Medications And Oral Health 26 July 202316 August 2022A common side effect of many medications is dry mouth. Saliva helps to prevent food build up on your teeth and neutralises the acids produced by plaque. The acid can damage the hard coating of your teeth called the enamel. Dry mouth increases your risk of tooth decay.Medications That Can Cause Dry MouthSaliva cleans your mouth but if not enough is produced, it can leave you prone to dental decay and gum disease.The most common types of medication that cause dry mouth are:AntihistaminesDecongestantsBlood pressure medicationsAntidepressantsSedativesPain killersAntacidsWhat To Do About Dry MouthIf your dry mouth is severe as a result of your medication, talk to your doctor and they may be able to recommend an alternative.InhalersPeople who suffer with asthma will often use an inhaler. Inhaling medication through your mouth can cause an infection called oral thrush. This appears as white spots in your mouth and can be painful. To help prevent this, try rinsing your mouth after you use your inhaler.Cancer TreatmentsChemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause changes to the lining of the mouth and the salivary glands that produce saliva. This can affect the balance of bacteria and could lead to mouth sores, infections and tooth decay.These are just a few examples of medications but there are many more. Speak to your dentist about any new medications you are taking so that they can provide the best care for you.
Tooth Replacement Options After An Extraction 19 July 20239 August 2022After you undergo an extraction you will need to replace the tooth. If not replaced, the bones in your mouth can weaken and lose density. Other teeth might also shift, which could cause difficulty eating as well as speaking. There are multiple options to replace your extracted teeth.1. Dental ImplantImplants are a fixed alternative to removable dentures that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Titanium screws are drilled into the jaw bone. Implants tend to be secure and feel like natural teeth, which makes them very popular.2. Partial DentureA partial denture is a plate with one or more false teeth attached to it. It may be all plastic or it may contain some metal too. Both types will have metal clasps to help the denture stay in place.3. Fixed BridgesA dental bridge is a false tooth that is held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge is cemented in place and can only be removed by the dentist.Why Is Tooth Replacement Necessary?Patients can suffer from a wide range of negative consequences if they decide against a tooth replacement. A missing tooth affects the ability to eat. Forces may shift onto the adjoining teeth, which can cause damage.Your appearance may also change. Not only will a missing tooth be visible in your smile, but as your teeth start to shift, it will affect the alignment of your mouth.If you are interested to find out more about your options to replace a missing tooth, read more about implants here, or call us on 01723 670500.
Foods To Avoid For Healthy Gums 12 July 20239 August 2022Gum disease is surprisingly common, with 90% of adults in the Uk estimated to have it. However, it can be prevented with a good oral hygiene routine and healthy diet. It would also help to avoid certain foods that affect the health of your gums.Fizzy DrinksYou most likely already knew that sugary fizzy drinks are bad for your teeth, but did you know that even the diet drinks are harmful. This is because they contain acid which causes your enamel to become weakened and damaging your gums.TomatoesUnfortunately, tomatoes are very acidic which can weaken the structure of your teeth. Whilst tomatoes are healthy in many respects, they can be damaging to your gums if eaten regularly. When you do eat tomatoes, try to pair them with an acid neutralising food, such as cheese, nuts, lentils or tuna.OrangesCitrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits are high in natural sugars as well as being acidic which can erode your enamel and gums. There are other ways of obtaining vitamin C, such as eating vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and peas, or low acid fruits including honeydew melon and kiwi.PopcornHave you ever eaten popcorn and then noticed that part of a kernel had become stuck between your teeth? This can then cause some difficulty in being removed. This could promote bacterial growth and even a gum abscess. Next time you go to the cinema, try a different snack that is less harmful to your gums.Foods That Your Gums Will LoveAfter reading about all the foods you should avoid, here are the foods that are beneficial for your gums.Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties so it can help to protect healthy tissue in your mouth.Eating an apple can take some time, and that is a good thing for your mouth. It spurs a cleansing action that shakes up the plaque that sticks to gums and teeth.A raw onion is a bacteria fighting food. Onions have an antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, which can help to prevent gum disease.
Possible Issues And Side Effects Of Tooth Whitening 5 July 20239 August 2022Tooth whitening is a very safe procedure when performed correctly. However, there are some side effects that you should be aware of prior to your appointment.SensitivityThe most common side effect of any whitening procedure is sensitivity. This problem affects up to 75% of whitening patients. The bleaching solution can remove minerals within the enamel making it more vulnerable to sensitivity.Gingival IrritationGingival irritation occurs when the whitening gel has prolonged contact with the gingival tissue. This can be avoided by only filling the dosing dots on the tray and no more. This will help to avoid the excess use of gel and, therefore, gingival irritation. If you do apply too much of the whitening gel, use a clean tissue or soft toothbrush to remove it.Disappointing ResultsTooth whitening is not an exact science, and in some instances teeth whitening does not result in perfectly white teeth. This could be due to the severity of the stains or even your genetics. Tooth whitening only helps to get teeth back to their original brightness and not any brighter, and some teeth are naturally less white than others.Teeth GrindingIf you find that you grind your teeth during the night, overnight whitening may not be as effective as you would like. As you grind your teeth, the flexing of the trays will cause saliva to enter, washing away the whitening gel. If this is a problem that affects you, the best option would be to use the daytime whitening solutions. Discuss this with your dentist and they will advise you on the perfect plan for you.If whitening is something that you are considering, click here for more information or call us on 01723 670500.
