What Are The Most Common Dental Issues And How To Prevent Them? 31 May 20232 August 2022It can be difficult to know where to start with your oral health so in this post we will outline the most common problems our patients face and the advice we give them to prevent them in the future.Tooth DecayTooth decay is caused by the sticky film that forms over your teeth, called plaque. The plaque contains bacteria that breaks down sugar to form acid. The acid then wears down your enamel, causing your teeth to become weaker.To prevent tooth decay occurring you should:Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.Clean in between your teeth either using floss or an interdental brush.Visit your dentist regularly.Avoid sugary snacks.Gum DiseaseIn the early stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. You will experience swollen, tender, bleeding gums. If it progresses, it develops into periodontitis which causes bone loss, leading to tooth loss. Periodontitis is irreversible. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque that release toxins, causing the gums to become inflamed.To prevent gum disease:Brush your teeth twice a day.Clean in between your teeth once a day using floss or interdental brushes.Replace your toothbrush every three months.See your dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups.Bad BreathBad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by multiple things:Bacteria breaks down food particles in the mouth. The decaying food and bacteria can contribute to the bad odour. If you are not practicing good oral hygiene, by brushing and flossing, the food will remain in your mouth for longer.Smoking causes a bad odour and dries out your mouth, making the problem even worse.Saliva helps to keep your mouth clean and reduces odour. If you are suffering with dry mouth, you may notice a problem with bad breath.If you have gum disease, pockets can form between the teeth and the gums. Food and bacteria can collect in these pockets, causing a bad smell.Bad breath could also be a sign of a sinus infection and certain diseases such as diabetes and liver failure. If your bad breath does not go away after treating it yourself for a couple of weeks, it is important that you visit your dentist.How to prevent bad breath:Brush your teeth twice a day.Floss daily.Use an antimicrobial mouthwash daily (at a different time to brushing).Brush your tongue to remove any leftover food.Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps to wash away any food particles and prevents dry mouth.Clean dentures, mouth guards and retainers daily.Replace your toothbrush every three months.Visit your dentist regularly.Sensitive TeethTooth sensitivity is pain or discomfort in the teeth caused by certain stimuli. For example, sensitivity to hot and cold or to pressure when eating or brushing your teeth.Some people naturally have sensitive teeth due to having thinner enamel. It can also be caused by acid reflux which weakens the enamel. Gum recession can leave parts of the tooth exposed and unprotected which can cause sensitivity. Tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth can leave the dentine exposed which can cause localised sensitivity.How to prevent sensitivity:Don’t brush straight after eating. Some foods can weaken the enamel of your teeth so leave it for an hour before you brush.Reduce the frequency of eating sugary snacks. If you are going to have them, try to eat them at meal times to reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth.If you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard at night.Brush your teeth twice a day. Consider trying a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.If the problem doesn’t resolve, visit your dentist.
Why Is Snacking Between Meals Bad For Your Teeth? 31 May 202326 July 2022Research has found that some people prefer to snack throughout the day instead of eating three set meals. Although it may seem harmless, this snacking has a negative impact on your oral health.Dental PlaquePlaque is a film of bacteria that covers your teeth. Everyone’s plaque contains bacteria. The bacteria breaks down the sugar in your food to create acid which weakens your enamel that coats your teeth. This means that your mouth becomes more acidic everytime you eat or drink something and it can take upto an hour for the pH to return to normal. The toxins produced by plaque irritate the gums, increasing the risk of gum disease. If you stick to three meals a day then it reduces the number of acid attacks that your teeth face.DietMost people that visit the dentist will be aware of the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. However, not everyone realises the role that their diet plays on their oral health. If you are prone to snacking between meals, you might want to try healthier snacks. Resist snacks that are high in sugar or those that are likely to stick to your teeth for long periods of time. For example, sticky sweets like toffees.Healthier alternatives include crunchy vegetables which contain high amounts of fibre as they will have a slightly cleansing effect on your teeth.Snacks To AvoidCitrus fruits.Chewy, sticky, sugary sweets.Pickles are low calorie but they are highly acidic.Snacks To TrySeaweed Snacks.Fresh raw vegetables: carrot and cucumber.Crispy fruits: apple and pear. They’re lower in sugar that other fruits and high in fibre.Nuts like almonds and cashews.
