A City of London dentist has given some good advice on how to deal with the problems in dental care that involve infections, and the pain and inconvenience that comes with them. A simple solution of antibiotics followed by a new regime of oral hygiene is a good start. It would be safe to assume that the old regime is not working, as most problems of infection in the mouth are caused by an insufficient method of cleaning the teeth. An abscess is generally caused by bacteria seeping into a cut on the gums, this in turn is the result of another gum infection that softens the tissue and makes it prone to abrasive cuts as a result of vigorous brushing. Just fixing the problem won’t usually make it go away, it will keep coming back. Tooth ache is also generally caused by an infection contracted in much the same manner. Gum disease is the long term effect of a lax regime in oral care, and it is the basis of most if not all of the problems we have with our teeth. The best way forward is to start cleaning out teeth the correct way, this will keep bacteria and acid production to a minimum and that in itself will be go a long way to keeping infection at bay. Gingivitis is a prolonged disease of the gums and is not curable, the best we can do is to keep it from progressing to a higher level, brushing throughout the day, flossing and rinsing after all meals and snacks is a good way of achieving this. It doesn’t have be a mouthwash every time, just drinking small amounts of water will stop acid build up, and chewing gum will also help to neutralise acid build up, and in turn tartar build up around the base of the teeth.
Category “Dental Diseases”
City of London dentist explains about Dental Care- fighting Abscess, Tooth Pain and Gum Disease
March 3rd, 2010Posted in Dental Diseases, dental decay | No Comments »
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.
A Central London Dentist Can Test You for Oral Cancer
May 24th, 2009
Today, over 80% of people that die from cancer would still be alive if they had gotten adequate screening. Therefore, your Central London dentist can play a key role in helping detect oral cancers. In most cases, checking for oral cancer can be done during routine yearly dental exams. These tests are painless and inexpensive.
When you visit your dentist each year, he/she should look and feel for signs of tumours in the soft tissue and gums inside your mouth. You may also be required to have X-rays done every few years in order to make sure that bone tumours are not developing. If you already have other types of cancer, you may need to have X-rays more often.
Strangely enough, many people that have cancer actually suspect it years before they go for screening. Unfortunately, fear, and misunderstanding about cancer therapies prevents people from getting treatment at a time when it will do the most good. Typically, when a cancer is caught in the earliest stages, it may not even be necessary to have extensive chemotherapy and radiation. In particular, when it come to oral cancer, a simple removal of small tumours may ensure a full lifetime without any further resurgences.
There is no question that early screening for cancer, as well as taking preventive measures can save your life. If you smoke, or drink alcohol, you should make having an oral cancer exam your top priority. This will also be an ideal time to ask your dentist about preventaive measures. In many cases, your dentist may be able to give you some advice about vitamins or supplements that can help reduce your risk of developing cancer. He/She can also give you plenty of advice about dental products to stay away from, as well as how to take care of your mouth and teeth in the best way possible.
Londoners, Spinach and Interdental teeth Cleaning
July 19th, 2008
Ever walk around the streets of London with a piece of spinach stuck between your teeth? Rather embarrassing, isn’t it. And as funny as that may sound, in terms of dental hygiene it’s a prime example, a euphemism if you want, of the way in which things can go wrong if left unattended.
The subject here is of course interdental teeth cleaning, or in layman’s terms: cleaning between your teeth. And, even though it is one of the major causes of gum disease, tooth decay and gingivitis, it’s one of those dental hygiene practices that remain neglected by a vast majority of the general population. Rather ironic, wouldn’t you say?
So, what happens to things stuck between your teeth? Quite simply put, the plaque already on your teeth has bacteria that convert food particles into acids which in turn has the ability to dissolve proteins, calcium and enamel (all of which form part of that brilliant white smile). Now, the rather sad thing is that statistics from both London and the whole of the United Kingdom indicate that about 60%-75% of all adults suffer from some form of gum disease which can be attributed to incorrect dental hygiene. And if this is not enough to grab your attention, then all you need to do is look at a couple of images that show the results of prolonged neglect of interdental teeth cleaning. They are shocking!
