Gums are the most delicate of creatures and they need to be nurtured as much as your teeth do in west London, because if you do look after them, they will look after you. One thing you do need to be aware of is gum disease and if it happens, get the problem sorted out as quickly as you can, otherwise it can lead to not only losing your teeth, but also affect your body in your heart, liver and kidneys. There are some amazing treats on the market to help you in this division and if you have any doubts then for the love of god, talk to your dentist. Flossing helps to keep the gums free of food-stuff and also rejuvenates the blood flow- all the products are there to get you through it. But you can also help the care of your teeth by taking oral hygiene to a different level. Herbal alternatives are great for your gums and can make them sparkle and come to life with delicate massaging; good toothbrushes and the correct tooth paste will also aid the health of your gums as well- essentially, it comes down to looking after yourself- again, ask your dentist about the way to go here. Get it right at the core, and you will be smiling forever.
Posts tagged “gums”
Give your Gums a treat in West London
November 8th, 2011Fighting against tooth disease, infections and abscess by a Central London dentist
January 10th, 2010
An abscess around a tooth is a painful experience, and can take a week or so of treatment before it is possible for your dentist to deal with the root cause. Any kind of infection is damaging to the gums and often it leaves the gums more vulnerable to future infections. Bacteria is generally the main felon, it forms in the mouth by attaching itself to food particles left between the teeth. This is of course avoidable, says the Central London dentist, by a simple regime and an awareness of the problem in most cases. The first line of treatment is a course of penicillin or a similar drug if you’re allergic, this can take anything from a few days to over a week to bring down the swelling and kill off the infection. The tooth will need to be removed if the infection is reoccurring on the same tooth, but in most cases the tooth can be saved and further occurrences avoided by simply seeing the practice hygienist and taking more time to floss, rinse and remove trapped food after eating. The problem is that because we don’t feel the bacteria working away in our mouths we tend to not be too careful about our teeth, but even healthy teeth are susceptible to infections and gum damage from the bacteria. We need bacteria to enable our food to be broken down and become digestible, but not clearing food particles from those hidden gaps in our teeth is like leaving the washing up for a few days. Would you leave a plate of half eaten food in the kitchen? Your answer is no, so why leave food in the mouth to rot and cause infection, doesn’t make sense does it? So, next time you have a meal think about that bacteria working away your mouth afterwards.
West London dentists promote dental hygiene for life free from toothache
November 14th, 2009
Maintaining a good standard of dental hygiene can keep your mouth healthy and prevent a lifetime of costly and unpleasant dental problems. Nearly all dental disease can be prevented by carrying out a few small but very important cleaning procedures each day. The saying ‘look after your teeth and gums and they will last you a lifetime’ is very true.
The two most important factors in maintaining a good standard of dental hygiene are brushing and flossing. Tooth brushing has been in existence since Egyptian times over 3,000 years ago. Back then they used leaves on the end of twigs but the premise was the same. They had worked out that by keeping teeth free of debris and clean they would last a lot longer. The Egyptians may have not understood exactly why, as they were unaware of the existence of microscopic bacteria, but they knew it worked. Today we know that brushing helps to remove plaque, a bacteria rich substance that clings to the surface of the teeth and gums. Acid from decaying bacteria in plaque erodes the enamel on the surface of the teeth. This causes cavities to form in the enamel. If left untreated these cavities can continue to grow until ultimately they penetrate to the centre of the tooth. This central cavity can then become infected leading to tooth ache, abscesses and eventually tooth loss. By brushing for three minutes twice a day with a suitable brush and paste, as dentists recommend, you can prevent the build of cavity forming plaque and the formation of any dental cavities.
Flossing is also very important for dental hygiene. Flossing reaches the parts of teeth that regular brushes cannot. For instance, food debris gets trapped between teeth which is too narrow for a normal brush. Dental floss can remove this debris which is the cause for over 90 per cent of causes of bad breath. Flossing also helps to clean below the gum line, where bacteria can build up. This helps to keep gums healthy and prevent painful and destructive gingivitis, also known as gum disease.
By making these few small sacrifices and tying it together with the all important six-monthly check ups with a West London dentist you can help to prevent any future dental concerns. An extra few minutes each day to maintain dental hygiene is a small price to pay for a life free of the pain and worry caused by dental disease.
