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Posts Tagged ‘plaque’

Three Ways Plaque Harms Your Teeth

Sunday, August 30th, 2015

364999_blogPlaque is a major threat to healthy teeth and gums and studies show that it can also increase the risk of potentially serious general health conditions, but what exactly is plaque and how does it harm your teeth?

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky colourless substance, which constantly forms in your mouth. You can often feel plaque if you run your tongue over your teeth having not brushed them for a while, for example in the morning. Plaque is easily removed with good oral hygiene, but it can be very dangerous if left alone. Plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which cannot be removed by standard brushing. Plaque is the main cause of dental diseases, including decay and gum disease and the best way of avoiding it is to remember to brush twice a day every day and keep on top of inter-dental cleaning, either by using inter-dental brushes or dental floss.

How does plaque harm the teeth?

Here are 3 ways plaque harms your teeth:

  1. Decay: plaque is the most common cause of tooth decay, a dental disease, which causes cavities to form in the outer layers of the teeth. The bacteria present in plaque released acids when they feed and this causes erosion of the enamel; once the enamel is worn, it is very hard to rebuild and the tooth is vulnerable to infection and injury.
  2. Gum disease: plaque acids irritate the gums and cause them to become painful and swollen; the outcome of this is commonly gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Plaque is constantly forming in the mouth and if it is not removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. Tartar beneath the gum line is a major cause of advanced gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
  3. Bad breath: plaque contains bacteria, which release gases when they feed; these gases have an unpleasant odour and they cause bad breath. The best way to tackle bad breath is to maintain good oral hygiene at home and brush the teeth twice a day and floss daily.

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.

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.

Don’t Forget Your Sonicare Toothbrush

Sunday, July 13th, 2014

4196468_blogA toothbrush is your best weapon against nasty oral illnesses, such as gum disease and decay and it can also help to keep your teeth looking shiny and bright. We recommend Sonicare brushes because they are versatile, functional and proven to remove plaque effectively.

What is so special about Sonicare toothbrushes?

Sonicare brushes offer a range of options and styles to cater for the varying needs of dental patients and they boast innovative features, as well as an excellent reputation for effective cleaning. Studies show that these brushes are clinically proven to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth and decrease the risk of plaque formation. Sonicare brushes are also easy to use and control, they offer innovative features, such as smart technology and brushing settings, and they are suitable for patients of all ages.

Brushing tips

Brushing should be an essential part of any daily routine and we cannot stress the importance of brushing twice a day enough. Brushing is your best bet against food debris and harmful bacteria and an extremely powerful means of preventing the development of plaque. Plaque is a sticky colourless substance, which forms when bacteria combine with saliva and food particles; the bacteria in plaque attack and erode the enamel and irritate the gums, causing inflammation and pain.

We recommend brushing for at least 2-3 minutes each time you brush and using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen the outer enamel layer of the teeth. When you brush, try to resist the temptation to scrub, as brushing aggressively does more harm than good because it damages the tooth enamel. It’s best to choose a brush with a small, mobile head, such as the Sonicare brushes, as these are easier to manoeuvre around the mouth. When you are brushing, try to ensure you clean each tooth and angle the head of the brush so that you can clean all the surfaces.

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.

Why Do City Leeds Recommend A Sonicare Toothbrush?

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

4390244_blogBrushing is the most effective way of protecting your mouth against gum disease and decay and we highly recommend the Sonicare range of toothbrushes. We know that it can be difficult to choose a brush when faced with aisles full of different brands and products and Sonicare as an excellent reputation.

Why Sonicare?

The Sonicare range of toothbrushes offers something for everyone, from more basic models, which remove plaque and polish the teeth, to smart brushes, which enables you to keep tabs on your brushing habits and identify areas, which could be improved. Sonicare has a proven track record for plaque removal and we also recommend these brushes for ease of use, versatility and design.

Brushing tips

We cannot stress the importance of brushing enough! Brushing is the best way to prevent plaque formation and keep your teeth sparkling. We recommend spending at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth every morning and evening using fluoride toothpaste. We recommend Sonicare brushes, but you should be able to achieve a thorough clean with any toothbrush. When you brush, take care to target all areas of the mouth and try your best to reach right into the corners and brush along the gum line. It is advisable to floss in addition to brushing to remove food debris and bacteria from the gum line and the small cracks between the teeth; you can also use inter-dental brushes to clean between your teeth.

 

If you have any questions about brushing, flossing or choosing the best oral hygiene products, do not hesitate to call us or bob in next time you are in town. Our dentists and dental hygienists will be happy to help!

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.

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.

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.

Sonicare Simplicity Can Help You Protect Your Yorkshire Gnashers

Wednesday, April 9th, 2014

361951_blogEffective tooth brushing is the key to good oral health and we recommend Sonicare, a brand, which is proven to produce amazing standards of cleaning.

Electric toothbrushes are proven to remove more plaque than manual brushes and they are also easier to operate; they also often have additional features, such as built-in timers, which help to ensure that you brush for the recommended time twice a day. Sonicare brushes have small heads, which oscillate very quickly to cover all surfaces of the teeth and remove bacteria and bits of food from the mouth.

Brushing tips

We recommend brushing twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Ideally, you should wait around one hour after eating to clean your teeth to prevent damage to the enamel, as the enamel becomes weakened temporarily when you eat. Using fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen your enamel. Using a Sonicare brush makes it easier to cover all surfaces of the teeth for a thorough clean. We also recommend flossing, as this helps to remove bacteria and bits of food, which have become trapped between the teeth.