Category “gum disease”

Central London dentist explains the association between Gum Disease and Diabetes

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.

Avoid periodontal disease at London W1 dentist

March 6th, 2010

Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is responsible for more lost teeth in the UK than any other type of dental problem, including tooth decay. Therefore it is very important that you are able to recognise the signs of gum disease and act upon them as soon as possible.

Gum disease is caused by a build up of plaque on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria and food debris that starts to decay releasing acids, which erode tooth enamel and destroy gum tissue. This destruction of tissue begins with a gradual irritation leading to inflammation and soreness. At this point, periodontal disease is known as gingivitis and is easily treated by a dentist or with improved oral hygiene. If it is allowed to continue to worsen however, it becomes the more serious periodontitis, which requires much more serious treatment. When it has reached this stage there may be irreparable damage to the gum tissue, which may need to be treated with antibiotics or even surgical tissue removal. This might even include a stay in hospital.

On top of this, badly damaged gum tissue can lead to a loosening of support for teeth and the spread of infection. Gum disease has recently been linked to heart disease which is just another reason to make sure you are doing something about it. Visit a London W1 dentist every six-months to check for gum disease and try to improve your oral hygiene by better brushing and flossing. Gum disease is easily avoided with the right precautions and can be very serious if these are ignored.

Avoid tooth and gum disease with check up at West London dentist

February 21st, 2010

1788888_blogAnyone who has experienced the pain and suffering caused by tooth and gum disease will tell you to do all you can to avoid becoming another victim. Both tooth decay and gum disease are again on the increase in the UK as a result of falling standards of oral hygiene and poor diets. Too much sugary food and drinks are making the problem of dental disease a very serious one.

Tooth decay is caused by a bacteria rich substance called plaque, which sticks to the surface of the tooth and releases acids as the bacteria break down. This acid wears away the protective enamel coating of teeth causing cavities. If the enamel is breached, bacteria can infiltrate the central parts of the tooth and cause infections around the dental nerve. Not only will this be very painful but it can also lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is also caused by plaque acid, which causes irritation and inflammation to the gum tissue. If this allowed to progress it can cause bleeding and infections which can pass into the bloodstream and has been linked to heart disease.

Prevention is definitely the key to healthy teeth and gums and the best way to do this is to ensure you are brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Just as important however is the need to see a West London dentist every six-months for a check up appointment. Dentists can spot the signs and symptoms of dental disease and treat it before it becomes a more serious problem.

Gum disease control; is it a parental role problem asks a City of London dentist?

January 21st, 2010

In a recent interview a City of London dentist advocated that poor oral care which leads to avoidable gum disease, and the advanced Gingivitis, could be eliminated by early year’s parental guidance and control. We teach our children so much in early life to protect them in later life, but we often concentrate on the popular subjects, and leave out some equally important ones. Good oral care and control of bacteria in the mouth is just as important a subject to teach as say; birth control and a sensible attitude towards sex. With the internet now available to almost everyone in the U.K. it is so easy to go on line, and see graphic pictures of the damage gum disease does to our teeth and gums. These pictures should be a thing of the past, but sadly they aren’t and gum disease in our advanced society is on the increase. Teaching our children at an early stage will allow them to develop good oral hygiene habits; this will drastically cut down the visits to the dentist, and mean that their teeth will last longer. Flossing is easy to teach, as is rinsing the mouth and brushing, make it a fun thing that mum and dad can do together with the children. Children like to learn fun things, and a `best smile and shiny teeth` contest will make them see the importance of having healthy gums and nice teeth. They may also be put off taking up the tobacco habit in adolescence if they realise that by smoking they will increase their chances of gum disease, bad breath and early tooth loss. They say it’s never too late to learn a life lesson, well isn’t the opposite even better, it’s never too early to learn one either, especially one that will benefit us all our lives.

Preventing gum disease by a City of London dentist

January 13th, 2010

Prevention is better than a cure every time says a City of London dentist. Gum disease is a by-product of modern living and a lax attitude to the problem. Once a disease of the gums like Gingivitis gets a hold, it is almost impossible to eliminate, the best your dentist can hope to do is to slow down the progress of the disease. Tooth loss is just one aspect of it, once the bacteria starts eating into the gum itself it will then expose the part of the tooth it protects. That vulnerable part of the tooth starts to collect plaque quickly and the damage is done, often resulting in a premature loss of an otherwise healthy tooth. This is often due to a lax attitude in simple oral care, flossing twice a day, mouth washing with a good solution, using the correct brush and actually brushing in the correct manner can all make it difficult for bacteria to breed in the mouth, eliminating the worst kinds of gum disease. Gingivitis is the worst that most people suffer from, and this is a very advanced case of periodontal disease. Soreness, constant bleeding and infection will follow, along with more frequent and longer visits to that place we all hate, the dentist’s chair. Why do we do it, why do we suffer all this when a little change to our oral care habits would stop it almost completely? There is only one word to explain it…laziness. There I’ve said it…laziness, if being lazy lost us money or our good looks and charm, then we’d do something about it, but because we treat oral care with contempt we then suffer later on. Your dentist is there to help you with preventive measures as well as treatment, take a little time on your next visit to have a chat about gum disease prevention.

