s never been easier to make your teeth sparkle. All you have to do is wear specially made whitening trays at home for six hours a day for around 14 days. These trays are custom-made based on impressions of your teeth and they contain bleaching agent, which lightens the shade of the teeth when it comes into contact with the enamel coating. In just 14 days, your teeth will be noticeably brighter and whiter and the results will last for a long time.

One of the biggest draws of home whitening is the simplicity of the process. This form of treatment is also really flexible, so you can fit it in really easily around your daily schedule. Many patients find it easier to wear their trays during the night and then treatment has no bearing on their work or social commitments.

If you’re eager to show off a whiter smile this spring, call now and let’s get started!

How to Get into a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

Saturday, March 7th, 2015

iStock_000006052729XSmallNothing 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.

How we Banish Bad Breath for Good

Thursday, March 5th, 2015

429735_blogBad breath is a problem that affects most of us from time to time. However, if you suffer from bad breath on a persistent basis it can take its toll and make social and professional situations awkward and embarrassing. If you suffer with bad breath, there’s no need to panic. With our excellent hygiene treatments and expert advice, we can banish bad breath for good and ensure you feel confident when you go on a date, arrange a meeting or take to the stage for an important presentation.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by bacteria in the mouth releasing gases that have a very unpleasant smell. Most cases are linked to poor oral hygiene, but there may be other triggers such as eating strongly flavoured foods, taking some types of medication and smoking.

If you neglect your oral hygiene regime, bacteria gather and multiply and when they feed they release unpleasant smelling gases. The longer they are left, the worse the odour. Brushing, flossing and rinsing help to remove bacteria and ensure the mouth smells fresh and clean.

Tackling bad breath

If bad breath is a problem that haunts you on a regular basis, we recommend good oral hygiene and regular dental sessions. Initially, we will examine the mouth and check for underlying causes. We will give the mouth a thorough clean and then discuss treatment options with you. We may advise regular sessions with our hygienists to keep bacteria at bay and cleanse the mouth. We can also offer advice about maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home and help with brushing and flossing effectively.

If there are certain triggers that make the situation worse, we can help you deal with these. This may include avoiding spicy food or strong flavours such as garlic or coffee and changing the type of medication you take, if this is applicable.

If bad breath is getting you down, don’t suffer in silence! Call us today.

Which foods are best to avoid for good oral health in Central Leeds?

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014

293756_blogYou may be used to your dentist telling you about how important it is to brush your teeth twice a day, but what about your diet? As well as oral hygiene, the foods you eat can also have a major impact on your oral health and no amount of brushing will be able to save your teeth if you consume excessive amounts of foods that are ‘bad’ for your teeth. Sugar is the number one enemy for the teeth, as it causes bacteria in your mouth to produce acids, known as plaque acids, which erode the enamel. Although enamel is the hardest substance in the body, there is a limit to how many attacks it can withstand and eventually, it can become thin and worn. Most people are aware that their favourite treats, like doughnuts, biscuits and chocolate bars, are laden with sugar, but you may be surprised to find out that sports drinks, fruit juice and shop-bought smoothies, can also be packed full of sugar. Another problem food is starchy carbohydrates, such as crisps, for example; carbohydrates are broken down into sugars, so they have the same effect as simple sugars and foods like crisps also tend to cling to the enamel and get stuck in the pits in the biting surfaces of the teeth. Drinking certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, red and white wine, can also contribute to discolouration of the teeth, so it’s best to avoid these if you are determined to keep your pearly whites clean and bright.

 

 

Which toothpaste and toothbrush should I use for sparkling teeth in LS1?

Sunday, February 23rd, 2014

464425_blogPop into any supermarket or chemist to grab a new toothbrush or a tube of toothpaste and a 1-minute job could easily become a much more time-consuming task; if you’ve spent any time at all in the dental aisle, you’ll be aware that there are hundreds of different products to choose from, from kid’s toothpaste and coloured brushes, to sophisticated smart technology brushes and toothpastes, which claim to whiten your teeth by several shades. So, where do you start and which products do you go for? The answer is different for different patients; there are some products that are geared towards specific markets, while some products will benefit some patients much more than others. If you have sensitive teeth, for example, investing in toothpaste that is designed to reduce sensitivity and strengthen the enamel, is hugely beneficial. Children’s products are great for younger patients, as they tend to be more visually appealing, as well as easy to use and tasty in the case of toothpastes. Generally speaking, electric toothbrushes are better than manual brushes because they are much more powerful and this enables them to clean the teeth and remove plaque more effectively. If you have any questions or concerns about oral hygiene products, it is a good idea to speak to your dentist or dental hygienist, as they can recommend products based on your oral health status and your needs.

 

Oral hygiene tips to make your smile glow!

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

357249_blogMany people assume that they need to see a dentist for professional whitening treatment to achieve a glowing smile, but you can actually make a massive difference to the look of your teeth by maintaining good oral hygiene and steering clear of things that discolour your teeth. Oral hygiene is really important for your oral health, but is also has a bearing on the aesthetic of your teeth. Regular cleaning helps to keep the enamel strong and gives your teeth a radiant, smooth finish, if the enamel becomes worn, the dentin becomes visible and this is yellow in colour. Your diet can also have an influence on the colour and strength of your teeth. Foods which are strongly coloured, such as coffee and red wine, can contribute to discolouration, as can acidic drinks, such as white wine. Acidic foods and drinks erode the enamel, causing it to become thinner. When brushing, take care to cover all areas of your mouth and devote equal time to each corner of the mouth; try to angle your brush so that you are able to cover the gum line, as well as the chewing and biting surfaces of the teeth and avoid brushing too hard, as this can damage the enamel. In addition to brushing, it’s important to floss, as this helps you to clean between the teeth. You can also ask your dentist about using inter-dental brushes, which are tiny brushes, specifically designed to clean the cracks between the teeth. If after heeding all this advice, you still want to inject a bit of extra sparkle into your smile, whitening could be the answer.