Why You Should Drink Water To Help Your Teeth 24 May 202326 July 2022We all know that there are numerous health benefits to drinking water, but did you know that it’s also good for your teeth?1. Strengthens Your TeethSome areas in the Uk have a water supply that naturally contains fluoride and in other areas it is added to the water. So by just drinking tap water, you are helping to strengthen your teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to keep your teeth strong and prevent tooth decay.2. Keeps Your Mouth CleanThroughout the day, as you eat, the sugars get stuck to your teeth. The bacteria in your plaque break down the sugar to form acids which can wear away the enamel on your teeth. To protect your teeth, drink a glass of water after you eat to help wash away any remaining sugar.3. Keeps Your Mouth HydratedNot only does a dry mouth feel horrible, a lack of saliva can leave your teeth vulnerable to acid attacks. Saliva is 99% water so keeping hydrated will ensure that your mouth produces enough saliva. Your saliva washes away left over foods and keeps your teeth strong by washing them with calcium, phosphate and fluoride.4. Its Sugar FreeUnlike other drinks, water is sugar and calorie free. Even drinks that are advertised as healthy can be full of sugar, so swap these for water to help protect your teeth from acid attacks. Avoid fizzy drinks completely, as even the diet versions contain acid which can erode your enamel, weakening your teeth.
Why Do My Gums Hurt When I Brush My Teeth? 17 May 202326 July 2022Painful gums are a common problem. It could be due to a number of reasons, from brushing incorrectly or due to gum disease. Read the following article to find out the source of your pain.Gum DiseaseSwollen, tender, bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is caused when plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that can build up under your gum line and cause them to become inflamed. In the early stages, it is gingivitis. However, it can progress into periodontitis which results in bone loss, meaning that it is irreversible.Abscessed ToothWhen you have an infection by the root of your tooth, it forms an abscess. Although they may not always be painful, they can cause the gum to swell, making it painful to brush.StressAlthough this may seem strange, stress raises your level of cortisol which increases the likelihood of inflammation throughout the body, including your gums.TobaccoIf you smoke or vape you’re more likely to have gum disease. The tobacco causes the amount of oxygen flowing in the blood to fall, meaning that the gums can’t heal themselves as well. Not only does this make brushing painful but it also leads to cancer.Brushing IncorrectlyIt is important that your brush your teeth twice a day, but to be able to reap the benefits, you need to make sure you are doing it properly. This means using a soft bristled toothbrush, brushing gently with circular motions rather than back and forth.Regardless of the cause of your pain, pain while brushing your teeth isn’t normal and you should contact us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment with your dentist who will find what is causing the problem.
Invisalign System Frequently Asked Questions. 16 May 202316 May 2023What is Invisalign?Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan based on your Invisalign Provider’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for 1-2 weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving towards the projected final position. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your Invisalign Provider, based on your specific needs.What are the benefits of Invisalign?Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing these virtually invisible aligners, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others. Invisalign aligners are removable giving you the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and to maintain good oral hygiene. Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires. This means that in most cases less time is spent in your Invisalign Provider’s practice for adjustments. And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you even begin treatment so you can see how your teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete.Is this a new way to straighten teeth?Dentists or orthodontists have, in the past, successfully used removable appliances for years. But with the application of Align Technology’s 3D computer technology and mass-customisation, the Invisalign System can be used to treat a wide range of patients who wants straighter teeth. The unique ClinCheck® software allows patients to see their treatment plan from beginning to end even before the start of treatment.How old is the company?Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.How old is the technology?In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kiesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Align Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align Technology produces Invisalign, a series of customised clear aligners. Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce gradual tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?More than 8 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.Where is Invisalign available?Invisalign is sold in over 45 countries using a direct sales model in the US, Canada, Europe, China, Japan, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East, and supported by distributors in smaller emerging growth countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Latin America.How much does Invisalign cost?As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign is dependent on the complexity of your issue and your course of treatment. As a general rule the cost is comparable to traditional fixed braces. And, although only an Invisalign Provider is able to fully determine your cost, prices for Invisalign treatment are generally between £2,500 – £5,500.How do I get started with Invisalign?Make an appointment using our online booking request for an Invisalign consultation hereHow does Invisalign work?Invisalign aligners move teeth with an appropriate placement of controlled movement on the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign not only controls the amount of movement per aligner, but also the timing of the movement. So at each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, as per the Invisalign treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system that moves teeth into the desired prescribed position.What are aligners made of and what do they look like?The virtually invisible aligners are made of strong medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign System. The aligners are custom-made for you and fit