Archives for September, 2009

West London dentist warns of increased risk of periodontitis for diabetics

September 24th, 2009

People who have diabetes often suffer health problems with their eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. But less known is the increased risk they face of periodontal disease. This is the disease of the gums that causes painful and bleeding gums. Conversely, periodontal disease can make it hard to control blood sugar levels, which in turn can aggravate the diabetes.

It is this lack of blood sugar control that makes diabetes sufferers more susceptible to gum disease. Irregularities in blood sugar levels often cause gum disease, and diabetics are far more likely to suffer severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss, than non-diabetics. The thickening of blood that is symptomatic of diabetes also means it is harder to carry away the tissues’ waste products from the gums meaning that gum tissues are far more likely to get infected.

Diabetes sufferers who also smoke are at particular risk. Studies show that a diabetic smoker is 20 times more likely to suffer gum disease than someone with neither of these risk factors.

Diabetics are also at greater risk because they are not as able to remove sugars from the mouth. A build up of sugar in the mouth provides the perfect place for bacteria to grow and cause further damage.

Gum disease has two clear stages. Firstly, gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, which is often represented by inflammation, swelling and irritation of the gums. At this stage it can still be reversed by proper brushing and a good oral hygiene routine. If the infection gets worse it may develop into periodontal disease. This is when plaque develops under the gums fording them away from the teeth. Infection then develops in this space. At this stage it will require treatment from a dental professional.

Treatment takes one of two forms; either plaque removal or more serious periodontal surgery. A West London dentist will be able to perform both procedures relatively easily. Dentists advise regular six-monthly check ups, especially for diabetics to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Lavender scent calms dental patients in London W1 surgeries

September 23rd, 2009

595603_blogIn polls of popular fears, right up there with spiders and heights, is always the dentist. Even though we know that our dental health is very important, for some people the anxiety proves too much and their oral hygiene suffers greatly as a result. While it is true that a visit to the dentist isn’t always the most pleasant experience, development in technology has led to the introduction of far less painful and intrusive treatment.

However, some people will still find the experience frightening due to deep-rooted fears and anxieties. Anxious patients often put dentists themselves under pressure which could possibly be detrimental to their own treatment. This negative cycle spirals leading to further treatment and increased waiting time for everyone else.

There may be an answer. Recent studies at King’s College, London have found that the scent of lavender has a calming effect on both patients and practitioners and can break the cycle of anxiety. Patients who were exposed to the scent of lavender in the waiting room prior to their appointments reported feeling much more at ease when they were actually in the chair.

Researcher Koula Asimakopoulou, from the King’s college team said: “Our findings suggest that lavender could certainly be used as an effective ‘on-the-spot’ anxiety reduction in dentists’ waiting rooms. This is a significant difference and it was present regardless of the type of dental appointment.”

For patients who suffer from severe anxiety or even panic attacks when attending dental appointments this may be the answer to breaking the associative disorder obtained form previous bad experiences. Dentists in London W1 are currently using lavender in their waiting rooms to make patients experiences more bearable. After all, every little helps.

Early detection of oral cancer by London dentist could save your life

September 22nd, 2009

If you have an irritating sore on the inside of your mouth it is a good idea to make an appointment at a dentists to have it examined. Oral cancers first manifest themselves as sores or growths that do not disappear naturally. Oral cancers, which include cancer in any part of the mouth, tongue or throat can be life threatening if not caught and treated early so it is always advisable to visit a dentist if you are unsure.

Men are twice as likely to suffer form oral cancer as women, with those over the age of 50 being particularly at risk. Alcohol and tobacco can significantly increase your chances of contracting oral cancer, especially when used excessively. Smokers are a massive 600 times more likely to get oral cancer than non-smokers. But it is important to remember that oral cancer can affect people who don’t smoke and drink only in moderation.

The symptoms or oral cancer include: the development of white or red patches in the mouth, cases of unexplained bleeding of the gums or mouth lining, having difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing and swelling or unusual lumps developing in the mouth. Sudden and unexplained weight loss may also be a symptom.

There are of course more symptoms than described here so it really is best to consult a dentist. A London dentist will be able to check for oral cancer as part of your regular check up and can take a painless brush biopsy of any suspicious looking sores in the mouth and on the tongue. Patients who catch oral cancer early stand an 80 per cent chance of being successfully treated.

London W1 dentists tells history of teeth whitening

September 21st, 2009

Our teeth have been fundamental to the survival of mankind. Not only are they used for biting, chewing, ripping and other eating methods, they also have an important social role to play. The display of the teeth, either by smiling or in anger, are some of the most demonstrative displays we are capable of as humans. For almost as long as there have been humans there has been a desire to protect our teeth.

One of the most primitive yet brilliantly simplistic methods of dental care involved chewing on sticks. Not only did this physically remove dirt and keep teeth clean, but certain trees contained chemicals and antibacterial agents which helped to preserve teeth.

For those who are afraid of the dentist now, consider the alternative in the middle ages. Barbers not only doubled up as surgeons but also as dentists. Fancy having a haircut, an amputation and a tooth pulled all on the same day. These barbers also mistakenly used nitric acid to whiten the teeth. Unfortunately this acid, although whitening the teeth also eroded the enamel and caused massive tooth decay.

