July 12th, 2009
Dental caries is a type of tooth decay in which the tooth enamel is dissolved and is mainly caused by infectious agents like Streptococcus mutants and Lactobacillus. These bacteria can penetrate the dentin or tooth pulp tissue causing necrosis, infection and ultimately tooth loss. If left untreated, the excruciating oral pain can also affect eating, speech, swallowing and breathing.
Dental caries was once considered as a major public health concern. With the discovery of the water fluoridation technique, the incidence of dental caries in the society especially among children diminished to a great extent. An appropriate amount of fluoride is added to drinking water which inhibits or reverses the progression of dental caries and causes remineralisation of the tooth enamel.
But fluoride is only beneficial in reducing the incidence of dental caries when present in appropriate quantities. Recent studies by Central London researchers have shown that excess amounts of fluoride are now present in our waters leading to fluorosis, teeth mottling and dental caries. Excess intake of fluoride during the development of tooth enamel in children causes hypomineralisation or enamel fluorosis. This leads to the formation of brittle teeth in children making them at increased risk for developing dental caries. Excess amounts of fluoride are not only present in the drinking water but also in most toothpastes and mouth rinses.
The misconception in society that excessive amounts of fluoride are beneficial to the teeth promotes the purchase of toothpastes and mouth washes that advertise higher levels of fluoride. But remember, fluoride is protective and good for our teeth only in the right amount. An increased amount does more harm than good especially in our little children.
July 12th, 2009
Dental implants are probably one of the main contributors of cosmetic dentistry to the world. A dental implant is essentially an artificial replacement that resembles a tooth or a group of teeth. Some of the reasons that lead to tooth loss are dental caries, root canal failure, tooth decay, periodontitis, injury, congenital defects or excessive wear and tear. Dental implants are the best and most effective choice to replace lost teeth. These implants can be of two different types;
1. Osseointegrated implant
2. Fibrointegrated implant
The popularity of dental implants has risen tremendously over the recent years. Some of the main advantages that have led to the popularity of these implants over other tooth restorative options are;
• Implants are stronger and more durable for long term use.
• Implantation is a permanent solution to replace lost teeth.
• Dental implants can be combined with other restorative processes to increase effectiveness.
• Since these are permanently inserted, they are easy to care for and give the wearer a completely natural look.
• Most implantation procedures are computer-guided which makes them safer and faster and take very little time to heal.
• Development of mini implants has made this procedure extremely popular in today’s beauty-conscious society.
This procedure has one of the highest success rates in dentistry, but all are not eligible to get a dental implant done. Consult a London W1 dentist who will take your history and examine your teeth and gums to consider you for this restorative procedure.
December 5th, 2008
Xerostomia or mouth dryness is relatively common in individuals using medications prescribed by physicians. Mouth dryness leads to numerous dental diseases, such as dental caries. Xerostomia can also cause speech, chewing, swallowing, and taste problems. Individuals with gingival recession and xerostomia have a higher risk of root surface dental caries, as the root covering is much softer than the hard enamel on the crown of the tooth.
Mouth dryness can also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Saliva substitutes along with stimulants are helpful. However, your Central London dentist and dental hygienist can help you to prevent the dental problems associated with mouth dryness. Your Central London dentist may refer you to a physician to help with your medications. Several substitute medications may be available that do not cause the same amount of mouth dryness. Your Central London dentist and dental hygienist can recommend or give you home health products that can help. For example, chewing gums and toothpastes that contain xylitol help with the stimulation of saliva and also tooth remineralisation. Make sure to visit the Central London Dental Clinic regularly to have your teeth and gums checked!
August 17th, 2008
I once read an anecdote where a person had to talk to a teller through a small hole in the window. And since they had a hard time hearing each other, they had to speak close to that hole. Unfortunately, the teller had halitosis. So, that person wanted to speed the conversation up in order to breathe fresh air once again. Hilarious, isn’t it. Unfortunately, it commonly happens and a lot of them are not aware that they have it.Halitosis is basically known as bad breath. It is often caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the oral cavity from particles of food left inside. When you have a tooth decay or dental caries, it may also lead to bad breath. Bleeding gums or gingivitis can also be a cause of halitosis. This is one of the reasons why dentists always advise their patients to clean their teeth and tongue thoroughly through brushing and flossing. Mouthwash or gum can help mask the odor but it does not treat the underlying condition.
How do you get rid of this bad breath that will not only affect the health of your body but your social status as well? First is treating the tooth decay and gingivitis. If you need to have a tooth extracted because of its decay, then you have to do it. And always keep your mouth clean and fresh by regular brushing and flossing.
Do these steps and you are on your way to that perfect smile and fresh breath, including keeping the air of London smelling clean.
June 21st, 2008
Most children lose their primary teeth or milk teeth by the age of 6 or 7, and in that position develop bigger permanent teeth naturally. As it is a gradual process, they don’t require any special care to fill the space left by their predecessors. If the child loses just a single tooth, that space is maintained by the other teeth, which are in position. But if the child loses its teeth early, maybe due to caries, trauma, or some congenital causes, it would become necessary to keep the space open. When the child loses many teeth together, the remaining teeth may drift into the place to fill the gap and when it is time for the permanent teeth to come, there won’t be enough space for them to come properly and they can come as crooked and/or crowded, which may later require orthodontic treatment. As these misaligned or crowded teeth are very difficult to clean, they can cause dental caries. In central London, dentists solve this problem of shifting of baby teeth with the use of space maintainers, either removable or fixed. The removable space maintainers can be removed and cleaned by the child and can be replaced. These are made of stainless steel and are custom made according to an impression of the child’s mouth. This type is useful in older children who can understand and act according to the dentist’s directions. Removable spacers with artificial tooth on them are also available, which are useful in cases where too many teeth are lost and are highly visible. This is also recommended only for older children, as it requires proper care. If your child has lost teeth from both sides of lower jaw, the spacer can be placed using a lower lingual holding arch. If the molar is not developed, which gives support for fixed space maintainer, another appliance is used which is known as distal shoe appliance. Here, the arm of the appliance is inserted under the gum to keep the space from closing. Space maintainers have to be checked frequently and must be removed once the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. Your child should be instructed to clean the space maintainer regularly by brushing. They should also maintain proper oral hygiene. They should not eat chewable candies, popcorns, and gum. It is also important that kids should not press the space maintainer with tongue or finger, which can dislodge and become hazardous with the risk of swallowing or inhaling. In case of fixed space maintainers, they are cemented to the mouth. They require proper followup to check for the development of the permanent teeth and also to maintain the health of the gum. If the space maintainer is not removed by the time the permanent teeth are ready, it can arrest the eruption of the tooth. While wearing the space maintainers, children can face some difficulty in talking and eating, but that passes off with practice. Therefore, it is ideal to care and keep the baby teeth until the permanent teeth erupt.