spotting the early signs of gum disease by a Central London dentist

January 3rd, 2010

At the first sign of gum disease it is important to get to a dentist and get it checked out, an inspection and in some cases x-rays of the tooth bases, will be necessary. A dental surgery clean up and the removal of any harmful tartar build up is a normal part of the treatment. Once the results of any tests are back, the treatment will usually ensure that the progress of the infection can be halted and kept in check. A change to the diet and giving up smoking will also go some way to keeping future attacks at bay, not withstanding that smoking and excessive intakes of sugar based alcohol products, are harmful to the rest of the body as well. The Central London dental surgery spokesman went on to say that once periodontal disease is diagnosed it is incurable, the good news however, is that it is possible to slow down and elongate the life of the teeth and gums. Regular treatment is a must, as well as the change in regime to our oral hygiene, and it is only through these precautions that we can expect to fight the progress of any gum disease. Root planning is a method of neutralising deeply impregnated bacteria at the root of the tooth. To treat this your dentist will set out a plan to treat each tooth separately, and it can cause discomfort for a few days after the treatment has been completed. Remember that the treatment doesn’t stop when you leave the dental surgery; it is you who needs to make sure that you have a regular routine of brushing, flossing and mouth-washing to keep the disease at a slow rate. Drinking water throughout the day will also help to neutralise acid build up.

Achieve the perfect smile with gum contouring from a City of London dentist

September 12th, 2009

Healthy looking and well-proportioned gums are just as important to a winning smile than the teeth. Just as every picture needs a frame, the teeth need to be well framed by the gums for maximum impact. An excess of gum tissue, often referred as a gummy smile, can ruin the appearance of a smile even if the teeth are perfectly healthy and well positioned. It is thought this excess gum display affects about 7 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women. The perfect smile really is all about balance and too much gum tissue can adversely affect that balance, and often be a cause of embarrassment.

This overgrowth of tissue can be due to many factors. Usually it is no more than genetic disposition, but it can be due to some common blood pressure medication. For other patients it may be the position of the teeth, short upper lip or large upper jaw that make the gums appear larger than they actually are.

Excess gum tissue is easily treatable these days by a procedure called gum contouring, or lifting. A local anaesthetic is used before a laser is applied to remove excess amounts of gum tissue and reshape the gum line around the front teeth (the most noticeable when smiling). The use of a laser means pain and discomfort are at a minimum, and rapid healing times are now possible because blood vessels are sealed by the heat of the laser.

On some occasions laser reshaping alone may not be enough. The bone that holds the front teeth itself may have to be trimmed to prevent the gum tissue from growing back and to ensure an even gum line. Although this procedure is slightly more complicated it is still free of discomfort for the patient.

Thanks to lasers, gum contouring is a relatively easy way of achieving the smile you have always wanted. If you think you suffer from an excess of gum tissue, make an appointment to see a City of London dentist who will be able to further advise you on the benefits of laser gum contouring.

 

 
Although not completely without risk, gum contouring is a relatively painless way to achieve the smile you always wanted. Your city of London dentist will be able to explain the treatment in more detail and assess whether gum contouring could be effective for you.

Advice by West London Dentist’s on Periodontitis

July 18th, 2009

Periodontitis is a problem about which not many are aware of the causes. It can pose great danger for your oral health. It makes way for many serious gum and teeth problem. It might begin with an inflammation in the gums or toothache. You might not notice its severity, until something big happens. Many people who are in the worse case of this disease even lose their teeth. West London dentists are treating this problem by using their technology. Their studies show that the major cause of this problem is bacteria. The deposition of plaque or mucus in the mouth can worsen the situation.

The gums turn red in the initial phase and then inflame and start bleeding. Gingivitis is the prior stage to this problem. This is caused due to the tissues located in and around the mouth. The bones and tissues weaken up. The sub par hygiene is the most important factor that should be taken care of. Maintain the dental health properly by visiting the dentists regularly. Your stress can also have an effect on your teeth. It can lead to bruxism which can damage your teeth. Your knowledge and refraining from sugary products can help you safeguard your teeth.

Smoking and drinking should be kept away and the consumption of caffeine containing products should be avoided. It is easy to maintain your hygiene. Eat healthy diet and avoid candies and chocolates. Keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing. Your smile is precious so be precautious about your teeth health.

Gum Grafting Procedure in Central London

March 13th, 2009

If you are looking to avoid gum recession as well as improve gum line aesthetically, you might want to consider gum grafting. Your Central London dentist can perform such dental procedure safely and expertly.

Receding gums usually result to exposed roots, which makes your teeth appear longer than normal. For some people, this could be quite bothersome and makes them conscious of their smiles. Aside from this, exposed roots could increase your sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks.

With gum grafting, you will be able to address problems associated with receding gums. It will effectively improve your gum line and at the same time, prevent further recession of your gums which could possibly lead to bone loss.

The entire gum grafting procedure is simple. Gum tissue will be excised from another donor source or even your own palate. This tissue will then be used to cover the roots exposed due to gum recession.

In summary, gum grafting will allow you to enjoy the following benefits:

• Reduce gum recession
• Prevent bone loss
• Decrease tooth sensitivity
• Improve smile aesthetically

Of course, your Central London dentist will need to assess your dental health before proceeding with a gum grafting procedure. A detailed medical history will also be obtained in order to ensure that you are medically-fit. In addition, the exact reason for the gum recession will have to be determined in order to prevent a recurrence in the future.

Recovery from gum grafting procedure will only take a short time and you will soon find yourself eating, drinking, talking and laughing with ease and confidence.