As the age of the industrial revolution sparked a new era in technological progression so the fields of medicine and dentistry also advanced in the 19th century. Dentistry for the first time became a reputable profession in its own right and with the discovery of fluoride in Italy, the first genuinely viable alternative to the destructive nitric acid became commercially available.

As in all other fields, dentistry has been transformed by the advances in technology over the past 30 years, to the point where it is almost unrecognizable from its rather archaic and brutal past. Tooth whitening procedures have been a part of this great leap forward and you can now purchase tooth whitening pastes and kits in any pharmacy in the developed world.

However, if in the past it wasn’t wise to let someone else try and whiten your teeth, especially if he said he was a barber, today it is much wiser to leave it to the professionals. A London W1 dentist will be able to offer you the state of the art whitening procedures and there won’t be any nitric acid in sight.

West London dentist saves knocked out tooth

September 20th, 2009

An avulsed, or knocked out tooth as it is more commonly known, can be caused by any accident that involves some kind of head trauma. These kinds of head traumas are most commonly sporting injuries, car accidents or biting on something hard. As with most accidents, prevention is always better than cure, so dentists always advise using the necessary protective devices.

When physically demanding sports are concerned, this means always wearing a mouth guard. These can be uncomfortable and make talking to your team mates a real pain but that’s nothing compared to the pain and lifetime of embarrassment and dental complications a knocked out tooth can cause. It is advisable to visit a West London dentist to have a mouth guard fitted to ensure the maximum level of protection. Other preventative measures include always wearing a seatbelt and steering clear of eating any hard foods, or food that may contain bones.

If prevention hasn’t worked and you are unlucky enough to have had a tooth knocked out, the first response you should have is to try and replace it immediately. Trying to avoid touching the root of the tooth, try to place it back in the vacant hole. With any luck it will slot back in but be careful not to push too hard as this my cause further damage. Once back in place you can secure it gently with some gauze or a wet teabag.

If the tooth won’t go back in, the next best alternative is to cover it with saliva or milk and take it with you to the dentist. This may preserve it long enough to be saved and replaced in your mouth.

Whatever the circumstances, it is essential that you see a dentist immediately. A knocked tooth can be a serious trauma that can cause a lifetime of dental complications, even if the tooth has successfully slotted back in. If the tooth is not replaceable, a West London dentist can talk you through the alternatives, which may involve dental implants or bonding.

Central London dentist fight tooth decay with sucrose substitutes

September 19th, 2009

Sucrose substitutes are food additives that replicate the sweetness of normal table sugar (sucrose) in food. The substitutes are usually compounds which have a sweetness intensity far greater than normal sugar, so the amount needed to sweeten food products is greatly reduced. Some sucrose substitutes are naturally occurring while some others are artificially produced.

The primary uses for sucrose substitutes are to aid in weight loss and to help prevent dental cavities. They are more tooth friendly because they are not fermented by the microflora of the dental plaque. The World Health Organisation has recommended the use of these sugar substitutes in the production of sweet food because of the obvious health benefits.

A high intake of sucrose can cause high levels of acids to develop in the mouth which causes a change in the natural pH. This acidic state encourages the development of plaque which attacks and breaks down tooth enamel, the protective coating of the teeth. Once the enamel has been breeched the bacteria continues to attack the tooth causing cavities to develop that will need dental treatment to prevent further infection.

A Central London dentist will be able to inform you which sucrose substitutes are the most beneficial to the teeth and regular check ups with them will help prevent the spread of cavities and tooth decay.

West London dentist recommends health foods for teeth

September 18th, 2009

2429879_blogJust as eating the right food is good for your general well being, it can also be good for your oral hygiene. Educating children and teenagers about the right foods to eat can help develop beneficial eating habits for the rest of their lives. There are some obvious choices about what to eat and what to avoid but it really can make a huge difference and help prevent a future of dental problems.

The foods that you eat will all come into contact with the 400 million or so bacteria that live in your mouth, and find conditions there perfect for breeding. If teeth are not brushed and flossed on a regular basis then a filmy bacteria laden substance called plaque builds up on the teeth, which will eventually cause tooth decay and even gum disease.

Plaque thrives on sugars and starches found in most food combining with it to create acid which attacks tooth enamel. According to studies by the American Dental Association, this acid attacks the enamel for twenty minutes or longer after eating. So eating food with the minimal amount of sugar and starch can help protect your teeth. This may sound easier than it actually is however, as fruits, milk, bread, vegetables and many other foods contain starch.

The best way to protect against starchy foods is to drink plenty of water, brush your teeth twice a day and floss, which will limit the impact of starch and plaque. Try to avoid food that is unnecessarily sugary such as soft drinks.

There are some foods which can be good for the teeth. Nuts, which are rich in magnesium, and any food containing calcium (dairy products) can all help promote strong teeth. A West London dentist will be able to provide you with further information about which foods to eat and which to avoid.