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West London dentist warns of increased risk of periodontitis for diabetics
September 24th, 2009
People who have diabetes often suffer health problems with their eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. But less known is the increased risk they face of periodontal disease. This is the disease of the gums that causes painful and bleeding gums. Conversely, periodontal disease can make it hard to control blood sugar levels, which in turn can aggravate the diabetes.
It is this lack of blood sugar control that makes diabetes sufferers more susceptible to gum disease. Irregularities in blood sugar levels often cause gum disease, and diabetics are far more likely to suffer severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss, than non-diabetics. The thickening of blood that is symptomatic of diabetes also means it is harder to carry away the tissues’ waste products from the gums meaning that gum tissues are far more likely to get infected.
Diabetes sufferers who also smoke are at particular risk. Studies show that a diabetic smoker is 20 times more likely to suffer gum disease than someone with neither of these risk factors.
Diabetics are also at greater risk because they are not as able to remove sugars from the mouth. A build up of sugar in the mouth provides the perfect place for bacteria to grow and cause further damage.
Gum disease has two clear stages. Firstly, gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, which is often represented by inflammation, swelling and irritation of the gums. At this stage it can still be reversed by proper brushing and a good oral hygiene routine. If the infection gets worse it may develop into periodontal disease. This is when plaque develops under the gums fording them away from the teeth. Infection then develops in this space. At this stage it will require treatment from a dental professional.
Treatment takes one of two forms; either plaque removal or more serious periodontal surgery. A West London dentist will be able to perform both procedures relatively easily. Dentists advise regular six-monthly check ups, especially for diabetics to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Visit Your London Dentist to Learn About Pregnancy and Oral Health
April 4th, 2009
Your London Dentist Can Help You Learn About Oral Health During Pregnancy | Visit Your London Dentist to Learn About Pregnancy and Oral HealthIf you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, it is important to think about your oral health and hygiene. As may be expected, pregnancy can wreak havoc with the delicate balance that keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Among other things, you may be at an increased risk for developing gingivitis as well as abscesses and other types of gum disease. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that you visit your London dentist and make sure that you know how prevent as many dental problems as posisble.
In most cases, you will need to avoid complicated dental procedures while you are pregnant. That said, you should have at least one thorough cleaning to ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy. During your pregnancy, you will need to avoid having X-rays done, as well as other types of diagnostic testing that might harm the baby. You will also be limited in terms of the kinds of medications that you can take for pain management and other issues. On the other hand, your dentist should be able to find something that will help manage your condition, as well as prevent it from escalating out of control.
Unfortunately, if you develop an infection or abscess, it can become even more dangerous when you are pregnant. For example, there may be an increased chance that the infection will spread to other parts of your body. In addition, the infection may also spread to the fetus. Without a question, if your gums start swelling, or you suspect there is an infection, you will need to see your dentist as quickly as posisble. As with any other complication associated with pregnancy, the sooner you have dental problems taken care of, the better it will be for you and your unborn child.
You Can Have All the Advantages of White Fillings in Central London
February 14th, 2009
If you have cavities that need to be filled, there are alternatives to mercury filled amalgam. In particular, you may be interested in having white fillings that are made from white composite. Aside from being safer and more durable, these fillings will be far more attractive. Fortunately, you can obtain this type of filling in Central London.
As with amalgam fillings, your dentist will need to remove damaged tooth materials, as well as a tiny bit of healthy tissue. Interestingly enough, far less material will have to be removed in order to insert a white filling as opposed to amalgam. Since less of your natural tooth is removed, you can have peace of mind knowing that the structure will remain in good health for a longer period of time. This may help prevent the need for root canals, as well as many other kinds of procedures that are designed to manage complex tooth and gum issues.
Even though white composite fillings have many advantages over amalgam, it is important to realize that the procedure for inserting them is a bit different. Among other things, your dentist will need to make sure that no saliva touches your tooth while it is being filled. Depending on where the tooth is, you may feel some discomfort from the shields. That said, the remainder of the procedure tends to be a bit more comfortable than what is used for amalgam. At the very least, the composite filling is not as heavy, or as hot as molten amalgam.
If you need to have cavities filled, it may be to your advantage to ask for white composite instead of amalgam. Aside from reducing your exposure to the mercury found in amalgam, you will also be receiving more durable and attractive filling. You may even find that using white filling will be more useful for preventing dental problems later on in life.
