Category: Dental Advice

Stoptober…..

Stoptober…….

Stopping smoking is the one of the best decisions you and make for your health, and the health of your family.

We know it’s not as easy as the picture suggests though. So we’re here to help.

Why not make an appointment with Beth, our Oral Health Educator, who can offer lots of hints and tips of things that will help you succeed.

We can help you try alterntivaes, maange your craving, get face to face support from people that understand how hard it is.

It’s not just your oral health that will benefit, your general health, and not to mention your financial health will also thank you!

As the new dentist in Scarborough, we’re here to make you smile! Why not book your visit now.

Do You Suffer From Mouth Ulcers?

Emergency Dental Care at Newby Dental Practice

What are mouth ulcers?

Ulcers are painful sores that appear inside the mouth. They are usually red or yellow. They are different from cold sores, which appear on the outer lips and are caused by a virus.

What are the common causes of mouth ulcers?

Usually a single mouth ulcer is due to damage caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or by sharp teeth, brushing or poorly fitting dentures. These ulcers are called ‘traumatic’ ulcers. If you have a number of mouth ulcers, and they keep coming back, this is called ‘recurrent aphthous stomatitis’.

How do I know if I have a traumatic ulcer?

Traumatic ulcers are usually on their own, are next to the cause of the damage and go away once the source of the problem is removed.

What are the signs of recurrent aphthous stomatitis?

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common problem, and is the repeated appearance of mouth ulcers in otherwise healthy children and young people. The cause is not known, but it is not infectious and is unlikely to be inherited.

We can help manage your symptoms, and provide advise of how to reduce the frequency of these ulcers.

Are there different types of recurrent mouth ulcers?

Yes.

Minor ulcers are the most common. They can appear inside the cheeks, and on the lips, tongue and gums and, more rarely, on the roof of the mouth. Most of these ulcers are the size of the top of a pencil and can sometimes come in clusters. You can get four to six at any one time.

Large ulcers are more severe and can take longer to heal. Any ulcer that lasts longer than 3 weeks should be checked by your dentist. Large ulcers may appear near the tonsils and can be very painful, especially when you swallow. You usually only get one at a time.

It is also possible to have up to 100 very small, painful ulcers which last for one to two weeks. However, these last two varieties are very rare.

You may get ulcers in other parts of the body such as your eyes or genital area. It is important to tell your dental team about this.

What are the less common causes of mouth ulcers?

Infections can cause mouth ulcers. Herpes simplex often causes mouth ulcers in children and some adults. Other less common viral and bacterial infections may cause mouth ulcers, but this is rare. Mouth ulcers can be caused by anaemia and occasionally by other blood disorders, and some skin or gastrointestinal diseases. Sometimes the mouth ulcers are the only sign of an underlying disease.

Can cancer cause mouth ulcers?

Cancer of the mouth can first appear as a mouth ulcer. The ulcers caused by oral cancer are usually single and last a long time without any obvious nearby cause (for example a sharp tooth). Any ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks should be looked at by your dentist. Ulcers caused by cancer usually appear on or under the tongue, but may occasionally appear somewhere else in the mouth. Cancer of the mouth is usually linked to heavy smoking and drinking. Doing both together greatly increases the risk.

Can I catch mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers cannot be caught by kissing, or by sharing drinks and utensils.

What types of treatment are there for mouth ulcers?

The treatment depends on the cause of the ulcers. Sometimes all that is needed is for a sharp tooth to be smoothed down or a denture adjusted, although some patients may need mouthwashes or tablets.

What should I do if I think I have mouth ulcers?

If an ulcer lasts more than 3 weeks you should always ask us for advice. We may be able to tell you the cause and provide treatment, or we may arrange more tests or refer you to a specialist if needed.

How can I prevent mouth ulcers?

You may be able to reduce the risk of mouth ulcers by:

  • Keeping your mouth as clean and healthy as possible.
  • Using high-quality toothbrushes (to reduce the risk of damage to your mouth).
  • Eating a good diet which is rich in vitamins A, C and E, and includes foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables (to lessen the risk of mouth cancer).
  • Regularly visiting your dentist.

Should I worry about my ulcers?

Most ulcers heal up on their own. However, if they don’t heal within three weeks you should visit us. We will be able to examine your mouth to check that the problem is an ulcer and not something more serious such as mouth cancer. If you suffer from ulcers that come and go often, you should make an appointment, check that there is not an underlying medical cause.