That being said, you’ll agree that those twice a year recommended dentist visits are there for a reason. Additionally you might want to consider what methods you employ to clean your teeth and in between them. Do you floss? Do you use interdental toothbrushes or dental sticks? These things are all available in just about any off-licence and supermarket throughout London and the United Kingdom and are there to not only protect your teeth, but your whole mouth.
Posted in Dental Diseases, Oral Hygiene, dental decay | No Comments »
Gum disease putting London W1 at risk
July 19th, 2008
As I took a stroll down the one of the streets in London W1, I just couldn’t help but wonder about the condition of the gums of the people I meet. I really can’t help it. I am a dentist anyway. Well, so far a lot of people were at definite risk for heart disease so, I assumed, there may also be a problem with their gums. Others looked healthy enough, so they probably cleaned their gums and teeth regularly.Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the importance of taking of their teeth. I am not only referring to London but to all parts of the world as well. In fact, based on surveys conducted about the proper oral hygiene, only 15% brush their teeth only once a day and consider this enough for them. Among those who brush their teeth, a staggering 29% clean their teeth for less than a minute. This kind of practice increases their risk for having gum disease, and other major heart, kidney, or lung disease.
People in London should be made aware of what the consequences of not taking proper care of their teeth. I wonder how this can be done but I guess, with a little imagination and the right instruction on how to care for the oral cavity and its structures, not only limited to teeth, much can be achieved. But something should definitely be done about it. I feel it my personal responsibility to make sure everyone has clean teeth and healthy gums. I hope that they do cooperate.
What do you need to know about mouth cancer in West London.
June 21st, 2008
Oral cancer is a form cancer that can occur in any part of the mouth or around the mouth. Most of the oral cancers have its beginning in the tongue and some from the floor of the mouth. Man who is older in age seems to be the predisposing factor for oral cancer. Tobacco smoking and consummation of alcohol will further increase the risk of oral cancer. The sixth most common occurring malignancy in the world is the oral and the pharyngeal cancer.
The mouth cancer foundation of UK reported 7696 cases of mouth cancers in 2004, a large number of them died a year later. The mortality rate for mouth cancer is high despite treatment. The death rate can be as high as 50% with treatment. The high death rate is because most of the mouth cancers are discovered late. Research in UK revealed that every 3 hours there is a person died from oral cancer. Recently it was found that more young people in London are getting mouth cancer.
Therefore it is important to educate the people in UK especially those in the city like London about early detection of this disease. One of the effective ways is to create self awareness about mouth cancers. Regular self examinations of oral cavity can lead to early identification.
Below are some of the symptoms that may lead to oral cancers:
1. An ulcer or sore in the mouth that does not heal after 3 weeks.
2. A sore throat which last more than 2 months with/without treatment.
3. A swelling or lump that is felt or seen in the mouth or around the neck for more than 3 weeks.
4. A pale or whitish patch on the tongue, inner cheek or on the gums.
5. Persistent difficulty in swallowing liquid.
6. Persistent hoarseness of voice for 2 months especially those who smoke and drink alcohol heavily.
7. Experiencing difficulty in moving the jaw and loose teeth.
8. Feeling that something is inside the throat while swallowing.
9. Sensation of numbness in the mouth or some part of the tongue.
10. One sided mass felt in the nostril with blood stained discharge.
Please visit your dentist or doctor when the above symptoms are noted.
You can further reduce the risks of suffering from oral cancers by doing the following:
a. Eating a healthier diet with less fat, less red meat, plenty of vegetables and fruits.
b. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
c. No excessive alcohol drinking.
d. Regular dental check up at yearly interval.
Early detection equates better cure rate and thus higher chance of survival. There are many modes of treatment for oral cancer. These include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Sometimes effective treatment may use a combination of these treatments