snugly over your teeth.Can I go to any dental practitioner for treatment with Invisalign?While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training to become qualified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients before treatments will be accepted from their office. More than 82,000 dentists and orthodontists worldwide are already trained to treat patients using Invisalign. Find an Invisalign Provider near you.What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with Invisalign?While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training to become qualified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients before treatments will be accepted from their office. More than 82,000 dentists and orthodontists worldwide are already trained to treat patients using Invisalign. Find an Invisalign Provider near you.How often must I see my Invisalign Provider once I have started treatment?Appointment intervals are generally the same as with traditional braces but can be much quicker with less time spent in the dentists’ or orthodontists’ chair during appointments as no adjustments need to be made to wires/brackets. Patients typically visit their Invisalign Provider every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of Invisalign aligners, but your Invisalign Provider will decide based on your treatment.How long does the Invisalign treatment take?The total duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment and is generally comparable to that of traditional braces. Typically treatment can last between 3 and 18 months. During your consultation, your Invisalign Provider can provide you with more detailed information.Is the Invisalign treatment painful?Some people may experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days, at the beginning of each new stage of treatment when they insert a new aligner. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the aligners are working – moving your teeth gradually, helping you to achieve the final results. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.Does the procedure work on overbites?An Invisalign Provider can use Invisalign to treat overbites in the vast majority of adults and adolescents. Consult an Invisalign Provider to determine whether Invisalign is suitable for you.Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?Only your Invisalign Provider can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.Are bridges a factor in Invisalign treatment?Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they offer significant resistance to tooth movement. Your Invisalign Provider will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.Are crowns a factor in Invisalign treatment?Crowns (tooth caps) are usually not a factor in Invisalign treatment. However, sometimes small tooth-coloured composites called “attachments” are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements and are more difficult to bond on crowns than teeth. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated. An Invisalign Provider can provide further advice.Can Invisalign close gaps?Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign. Consult an Invisalign Provider to determine whether Invisalign is suitable for you.Will TMJ affect Invisalign treatment?To find out if your TMJ problem will adversely impact treatment, consult an Invisalign Provider. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. People with a TMJ condition can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign, and some which can improve, remain the same or even cause the condition to deteriorate.
Caring For Your Oral Health And The Environment 10 May 202326 July 2022We should only use our toothbrushes for around three months before replacing it with a new one. This means that in the UK around 256 million toothbrushes are bought and discarded every year.Plastics are a key material in toothbrushes. They are flexible, have good durability and are easy to keep clean. However, they have detrimental impacts on our environment due to manufacturing, transportation, and disposability.Alternative PlasticsOne of the most common types of plastic is recycled plastic, however this is not always appropriate for oral healthcare products as it may contain hazardous materials. For this reason, it is unlikely that recycled plastics in their current for could be used to make toothbrushes. However they could be useful for their packaging.Oral health is currently shifting towards the use of renewable plastics, in the form of biobased plastics. They are made from plants such as sugar cane and the caster oil plant. This helps to create a smaller carbon footprint as it removes the use of fossil-based plastics.Reusing Your ToothbrushExtending the lifespan of our toothbrushes and finding other ways to make them more sustainable is the responsibility of oral health companies. However we can try to make a difference too. Studies from the Oral Health Foundation found that 80% of us use our old toothbrush for an alternative purpose. Try using it to clean your bathroom tiles or kitchen appliances.
What Causes Yellow Teeth? 3 May 202326 July 2022Yellow teeth can cause you to lose confidence in your smile, but there are some simple lifestyle changes that can help to improve the colour of your teeth.SmokingSmokers often complain of the yellowing colour of their teeth and long term smokers even notice that their teeth begin to turn brown. This is caused by the tar and nicotine in cigarettes that quickly stain your teeth. By giving up smoking you will not get any more cigarette related staining. Not only this but you will reduce your risk of gum disease and oral cancers.Poor Oral HygieneIt is vital to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. By brushing and flossing, you are helping to remove the build-up of plaque. Plaque can quickly turn into tartar which is yellow in colour and, therefore, leads to your teeth looking more discoloured.Getting OlderThe hard, white coating of your teeth, called enamel, eventually begins to wear away as you age. This, unfortunately, exposes the yellow material underneath called dentine.Your Diet Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth. Foods that have a strong, dark colour, such as curry and coffee contain chemical compounds called chromogens which make your teeth much more likely to stain. Read this article to learn more about which foods can stain your teeth and how some can whiten your teeth.GeneticsSometimes, you can inherit tooth colour from your parents.Dead ToothDue to decay or an accident, teeth can die. The blood flow to your tooth will be cut off, resulting in discolouration.If you want to improve your smile, contact our team on 01723 670500 to discuss the whitening options that we have available.