At Every examinaiton

Always see come to see us or doctor if:

  • The ulcer lasts for more than 3 weeks.
  • You are unwell.
  • The ulcers keep coming back
https://www.newbydentalpractice.co.uk/oral-cancer-screening/

Dry Mouth. Is it affecting you?

We can help. Talk to us if you’re struggling with dry mouth.

What is dry mouth?

Your mouth needs saliva to be able to work properly. Saliva keeps your mouth moist, and it helps to break down your food and helps you to swallow. It also acts as a cleanser. It is constantly washing around your mouth and teeth, fighting tooth decay and helping to keep your teeth clean. Dry mouth or ‘xerostomia’ is a condition which affects the flow of saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry.

How can I tell I have dry mouth?

There are several symptoms to look out for. The most obvious one is, of course, a dry mouth. Some people feel that their saliva has become thick and sticky, making it difficult to speak or swallow. Some people also have a ‘prickly’ or burning sensation in their mouth and become sensitive to certain foods. The mouth can become sore and there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, the mouth can also become red and shiny. If you have any of these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dry mouth. But it may be best to talk to your dental team or doctor about it.

What can cause dry mouth?

Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems and can happen as you get older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication – especially heart, blood pressure and depression tablets. Your doctor, pharmacist or dental team should be able to tell you whether your medication can cause problems. Dry mouth can also be caused by medical treatments such as radiotherapy, or surgery to the head or neck.

In some cases, dry mouth can be a direct result of a medical condition (for example diabetes, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome and blocked salivary glands).

Are women more likely to get dry mouth?

Women who are going through the menopause (often called ‘the change’ or ‘the change of life’) may suffer from dry mouth. Women who have had their menopause and are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also find they suffer from dry mouth. If you are taking medication and have any of the symptoms of dry mouth, talk to your doctor to see whether it could be changed.

Can I prevent dry mouth?

Unfortunately there seems to be no way of actually preventing the problem, although there are products to ease the symptoms.

What problems can it cause?

Saliva helps to cancel out the acid that attacks your teeth, and is a very important part of your dental health. Saliva helps to break down food while you are chewing, allowing you to swallow more easily. Some people find that they have problems with swallowing when their saliva flow is affected.

Saliva is also very important in fighting tooth decay. It helps to fight the bacteria that form dental plaque and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is the thin, sticky film that keeps forming on your teeth.

Having less saliva can also affect the taste of food and makes it harder to eat drier foods. Sometimes it can affect your speech and it makes people more likely to have bad breath.

What products are there to help with dry mouth?

There are a number of products designed to help your mouth stay moist and comfortable. These are usually gels or sprays. Some have extra ingredients which may help prevent tooth and gum problems. There are also special products to help with your day-to-day oral hygiene (for example toothpastes and mouth rinses).

How often should I visit my dentist if I have dry mouth?

You have a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease with dry mouth, and these can get worse more quickly than usual. So it is important to visit your dental team regularly. Your dental team will tell you how often you should visit.

What can I do to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth?

There are different ways of relieving the symptoms of dry mouth. Some people find that sipping water, or sucking sugar-free sweets, helps in the short term. It is very important to use sugar-free products, as dry mouth can make you more likely to have tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help as it encourages your mouth to make saliva. Your dental team might recommend products such as rinses, gels, pastes and lozenges which you can get from the pharmacist.

What toothpaste should I use?

It is important to use a fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350 to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. A ‘total care’ toothpaste may be best as these contain antibacterial agents and other ingredients to control the build-up of plaque.

Some products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), and some people with dry mouth find this can irritate the mouth and make the condition worse.

What can my dental team do to help prevent the problems caused by dry mouth?

We can’t always help with the cause of dry mouth. But by helping you keep your mouth clean and by using fluoride we can, in many cases, help to delay the start of tooth decay. We will be able to give you advice about your diet and tell you how to care for your teeth and gums properly

Why not talk to Beth, our Oral Health Educator. See how she can help you.

https://www.newbydentalpractice.co.uk/oral-health-education/

Top tips to prevent dental erosion..

The enamel on your teeth is the hardest and most mineralised part of your whole body.  It covers the outer layer of each tooth, shielding the sensitive dentine underneath and protecting it from tooth decay.

Not all healthy food is good for teeth!

Dental erosion is the loss of your tooth enamel and is caused by acid attack.  When the enamel is worn away, dentine becomes exposed and it could lead to pain and sensitivity.