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Central London Dental Clinic Offers Six Month Smile
November 8th, 2008
Your Central London Dental Clinic is now offering the six month smile. An alternative to regular orthodontic braces and Invisalign, the braces and wires used for this procedure are tooth coloured and are hardly noticeable. This procedure is recommended for patients over 15 years old that have imperfect smiles, misaligned teeth, and/or spaces and crowding of their teeth. One type of orthodontic device used to straighten teeth is braces, which have been used for years to straighten teeth. Recently, many types of braces and clear devices have been used to straighten teeth. One of the latest being Invisalign.
Different types of braces have been used in the U.S., and are now being offered in the U.K. in Central London. They do away with the lengthy orthodontic procedure, taking between 6-9 months to complete. Despite scepticism, these new braces are installed using up-to-date techniques, and are used to straighten teeth quickly and safely. Special nickel titanium wires are used to move the teeth and the brackets are tooth coloured, and are therefore hardly noticeable. These braces use light forces to align the teeth, consequently causing only temporary discomfort. They also do not damage your teeth or gums because of the short duration of treatment. They are also significantly less expensive than normal braces. So, visit your Central London Dental Clinic for a consultation a the 6 month smile!
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Missing Teeth Replaced with Dentures in Central London
October 5th, 2008
There are many reasons why people lose their teeth including dental caries, periodontitis, and tooth trauma. London dentists have been using dentures for numerous years to replace lost teeth. There are also other ways to replace lost teeth. Compromised oral function has been linked to decreased self-esteem and a decline in the quality of life. Adults with missing teeth or loose dentures may avoid certain social activities because they are embarrassed to speak, smile, or eat in front of others. Your teeth provide support and structure to your face and cheeks, and lost teeth may result in sagging cheeks, making you appear older than you really are. By replacing your teeth, you can remove years from your face.
Dentures are removable appliances to replace your teeth, and are made to look, feel, and function naturally. They are made to look like your teeth and gums, and look very realistic and natural and have a comfortable feeling. There are several different types of dentures, and these include partial and full dentures. Partial dentures are made when there are some teeth that are in good condition still remaining in your mouth, and full dentures are made when there are no teeth remaining in your mouth. Partial dentures are clasped onto your existing teeth, and will keep those teeth from shifting in your mouth. Made of acrylic resin and plastic or porcelain teeth, your London dentist can now give you many different aesthetic options to replace your missing teeth.
Full dentures are held in place by suction created on the roof of your mouth when the dentures are in place. Lower dentures do not have the same suction, due to their smaller surface area and your tongue and muscles of the mouth moving. These lower dentures may require an adhesive agent to hold them in place, as they can become loose upon eating. There is an alternative, and your London dentist will explain this to you. You can have the option of having either dental implants, or miniature dental implants, placed into your gums and underlying bone, to stabilize the denture and hold it in place. This way you can eat anything you want without the worry of your dentures loosening or coming out. Many denture patients are receiving these implants, because they dramatically improve their confidence.
The best way to care for your dentures is to make sure they are kept clean. Your dentures should be removed while you sleep to allow your gums to rest, and allow them to be exposed to your mouth environment in order to keep them healthy. When you remove your dentures, you should brush them and soak them in cold water, or a cleaning tablet specifically made for this purpose that you place in water. DO NOT USE BLEACH! Also, brush your dentures again before replacing them back into your mouth. If your denture has large buildups and debris that you cannot remove by brushing, visit your dentist and have them or their dental hygienist remove the debris and clean your dentures. Even though you don’t have your natural teeth, it is very important for you to visit your dentist on a regular basis, in order to make sure that your dentures and your underlying supporting tissues are in good shape. They will also fit your dentures better if they are getting loose from shrinkage of the underlying tissues. Dentures that do not fit properly, cause gum irritation and inflammation, and other problems such as bad speech and inability to chew food.
Dentures can last quite a while if they are properly maintained by the patient and you visit your dentist regularly. There is some natural wear and wear that occur to dentures, especially those made with plastic teeth. These teeth wear more quickly than porcelain teeth. Also, your gums and underlying bone tissues may shrink causing your dentures to get loose and changing your bite in the process. Your dentist will reline or rebase your denture depending on the situation. However, it is highly recommended that you have new dentures made after five years.
