March 20th, 2010
Many of us may think we are taking good care of our teeth because we brush them thoroughly for three minutes every day like dentists recommend but we could be giving ourselves a false sense of security because effective dental hygiene involves a lot more than just brushing.
Although brushing is obviously very important in keeping your teeth clean and free from plaque and bacteria, it is often the hard to reach places that cannot be cleaned with a brush that are the location of decay and gum disease. That is why it is so important to floss at least one a day. Flossing cleans the small gaps between teeth where bacteria and food debris can accumulate. The gaps are too narrow to be properly cleaned with a brush and require regular flossing to prevent decay.
Flossing also cleans the areas around the bottom of the tooth and underneath the gum line where bacteria gather in the small pockets. This can lead to both tooth decay and gum disease which can cause toothaches, infections and ultimately tooth loss. West London dentists also recommend using a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria form the grooves of the tongue. It is also a good idea to use a smaller inter-dental brush.
The most important factor in good dental hygiene however, is the regular six-month check ups you should be having with your dentist. Even the most regimented hygiene routine can still be under threat from disease and decay and only a dentist can help you to completely protect your teeth.
March 19th, 2010
As a substitute for a missing or lost tooth it is hard to beat a dental implant for realism and authenticity. Dental implants are the only dental replacement that restores the whole tooth from crown to root and as a result is the sturdiest restoration available.
There are many reasons for losing a tooth ranging from accidental damage to gum disease but whatever the cause it can be a very painful and upsetting experience at any age. If a tooth has been knocked out or extracted due to decay it can be the cause of further dental complications causing pain and anxiety so it is always recommended by dentists to replace teeth as soon as possible. If a gap is left in the dental arc then it can cause the other teeth to move or rotate. This can lead to complications with bite and also increases the likelihood of further dental infection.
A dental implant is a small metal screw that a Central London will insert directly into the jawbone during a minor surgery. This acts as a solid base for a dental crown which will be attached after several weeks of healing and fusing. Once set firm in the bone and tissue, a post is attached to the screw onto which is fixed a specially designed crown.
Unlike other restorations, a dental implant will last a whole lifetime if properly cared for. Although the initial cost may be slightly more than other treatments, you need to bear in mind that once you have had implant surgery you are unlikely to need to spend any further money on future replacements.
March 18th, 2010
Every great picture needs a great frame and the same is true for a great smile. With the improvements in dental technology over the last twenty years, the possibilities for improving the appearance of teeth for patients of all ages has increased almost beyond belief. It is now possible to reverse even the most severe damage and cosmetic dentists can produce stunning results. For many patients who have undergone cosmetic dentistry treatment to improve their appearance they also might consider improving the appearance of the skin around the mouth.
Dermal fillers such as Botox can make skin appear firmer and younger completing the smile makeover transformation and taking years off the appearance of the patient. Botox has existed for many years but in the last decade it has really become more accepted as another normal beauty treatment. As it has become more widely available it has also become more affordable.
Botos works by blocking the signals that are transmitted through facial muscles. It is these transmissions that cause the muscles to spasm and create creases we know as wrinkles. By interrupting this movement the appearance of wrinkles is reduced and the skin looks younger and firmer.
Botox involves no surgical cutting of the skin and can be achieved with a few injections. City of London dentists will apply an anaesthetic gel to the area prior to treatment to make the treatment as painless as possible. The treatment involves very little risk of carried out by a trained dentist and will last up to four months before it needs topping up.
March 17th, 2010
The array of dental procedures available at City of London dentists has been growing almost exponentially over the last decade as new technology opens up the possibility of dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. New technology and new equipment means that even many standard procedures can now be carried out quicker and safer, and most importantly, less painfully.
Standard dental treatment for gum disease and dental decay is still top of the agenda for most dentists but improvements in treatment have made even this easier for patients. The old-style silver amalgam fillings have been replaced by the safer, tooth coloured dental bonding fillings, which work just as well but do not ruin the appearance of teeth. Other classic dental restorations such as crowns and veneers have been revolutionised by new technology such as digital x-rays and computer-aided manufacture. The rise of chair-side restoration means that crowns and veneers can now be designed, manufactured and fitted in a single appointment, an incredible leap forward and an idea of the potential future of dentistry.