Unlike other parts of your body (such as bones or muscles), tooth enamel is not made up of living cells. This means that once enamel is destroyed, your body cannot rebuild it.  Because of this, it is important to prevent your enamel from eroding. 

That’s why we want to raise awareness about dental erosion.

Here are our top 8 tips for helping you to reduce the erosion of enamel.

1 – Have acidic food and drinks, and fizzy drinks, sodas and pops, just at mealtimes. This will reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth. Don’t forget healthy options such as fizzy water and smoothies can be very acidic too.

2 – Drink quickly, without holding the drink in your mouth or ‘swishing’ it around your mouth. Or use a straw to help drinks go to the back of your mouth and avoid long contact with your teeth.

3 – Finish a meal with cheese or milk as this will help cancel out the acid

4 – Chew sugar-free gum after eating. This will help produce more saliva to help cancel out the acids which form in your mouth after eating.

5 – Wait for at least one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing your teeth. This gives your teeth time to build up their mineral content again. Some fruits, which are healthy, can be really acidic for your teeth, such as oranges and grapefruit. Try not to eat these fruits in excess.

6 – Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste. Use a small-headed brush with medium to soft bristles

7 – Children up to three-years-old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). After three-years-old, you should use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm-to-1500ppm.

8 – Spit out after brushing and do not rinse, so that the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.

Why not book an appointment to have a chat about how we can help you make sure you’re eating the right foods, and have the right oral hygiene regime for your teeth!

Sensitive Teeth…?

What are sensitive teeth?

Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can continue for several hours. It can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems.

Who suffers from sensitive teeth?

Sensitivity can affect people of all ages

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and it can start at any time. It is more common in people aged between 20 and 40, although it can affect people in their early teens and when they are over 70. Women are more likely to be affected than men.

What causes sensitive teeth?

The part of the tooth we can see has a layer of enamel that protects the softer dentine underneath. If the dentine is exposed, a tooth can become sensitive. This usually happens where the tooth and the gum meet and the enamel layer is much thinner. Here are some causes of sensitivity:

  • Brushing too hard (‘toothbrush abrasion’), and brushing from side to side, can cause enamel to be worn away – particularly where the teeth meet the gums. The freshly exposed dentine may then become sensitive.
  • Dental erosion: this is loss of tooth enamel caused by attacks of acid from acidic food and drinks. If enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed which may lead to sensitivity.Gums may naturally recede (shrink back), and the roots of the teeth will become exposed and can be more sensitive. Root surfaces do not have an enamel layer to protect them.
  • Gums may naturally recede (shrink back ), and the roots of the teeth will become exposed and can be more sensitive. Root surfaces do not have an enamel layer to protect them.
  • Gum disease: a build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gum to recede down the tooth and even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Pockets can form in the gums around the tooth, making the area difficult to keep clean and the problem worse.
  • Tooth grinding: this is a habit which involves clenching and grinding the teeth together. This can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away, making the teeth sensitive.
  • A cracked tooth or filling: a cracked tooth is one that has become broken.
  • Tooth bleaching: some patients have sensitivity for a short time during bleaching or afterwards. Talk to us about this before having treatment.

When are teeth more likely to be sensitive?

You are more likely to feel the sensitivity when drinking or eating something cold, from cold air catching your teeth, and sometimes with hot foods or drinks. Some people have sensitivity when they have sweet or acidic food and drinks. The pain can come and go, with some times being worse than others.

Is there anything I should avoid if I have sensitive teeth?

You may find that hot, cold, sweet or acidic drinks, or foods like ice cream, can bring on sensitivity, so you may want to avoid these. If you have sensitivity when brushing your teeth with cold water from the tap, you may need to use warm water instead. It is important to keep brushing your teeth regularly – if you don’t, this could make the problem worse.

Do I need to come and see you?

Yes, if you have tried treating your sensitive teeth for a few weeks and have had no improvement.

What treatments can you offer?

During an examination the dental team will talk to you about your symptoms. We will look at your teeth to find out what is causing the sensitivity and to find the best way of treating it. We may treat the affected teeth with special ‘de-sensitising’ products to help relieve the symptoms. Fluoride gels, rinses or varnishes can be applied to sensitive teeth. These can be painted onto the teeth at regular appointments one or two weeks apart, to build up some protection. Sensitivity can take some time to settle, and you may need to have several appointments. If this still does not help, your dental team may seal or fill around the neck of the tooth, where the tooth and gum meet, to cover exposed dentine. In very serious cases it may be necessary to root-fill the tooth.

Is there anything I can do to treat sensitive teeth at home?