Achieve the perfect smile with a smile makeover at London W1 dentist

September 17th, 2009

Smiling is one of the most important means of human communication. The smile can be fundamental to how people perceive you. It can be building block for a relationship or even a new job. Smiling reveals more about us to others than any other expression or words we might use.

It is the strong human association with the smile that makes having one you are happy and confident with so important. A smile makeover can enhance the quality of your smile by using a variety of different cosmetic dental procedures. Composite bonding, veneers, whitening can all improve the overall quality of your smile. After all, if you can makeover a house or a car why not do the same for your smile. It does come with you everywhere.

Smile makeovers can be individually tailored to coordinate with other aspects of your face, including skin tone and hair colour. The shape and size of your features as well as existing teeth and lips will also need to be factored in to the process. A London W1 dentist will be able to talk through with you all these factors and develop a plan based on your personal preferences. It will also be possible to alter the colour, balance and alignment of your existing dental structures to fit with the agreed smile makeover blueprint. Some treatments will also be able to favourably alter your profile by adjusting the position of cheeks and lips.

Discolouration can be countered by staining or bleaching the teeth to look whiter and any existing damage to teeth such as cracks or cavities will be repaired as part of the wider makeover process. The dentist will be able to use new 3D technology and intra-oral cameras to project how the smile makeover will look when complete, to give you a sound idea of how the alterations can enhance your appearance. Bite analysis and gum-contouring are also commonly used in smile makeover procedures. Essentially, there are very few obstacles to achieving the smile you have always dreamed of.

Although smile makeovers can be fairly expensive, a London W1 dentist will be able to show you how just a few simple procedures can greatly improve the appearance of your smile. Call 020 7935 5332 to make an appointment with Dr Neera Maini .

Central London dentist helps avoid excess fluoride causing dental caries

September 17th, 2009

Fluoride is a chemical that has been added to water for over half a century with the purported belief that it prevents tooth decay and dental cavities. However, like many drugs, fluoride has been proven to cause that which it supposed to cure. Tooth decay rates are actually increasing in areas of high water fluoridation yet some dentists continue to ignore the evidence and prescribe more fluoride directly or advocate adding it to the water supply.

The common belief is that drinking the optimum levels of fluoride each day can help prevent tooth decay without any negative side effects. While there may be some truth in this it is also true that anything above this optimal level and fluoride can actually be the cause of dental cavities or caries.

The most obvious sign of excess fluoride is fluorosis, a condition that leaves the teeth stained yellow or even brown. This is most caused by an overexposure to fluoride in the developing years between one and six. According to recent research in the US dental cavities occur more commonly in patients who suffer from fluorosis.

One of the main problems is that children are already receiving the optimum amounts of fluoride which occurs naturally in water and most food substances. Added to this the fluoridated water and the use of fluoride tablets and fluoride toothpaste and some children are far exceeding the recommended amount. This is leaving them prone to flourosis and dental cavities later in life.

Many dentists now believe that a healthy and balanced diet, one which eliminates high sugar content food, will provide enough fluoride for the average child to defend against cavities without the need for adding fluoride to drinking water. Flouride has for too long been used as a safety net against poor diets but it would seem even this strategy is not working. Ireland suffers from a tooth decay rate higher than five other European countries that don’t fluoridate the water, which would seem to prove that fluoride is doing little to stem the rate of decay and in large quantities may even be responsible for it. Central London dentists can advise patients and parents on the necessary levels of fluoride and will recommend which toothpastes are suitable to use in your area.

London W1 dentists say brushing teeth is first line of defence

September 14th, 2009

Toothbrushes have existed since Egyptian times. Even 3000 years ago people were aware how important it was. Right from when we are very young we are told how important it is to brush our teeth twice a day, even if we don’t like doing it much at the time. As we grow up, brushing in the morning when we get up and at night before we go to bed becomes part of the every day routine, as normal as eating and sleeping. Perhaps it is because of this we take for granted exactly how important a job it is.

The lessons we learn when we are young can really have a huge impact on not just our dental health but our overall health throughout the whole course of our lives. Brushing after meals in the morning and evening prevents the build up of plaque. Plaque is a filmy substance of bacteria and food detritus that builds up around the teeth and gums and attacks the enamel that protects the tooth.

If left unchecked this can lead to cavities or dental carries which can grow and lead to the need for fillings, crowns and in extreme circumstances, extraction. Plaque can also effect the gums leading to build ups of bacteria that can cause gingivitis (more commonly known as gum disease).

If plaque is not removed by brushing it can harden and turn into tartar which can then only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Brushing really is the first line of defence against all forms of dental problems. But it is important to do it properly to ensure the most effective plaque removal.

Holding the brush at a 45 degree angle and making sure you have the right strength bristles (hard bristles can often irritate gums) can all increase the teeth cleaning power of brushing. Visit a London W1 dentist and he’ll be able to check that you are getting the most from brushing and using the correct brush for your teeth. They will also be able to point out spots that you might be missing.

Even though, or perhaps because, brushing your teeth is so ingrained in the daily routine it is so important not to take it for granted. It can help your teeth last a healthy lifetime.