August 19th, 2011
You can’t just rely on the help and advice of your City of London dentist, you need to take excellent care of your teeth at home too. It is a big responsibility because you only get one set of natural teeth and one can easily take them for granted. The cornerstones of this desirable routine of excellent care of your teeth are brushing and flossing and below you can find some handy hints and tips about how to improve the way you are carrying them out.
Give your teeth a bit of attention at least twice a day. The best times are thought to be first thing in the morning and last thing at night too. Many people like to do so after some of their meals too, especially if they have eaten a significant amount of sugar or starch (the biggest culprits when it comes to plaque production). The only danger here is over-brushing which can damage the gums and wear away the enamel from your teeth.
Make sure that your tooth brush is comfortable to hold and manoeuvre and with a head that is not overly large; remember, it needs to fit into all the corners of your mouth. Replace your brush (or the head if you use an electric tooth brush) whenever the bristles start to fray. At this point your brushing will be less effective so you will need to sort it out.
Using a tooth paste that contains fluoride will help to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and guard against the dangerous incursions of plaque that causes cavities. Flossing is the final piece in the jigsaw because it will rid your mouth of plaque that is in the gaps between teeth.
August 4th, 2011
Anyone who has experienced a significant bout of tooth ache will be able to tell you how difficult it is to live with pain in their teeth. It can seem like it is the only thing in the world when you have a constant and throbbing pain in one or some of your teeth. Don’t hide away if you have dental pain; instead go and see your local City of London dentist to get to the bottom of why it is happening and then treat the causes effectively.
There is not one single reason for different peoples’ experiences of dental pain and dentists are able to identify with accuracy what are the individual causes. When plaque begins to wear down the enamel that coats teeth, leaving the nerves inside exposed, this can cause a dull ache in the teeth. Your dentist will need to fill in these cavities so that the tooth does completely lose its structure and begin to fully break down.
Patients who are grinding their teeth during their sleep might also experience a similar dull ache in their teeth. This is caused by the grinding process that will be wearing the enamel away and also the pressure that is put on the teeth.
In the most severe case of teeth, some infected material might be present actually within the tooth itself. This is what is called a tooth abscess and can be the result of an accident involving serious impact to the mouth area or the contamination of the tooth with bacteria that has got inside by some means. Your City of London dentist might recommend that you undergo root canal treatment in order to save the tooth.
May 16th, 2011
If you want to change something about your appearance it might be easier than you think. You can change your wardrobe and get a new haircut but if you are dissatisfied with the look of your smile, this is something that can do something about too. Dentists do not only offer treatment for dental ailments like cavities and gum disease. They can also offer procedures which are designed to improve the look of your teeth and give you a smile which you can be truly proud of.
These procedures are known collectively as cosmetic dentistry and they encompass a wide variety of treatments. Many people find that persistent drinking of tea or coffee or the act of smoking over a number of years leaves their teeth stained and/or discoloured. Dentists can restore whiteness to teeth using one of a number of treatments. This is an example of cosmetic dentistry.
Dentists can also fit porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns to effectively cover teeth which have become cracked or chipped or even discoloured. These procedures are now able to be carried out with incredible speed and efficiency and, increasingly, people are having to visit the surgery for much shorter amounts of time in order to achieve the look that they are after. These increases in speed and efficiency are largely down to innovations such as digital x-rays which work in three dimensions and are becoming a staple of dental surgeries around the United Kingdom.
Talk to your City of London dentist and ask him or her about which cosmetic dentistry procedures they offer. You might just find that they can carry out a treatment or series of treatments on your teeth which greatly improves the look of your smile.
April 17th, 2010
If you have ever experienced tooth pain you will be all too aware of how unpleasant and debilitating it can be. Dental pain can be caused by a number of factors. One of the most common is enamel erosion. Enamel is the top layer of the tooth that is there to protect the more sensitive dentine and dental nerve that form the inside part of the tooth. If the enamel is eroded by decay or general wear it can expose the more sensitive parts of the tooth to extremes of temperature and bacteria. This will cause sensitive teeth, which can involve very sharp pain that makes eating, and especially drinking, very difficult.
If enamel erosion has occurred to a more serious extent, it could result in a tooth infection. Cavities in the tooth enamel caused by plaque acid can lead to bacteria penetrating into the tooth and causing infection. This infection will attack the dental nerve, eventually killing it if not treated in time. The dental nerves are very sensitive and can be extremely painful if subjected to infection. Some patients assume that when the dental pain has gone the problem is resolved. This may not be the case but simply occur as a result of the root dying. The infection may still be present and spread to other teeth in the mouth and even enter the bloodstream. This is why it is so important to see a London W1 dentist as soon as you experience any dental pain.
Dental pain can come in many varieties. It can be dull and throbbing or sharp and intense. It can also be acute and chronic. It can treated with over-the-counter medication and painkillers but it is always recommended that you see a dentist rather than trying to treat the pain yourself. Dental pain is often very progressive and will become more severe over time. Acting fast and with appropriate treatment from a dentist will hopefully allow you to avoid and further pain.
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.