Your dentist will perform a complete examination and take radiographs of your mouth. After discussing your needs and wants, your dentist will determine if dentures are right for you. If you already have an old denture, your dentist may use your old denture to take an impression of your mouth. If not, the dentist will decide if there are some questionable teeth remaining in your mouth that cannot be saved. After this is decided, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth and a bite registration, and stone models will be made of your mouth in the dental laboratory. Dental technician(s) will fabricate the best possible dentures according to your dentist’s instructions.
If you need to have teeth extracted, “immediate” dentures will be fabricated prior to teeth removal, and following the surgery, the denture is inserted immediately. This aids in the healing of the extraction sites and will act as a surgical stent. It allows you to function and have better aesthetics during the healing period. These dentures usually require relining with soft and/or medicated material while the tissues are healing and shrinking. “Regular” full dentures are fabricated after the healing is complete. This denture can usually be inserted 8-12 weeks after the teeth have been extracted.
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London’s Preference for Tea Over Coffee May Help in Saving Teeth
August 17th, 2008
Recently, a group of students from the University of Illinois have uncovered another truth about black tea. They believe that black tea can help fight cavities. We know how people in London and some parts in Asia prefer tea. Well, these people may unknowingly be rescuing their pearly whites from the dreaded cavity invasion. Black tea, as the students say, have components that fight bacteria in the mouth that causes cavities and gum problems.
Black Tea and Green Tea
Earlier studies were focused only on green tea mostly in Asian countries. However, as studies continued, scientists found more viable and effective compounds in black tea that can be used to fight against tooth decay and improve oral hygiene.
What exactly does black tea do in your mouth?
o Black tea has been found out to be able to suppress or even kill the bacteria that produce harmful acids in the plaque that destroy the teeth.
o It also targets a specific enzyme called glucosyltransferase which is the culprit responsible for making plaque so difficult to get rid of.
o Black tea also makes other types of bacteria in the mouth lose their ability to combine with plaque and thereby lessening its buildup.
According to the scientists, timely intake of black tea may significantly improve oral health. Intake of black tea can be used in preventing oral diseases and tooth decay but not as a cure. This discovery confirms an earlier Swedish study that also concluded beneficial results in gargling with black tea. The tea was said to have prevented plaque build up which is the same result arrived at by these students.
This new effect of black tea can now be added to its many other favourable effects like being a good source of antioxidants.
2. Know the Procedures and Advantages of Dental Implants from your Dentists in London
August 17th, 2008
With today’s numerous researches into dental procedures and the like, dental patients around London have plenty of options for their dental maintenance and other procedures to select from. A very good alternative to acquiring dentures for missing teeth are dental implants. This sort of procedure brings about many favourable results compared to dentures in most cases. Having dental implants involve several procedures and can take longer than having ordinary dentures yet results are definitely far better.Procedures Involved in Getting an Implant
The first procedure involved is a surgical one. Since a metallic contraption needs to be screwed onto the jaw bone (this is an endosteal type of dental implant), a small incision has to be made on the gums covering that section of the jawbone. The incision has to be big enough to allow the implant to be screwed to the jawbone. The implant is the one that will anchor the new artificial replacement securely. The incised gum will have to be stitched.
After four to six months of allowing the implant to integrate with the jawbone itself, the artificial replacement can now be attached. These replacements are customised only for you. Each time that a new patient comes for an implant, new impressions will have to be made.
Advantages of Getting a Dental Implant
Since your new artificial teeth replacements are supported by implants attached to your jawbone, they give a more comfortable and natural feel in your mouth. With these, it is less awkward for you to chew and speak and they are far more stable than removable dentures.
In the course of time, atrophy in the jawbone can develop because of the missing teeth. Dental implants are known to prevent such atrophy.
After a permanent tooth has been damaged or pulled out, no other tooth will grow out to replace it, meaning it is lost forever. In the procedure for bridges, some teeth need to be cut, which is quite a waste given the fact that permanent teeth grow only once in your lifetime. Yet with dental implants, the necessity to make cuts on other teeth is eliminated.
Aside from far better aesthetic results, dental implants are also permanent, meaning you will not have to keep on returning to the dentist to have new ones made. With these advantages, more dental patients in London have chosen implants over removable dentures.
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