Dental lasers have also been introduced over the last few years replacing many surgical implements such as the dreaded scalpel. Lasers can be used to sculpt gum tissue, harden bonding and even in the cavity filling and root canal treatments to replace the dentist drill. The many advantages of lasers include the sterilisation effect of heat which reduces the chances of infection and speeds recovery.
All of this new technology and much more is being used to improve dental treatment to make treatment better for the patients. If you have not visited a dentist for some time it is a good idea to make an appointment to see what new possibilities there are to improve the appearance and condition of your teeth.
March 16th, 2010
Bad breath can be an embarrassing hygiene problem that unfortunately affects others probably more than it affects you. In fact it is often very difficult to know that you have bad breath unless someone tells you, which can in itself be very embarrassing, especially if is happening on a regular basis.
The fear of bad breath can often lead people to take action in an effort to stop it but in doing so they may not be addressing the cause of the problem, and in certain cases even making it worse. Using mouthwash, breath sprays or gum can temporarily cover the smell of bad breath but it will not stop it and at best will only mask it for a few hours. Furthermore, mouthwashes can disrupt the regulation of bacteria in the mouth and result in bad breath coming back time and time again. This happens because it kills bacteria in the mouth and changes the saliva production levels. Saliva is the body’s natural defence against oral bacteria and regulates it to keep it at a healthy level.
The only real way to beat bad breath for good is to improve your general standard of oral hygiene. Improved brushing and flossing can help to remove bacteria, plaque and food debris that stick to teeth causing decay and the breakdown of particles which cause bad breath. It is also recommended by dentists to use a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria form the grooved surface of the tongue.
London W1 dentists can give you further advice on the most successful ways to improve cleaning and beat bad breath. By following their advice and sticking to a through cleaning routine, you should be able to leave the anxiety of bad breath behind once and for all.
March 15th, 2010
Teeth grinding during sleep may not seem like the biggest problem other than being annoying for anyone you have to share a bed with, but if it continues over a period of time it can break down tooth enamel and cause serious structural damage to teeth.
Also known as bruxism, for many years subconscious teeth grinding was thought to be caused solely by stress and anxiety. This may be true for some cases but these tend to be temporary. Many dentists have conducted studies in recent years to demonstrate another more common cause for the condition.
They have concluded that bruxism is more often than not caused by a disruption in bite. This is the way the top and bottom teeth sit together and can be affected by such factors as physical trauma, tooth loss and tooth movement. If the teeth do not sit together comfortable it may cause the jaw muscles to spasm and move, which leads the teeth to rub against each other.
If this happens for several hours a night over an extended period you can imagine that it doesn’t take long before an irreversible process of enamel removal begins to take effect. If the enamel breaks down it can lead to dangerous cavities which expose the dental nerves to infection and can be extremely painful. London W1 dentists can treat bruxism ether by correcting the misalignment or by providing the patient with a dental appliance to protect the teeth during sleep.
March 14th, 2010
Brushing your teeth is by far and away the most important way of keeping them clean, healthy and free from decay. Effective brushing is the first line of defence against a whole series of nasty and unpleasant dental health concerns that could cause you a lot of pain, embarrassment and expense throughout your life.
London W1 dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for three minutes. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush, unless told otherwise by your dentist for specific reasons, as they are the best at removing plaque and ultimately that is the number one aim of tooth brushing. Plaque is the sticky, filmy substance that coast teeth and releases acids which eventually break down enamel and cause cavities. If left untreated, dental cavities will worsen until the enamel is breached and the sensitive inner part of the tooth including the dental nerve is exposed to bacteria and infection. This can be very unpleasant and the source of severe pain and ultimately tooth loss.
When brushing it is important to angle the brush at 45 degrees to the gums so that they are also gently cleaned. This helps to keep plaque off the gums and prevent gum disease, the number one cause of tooth loss in the UK. Using a small-headed toothbrush is also recommended because it allows easier access to more parts of the mouth.
Although brushing is very important, it is also still a good idea to floss your teeth at least once a day as this helps to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth. As well as this, it is also highly important to make sure you keep up six-monthly appointments with the dentist as even the most rigorous brushers can still be affected by decay and disease.