December 14th, 2009
Cosmetic bonding is a process that has been transforming the appearance of patient’s smiles for years, and is one of the safest, easiest and most affordable of all the cosmetic dentistry procedures. Cosmetic bonding is also incredibly versatile and has a range of uses within cosmetic dentistry.
The bonding itself is made of composite resin and can be made up to closely resemble the tooth colour of each individual patient. This means it can be used to fix teeth internally or used on their exterior to disguise damage. The resin can be used by a City of London dentist to fill cavities, cover discoloured or badly worn teeth and even repair cracks and chips. The resin is moulded to the desired shape before being set hard with the heat of a dental laser.
Some minor preparation work is needed before use; the tooth enamel is etched by the dentist to allow for greater adhesion to the cosmetic bonding. When set, the bonding is buffed and polished to appear more like the existing enamel. When set, bonding is very durable and resistant to staining, although it must be said it cannot compete with a porcelain veneer for stain resistance. Cosmetic bonding is most effective for carrying out small repairs and minor cosmetic procedures but loses some of its effectiveness in larger areas.
One of the most popular uses for cosmetic bonding is filling cavities because it can be made to match the colour of the existing teeth. Many patients are choosing to replace their old dental amalgam fillings with cosmetic bonding for a more pleasing aesthetic effect.
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.
August 16th, 2009
According to dentists, the most important part of tooth protection happens at home. Brushing your teeth correctly twice a day, along with flossing and regular check-ups can help prevent a lifetime of problematic dental problems.
Brushing your teeth has long been considered a crucial part of good dental care. As long ago as 3000BC the Egyptians were making toothbrushes out of twigs and leaves. More modern research shows that brushing your teeth really does prevent cavities, gingivitis and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Clever, those Egyptians.
Brushing helps to remove plaque, an invisible layer of bacteria that develops on the enamel, that if left turns into tartar which can cause a whole range of dental problems. Tooth brushing also helps to stimulate gums which helps to keep them healthy.
Toothpastes contain foaming agents and detergents, most notably fluoride which helps to prevent cavities by removing plaque, so be sure to make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.
About one in ten of us accumulate tartar quickly so it is important that we brush our teeth correctly. Using anti-tartar toothpaste and making sure to brush near the salivary glands on the inside of the lower front teeth and outside of the upper back ones can help to keep the tartar at bay.
City of London dentists will be able to advise you on the most suitable toothpastes to use for your teeth and offer advice on how to clean your teeth properly and thoroughly. They may also be able to spot problems with enamel erosion caused by overly aggressive brushing.
Some people find that their teeth are overly sensitive to heat, cold and pressure. City of London dentists will be able to offer help on choosing which toothpaste can best help you avoid the pain of sensitive teeth. You can also talk to your dentist about the effectiveness of teeth whitening products.
July 12th, 2009
The Department of Health reports that the present recession and credit crunch has led to a dental health crisis with more and more people staying away from dental appointments. The cost of most dental procedures has plummeted sky-rocket. A routine check-up will now cost you 16 and a tooth filling will cost you 41 against the earlier fee of 6 and 17.
Regular dental check-ups have become a luxury than a necessity in these financially troubled times. Most people are finding it difficult to provide their family with the basic necessities and do not have excess cash to spend for routine health check ups.
But London W1 dentists remind the public that prevention is better than cure. This statement holds most true in dentistry where timely check-ups can maintain the normal health of your teeth and gums. If oral problems like plaque or cavities are left unchecked, it can lead to infectious conditions like dental caries and other systemic infections, the treatment of which will be much costlier than the ordinary check-up. Most people remain ignorant about the effect of oral health on the rest of the body. Studies have proved the link between poor oral health and serious medical conditions like heart disease, stroke and low birth weight babies.
Follow a healthy oral regimen like brushing your teeth with good toothpaste twice daily, flossing frequently and visiting your dentist regularly. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent you from spending more money during this credit crunch. Remember, ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your oral health.
March 8th, 2009
When you go for routine dental exams in West London, your dentist will check for the most common signs of dental decay. Unfortunately, even if you are very careful about brushing and flossing your teeth, cavities can begin to form. As you may be aware, it is best to halt the progress of tooth decay as quickly as possible. If you keep up with your scheduled cleanings and exams, it may only take a minimal amount of effort to keep your teeth in good condition.
Before certain types of bacteria begin making holes in your teeth, there will be some noticeable changes to the enamel. This may include changes in color, as well as other evidence that will be picked up on xrays. At this early stage, fluoride therapy and sealants can be used to stop dental decay. In some cases, making some dietary changes will even make it possible for small areas of enamel to regain good health.
Once cavities begin to eat away at the outer layers of your tooth, it will be necessary to clear away the affected tissue. Dental fillings can then be used to seal up the area, and make it possible for you to chew as you normally would. Ideally, these procedures should be done before the hole reaches the pulp, and nerve tissues located deep in the tooth structure. Unfortunately, once the pulp area becomes infected, it will be necessary to remove the tooth.
Even though you may not like dental drills and procedures, your dentist has a number of medications that can help you remain pain free and calm. Without a question, if you have cavities, it is better to treat them now, rather than try to deal with the consequences of not doing so later on. Aside from helping preserve good dental health, you will also be able to enjoy an attractive smile for the rest of your life.