There are many brands of toothpaste on the market made to help ease the pain of sensitive teeth. You should use the fluoride toothpaste twice a day to brush your teeth. You can also rub it onto the sensitive areas. These toothpastes can take anything from a few days to several weeks to take effect. Your dental team should be able to advise you on which type of toothpaste would be best for you.

How can I prevent sensitive teeth?

  • Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. Consider using toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth. Use small, circular movements with a soft-to medium-bristled brush. Try to avoid brushing your teeth from side to side.
  • Change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if it becomes worn.
  • Don’t brush straight after eating – some foods and drinks can soften the enamel of your teeth, so leave it for at least an hour before you brush.
  • Have sugary foods, and fizzy and acidic drinks, less often. Try to have them just at mealtimes.
  • If you grind your teeth, talk to your dental team about whether you should have a mouthguard made, to wear at night.
  • If you are thinking about having your teeth bleached, discuss sensitivity with your dental team before starting treatment.
  • Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

We’re here to help, if you have any questions! You can also book an appointment with Beth, our Oral Health Educator!

Knocked out teeth….

What is an avulsed tooth?

An avulsed tooth is one that has been knocked out.

A tooth can be knocked out by a blow to the mouth, or an accident involving the face. This can happen for example while playing contact sports or other trauma. The tooth can be replaced in the socket successfully if you take the right action as soon as possible.

What to do if you or your child knocks out a tooth….

I’m bleeding, what can I do?

Don’t panic. Get a clean handkerchief and fold it up, then hold it over the socket and bite down. Keep your jaws together to apply pressure. If you need something for the pain, don’t take any medication containing aspirin as this can cause the bleeding to get worse. Do not apply clove oil to the wound.

I’ve still got the complete tooth, can it be replaced?

Maybe. The complete tooth needs to be replaced in the socket as soon as possible, ideally in under 30 minutes. But teeth have been successfully replaced up to 60 minutes after being knocked out.

What should I do with the tooth?

Don’t touch the root. If the tooth is very dirty, rinse it with milk or tap water. Do not clean it with disinfectant or let it dry out.

How do I put the tooth back in?

Hold the tooth by the crown and put it back into the socket firmly, root first. Bite on a clean handkerchief for about 15 to 20 minutes. Visit your dentist as soon as possible.

What should I do if I can’t get the tooth back in?

Your tooth has more chance of survival if you keep it in your cheek until you can get emergency dental treatment. This will keep the tooth in its most natural environment. If this is not possible, keep it in some milk.

What if I have only got part of the tooth?

It is not a good idea to try and put the tooth back into the socket if it is not complete. Contact your dental team us as soon as possible and we can tell you what can be done to restore the tooth. You may need dental x-rays to see if there is any root damage.

Is there anything I should do if I haven’t got the tooth?

If you cannot find the tooth, you may have swallowed it. If you think you may have swallowed or inhaled it, you may need an x-ray to be sure of this.

What if it is a baby tooth?

We do not recommend putting back a baby tooth in case an infection damaged the adult tooth underneath. Contact us to check this first though. We may need to examine the child to check if any bits of tooth are still in the gum. There is no way to temporarily replace a baby tooth, so the only treatment is to wait for the adult tooth to appear.

Contact us to book in for emergency dental treatment?

It is important to get emergency dental treatment. Contact us as soon as possible and explain what has happened.

What should happen at my emergency visit?

We will assess you and may treat any facial injury. However, treatment may be limited if there is any bruising or bleeding. We may take x-rays and will check if the tooth has re-implanted successfully. You will probably need more appointments for follow-up treatment.

What other treatment may I need?

If the tooth has re-implanted successfully you may not need any other treatment, as long as you keep up your regular check-ups. If the tooth becomes loose, it can be ‘splinted’ to the teeth next to it. This means it will be temporarily attached to keep it firm until we can tell whether it has re-implanted successfully.

If the tooth is lost or doesn’t re-implant successfully, it can be replaced at first with a denture. Then, when the socket has healed fully, you can have a bridge or dental implant.

Is there anything that I can do to avoid getting a tooth knocked out?

If you are playing sports, particularly contact sports, you should always wear a mouthguard.

This is a rubber-like cover that fits over your teeth and protects you against a blow to the mouth. Your dental team can have one made for you by taking an impression of your teeth and sending it to a laboratory. The laboratory then makes the mouthguard so that it fits your mouth exactly.

Mouthguards can be clear or coloured – for example, in the colours of the team kit if you want to wear one while playing sport.