March 13th, 2010
The food we eat can have a big impact on the health of our teeth. Just as certain foods can have a very bad impact on your teeth, others can actually be beneficial. By making small changes in your diet you could help to protect your teeth from disease and decay that could be very painful, costly and even embarrassing.
Starting with the foods that are not so good for your teeth, as you might imagine they are the fairly obvious ones. Anything with lots of sugar can cause damage to teeth as the presence of sugar in the mouth accelerates decay. Other foods such as crisps, which are high in salt, can also be damaging for the teeth. Basically, the simple rule to follow is that if it’s not good for your body, it’s probably not very good for your teeth.
Other foods and drinks can also have other negative consequences for the teeth. Red wine, tea and coffee can all cause tooth enamel to stain, which is irreversible. In fact all dark liquids can cause the teeth to stain. Other drinks such as fruit juices and squash can also be very bad for the teeth because of a high sugar content. The best thing you can drink for your dental health is water, as this cleans the mouth and washes plaque and food stuff away from the teeth. Drinking water after eating food bad for your teeth can also limit the impact it can have. Closely behind water is milk, which can also be very good for your teeth because of the calcium it contains, although most dentists would always recommend water.
Eating healthy food like fruit and vegetables is best for your teeth. They contain vitamins and minerals which benefit your teeth and bones and are less likely to be the cause of decay. Although it must be stated that after eating any food it is always a good idea to drink water or even brush your teeth as food particles get stuck between your teeth and begin to decay. This is a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria which can then further damage the teeth. Ask a City of London dentist for more information about healthy eating for your teeth at your next appointment.
March 12th, 2010
If you suffer from diabetes then you need to take extra care in your oral hygiene program says a Central London dentist. The fact that diabetics have a lower immune system is also something they need to address. Infections are more easily contracted by a diabetic, and as diabetes is a blood related disease it is especially important that the gums are kept healthy and cut free. It is now known through research that oral cuts caused by soft and infected gums, are a major gateway of bacteria based infections in the blood stream. Diabetics have enough problems keeping their sugar and fat levels down to a bare minimum, that they really don’t need to have more problems through a bad oral hygiene program. At the first sign of an infection a diabetic should get a dentist to investigate the problem, it is so important that antibiotics are given early to bring down the infection and keep the swelling to a minimum. Your dentist is there to help you with your diabetes and gum disease problems, as well as your doctor. The way your dentist will help you is by keeping an extra eye on your gums, and by advising you through the dental hygiene nurse and those 6 monthly check ups. Diabetes comes in 2 forms which are type 1 and type 2, type 2 is generally kept under control by diet and /or tablets, but it is type 1 that will concern your dentist more as this one is controlled by insulin injections, diet and tablets. Type 1 diabetics are more prone to gum disease, and that can advance into Gingivitis which will eat away the gum line quite quickly. A diabetic’s immune system cannot keep getting antibiotics as the system will become immune to them, so it is so much more important that type 1 sufferers in particular follow an extra carefully planned oral hygiene regime.
March 11th, 2010
Bad breath is something which is now becoming the modern equivalent of a social stigma, says a Central London dentist. The worst thing is that it is so easily avoidable, with a simple to follow and a disciplined attitude towards oral hygiene a cure is easily to hand. If you have bad breath you won`t be able to detect it by cupping your hands and sniffing in your breath, this doesn’t work. The best way to tell is to talk to someone up close and watch their facial expressions, that will usually give the game away. Bad breath is caused by a number of problems, and they are not all related to your oral hygiene regime. Diabetes and Liver problems are also responsible for bad breath in some people, in that case they are a warning sign that your have a health problem or even worse an infected liver or a bad diabetes regime. In both cases get a doctors advice immediately. Usually though bad breath is caused by eating strong spicy foods such as garlic enhanced meals, but mainly it is caused by rotting food residue trapped in the cavities of the mouth and in between teeth. Acid build up is caused by the food being attacked by bacteria, and this is just the same as a rotting animal carcass under your floor boards. Flossing around the teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, and this needs to be done throughout the day, especially after a meal or a snack. Drinking water throughout the day is good for the body in general, but in the mouth it keeps acid concentration to a minimum which will also keep decaying material at a minimum. Chewing sugar free gum will also go some way to keeping the saliva glands active, saliva also keeps acid build up down. Follow these simple rules and you will see a great improvement in bad breath problems.