If we can help with any advice or treatment, please contact us, and we will help. It can be an upsetting time, if a tooth is knocked out, especially if it is a child. Try not to panic, and call us as soon as you can.

Managing toothache during self-isolation

Top Tips for Managing Toothache During Self Isolation

In light of recent government advice, as we have all been advised to stay at home where possible, then the last thing you want is to develop toothache. We are here to provide advice and care for severe emergencies but we recommend everyone, especially those over 70 or at increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 follow stringent social distancing measures.

If you have symptoms of Coronavirus (new persistent cough and/or fever) you should not attend the practice. Please call 111 for the most up to date advice.

As it is not safe at the moment to see us, in most cases, there are a few things you can try to manage the pain until you can. It is unclear at this point when normal service will resume. If you have a swelling on your face or difficulty swallowing, this requires urgent professional attention so don’t be afraid to contact us for advice.

Email info@newbydentalpractice.co.uk for advice and where possible we will provide emergency care.

PAIN FROM TEETH

Decay is a bacterial breakdown in a tooth which causes a cavity. If the bacteria gets close to the nerve in a tooth, it can cause the tooth to be acutely sensitive. As the cavity causing inflammation of the nerve gets worse, the ligaments holding the tooth in position can also get inflamed which causes pain on biting.

If the tooth is acutely sensitive to temperature, antibiotics will not fix this. The decay needs to be removed to allow the tooth to heal. If the bacteria has caused irreversible damage to the nerve in the tooth then a root filling is required or the tooth needs to be extracted.

To help manage toothache until you can visit us, there are a few things that may help reduce the pain:

  • If there is a cavity in the tooth, a temporary filling material can be packed in to this space. These temporary filling kits are widely available from supermarkets or pharmacies.
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (NSAIDs) can reduce the sensitivity. A combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol has been found to be beneficial if you can take them both – however, there are some possible reports that Ibuprofen may increase the symptoms of COVID-19 so Paracetamol alone is probably best if you have symptoms. Make sure you don’t exceed the recommended dosage!
  • Don’t stop taking the anti-inflammatory when the pain stops (or it will come back again!) You are wanting to reduce the inflammation of the nerve in the tooth which is causing the pain.
  • Desensitising toothpaste such as Sensodyne repair and protect or Colgate sensitive pro relief can help.
  • Anaesthetic gel such as Orajel applied to the area can help to numb the pain.
  • Keep your head elevated at night time- When you lie down to go to sleep, the pressure in the tooth can increase which increases pain. An extra pillow at night time can help
  • Keep the area cold– reducing blood flow to an area will reduce the inflammation and pain. Do not apply ice directly to a tooth as this can increase the pain as toothaches are quite sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

DENTAL INFECTION

(a swelling next to the tooth or pus discharging)

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salty mouthwash to try and draw out the infection into your mouth. Dissolve a spoonful of sea salt in warm water and rinse around your mouth/ hold it in your mouth next to the infected area. Repeat several times until the pain subsides.
  • Never put heat externally on your face as this can draw the infection into the tissues in your face causing external swellings.

PAIN FROM GUMS

  • If there is bacteria or food debris trapped between the gum and the tooth, this can cause pain.
  • Thoroughly clean the area with floss or a te-pe interdental brush. You could put corsodyl gel onto the brush to help clean the area.
  • Rinsing thoroughly with Corsodyl mouthwash can help (but Corsodyl will stain your teeth so we don’t recommend this for long term use).

PAIN FROM ULCERS

Mouth ulcers can be a sign of underlying medical conditions such as iron deficiency so shouldn’t be ignored. Any mouth ulcer which doesn’t heal in two weeks should be checked by a dentist.

  • To reduce the discomfort, you can try a topical ansesthetic gel such as Orajel
  • To help with healing of ulcers, Gengigel can be effective as well as soothing the pain.
  • You can also rinse with warm salty mouthwash

BROKEN TEETH

If a tooth or filling has chipped or cracked, this can cause sensitivity from the tooth being exposed or pain to your tongue from sharp edges.

  • The sensitivity can be reduced by rubbing a de-sensitising toothpaste onto the tooth or placing a temporary filling material over the broken corner until a more definitive filling can be placed.

Our thoughts go out to all affected by this pandemic. We hope it is not too long before we will be able to return to the Practice and continue to do what we love – treating our amazing patients. It is times like these which really make you evaluate how lucky we are to have such an incredible team, amazing patients and lovely Practice.

Stay safe. Stay home.