How And Why Do Teeth Discolour? 28 June 20232 August 2022As our teeth start to stain and discolour, we can become very self conscious. Read this post to understand the causes and what you could do to prevent it worsening.Intrinsic StainingIntrinsic staining is discolouration that is incorporated into a tooth, either whilst it is developing or after it has erupted. The success of tooth whitening depends largely on the type of staining.FluorosisSome of the main causes of intrinsic staining are excessive fluoride intake over the period that the tooth develops. The resulting fluorosis presents itself as either white and chalky enamel or brown staining. Bleaching can be used in most cases to reduce the contrast of the enamel and improve the appearance.AntibioticsAnother major cause of intrinsic staining is the use of certain antibiotics, including tetracycline and minocycline. These cause a blue-grey banding on the teeth. The severity of staining will depend on the type and the duration of use. Prolonged whitening is usually required in these cases.TraumaThe most common cause of intrinsic staining is trauma which can make the tooth turn black. This type of staining responds well to prolonged whitening.Family HistoryOther common causes of intrinsic staining are hereditary. Imperfections in the formation of the enamel or dentine can cause discolouration. Diseases like amelogenesis and dentinogenesis are examples of hereditary diseases that cause intrinsic staining.AgeAge also causes intrinsic discolouration due to the change in the physical composition of the teeth. Overtime, layers of enamel are lost, exposing the darker underlying dentine.Extrinsic StainingExtrinsic staining is far more common. It only affects the surface of the teeth. It is mostly caused by the interaction of food and drink pigments with plaque that covers the enamel. This can easily be removed by dental polishing. When this type of staining moves past the cracks in the teeth, it can’t be removed by tooth-brushing. In this case, whitening is required.If you are interested in whitening please click here for more information or call us on 01723 670500.
Tooth Whitening And The Law The European Directive 21 June 20232 August 2022The laws on tooth whitening changed on 31 October 2012. The legislation in regards to tooth whitening by the European Union shows a clear difference between the products that can be legally used for tooth whitening by dental professionals, and products that can be used by non-dental professionals.The change follows a move in 2013 to revoke and replace the Cosmetic Products Regulations 2012, with the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013, commonly known as the EU Cosmetics Regulation.For Each Cycle Of Use, First Use By A Dental PractitionerThere is a possibility that a patient that has not had the appropriate instruction on how to use their home kit could be at risk of swallowing excess whitening gel. The requirement that the first use of each cycle is done by a dentist, or under their supervision, will help to prevent this. This also means that whitening kits can’t be sold to patients at reception or through the post.Hygienists And TherapistsThe General Dental Council’s Scope Of Practice sets out the roles that each dental professional can carry out. It sets out that hygienists and therapists can provide tooth whitening under the prescription of a dentist, if they are trained and competent.It is advisable that the dentist is on the premises when the first use of of the product is provided to the patient.Patients Under 18The Regulations and EU Directive state that the product must not be used on patients under 18. This can create an ethical dilemma for dentists who may want to act in the best interest of their patients but are prohibited from doing so by the Regulations.Breach Of The RegulationsThe maximum penalty for breaching the Regulations is a sentence of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.
7 Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment 14 June 20232 August 2022Having a root canal treatment can sound frightening but understanding what the procedure involves can help to calm your nerves.1. What Is Root Canal Treatment?A root canal treatment is a procedure to save a tooth that has become decayed. The infected tissue, known as the pulp, that surrounds the nerves is cleaned out so that there is no further damage to your tooth.2. Why Is A Root Canal Needed?The area where the nerve is located is in a narrow passage called the root canal. When it becomes infected, it can cause severe pain. The infection can also spread to other parts of the body.3. What Happens If I Don’t Have The Procedure?If your dentist recommends that you have a root canal, but you refuse, you may lose the tooth. The decay and infection are likely to spread and may even cause further decay on other teeth.Once tooth infection begins to spread, it can travel to other areas in your body. This is why it is important that t is treated straight away.4. How Long Does The Procedure Take?Depending on the amount of infection in your tooth, root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. On average, the procedure will take 30 to 60 minutes. If the treatment is on a tooth with multiple roots, it could take up to an hour and a half.5. What Is The Expected Recovery Process?After your treatment, you may experience some minor swelling and discomfort. However this should ease after the first 24 hours. Your dentist may send you home with some medications, such as antibiotics and painkillers.After your appointment, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment. If you don’t suffer any complications, you will not need to return until then.After the procedure, ou will be given a care package that will contain all of the information you will require about any complications.6. Is The Procedure Painful?The treatment is no more painful than having a normal filling. The root canal will also help to relieve the pain that the infected tooth has been causing. The area will be numbed during the treatment so you should experience a pain-free procedure.7. What Are The Alternatives To A Root Canal?The only way to save a tooth with infected pulp is to remove the pulp through root canal. Fillings and cleaning won’t address the problem. Therefore, the only alternative would be to extract the tooth to prevent the spread of the infection to other teeth. To maintain the mouths function of speech and eating, the tooth would need to be replaced with an implant, bridge or partial denture. Extraction would be a last resort.If you are in pain, contact our practice on 01723 670500 for advice.
What Are The Most Common Dental Issues And How To Prevent Them? Continued. 7 June 20232 August 2022Following on from the previous post, here are some more common dental problems that people suffer with and how to treat them.Cracked Or Broken TeethTeeth can crack for many reasons such as:Pressure from grinding your teeth.Large fillings that have weakened the tooth.Chewing or biting hard foods such as ice, nuts, or boiled sweets.Injury.Age.Treatment depends on the size of the crack, where it is, and your symptoms. Your dentist may recommend one of the following:Bonding: Using a plastic resin to fill the crack.Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over the damaged tooth.Root canal: When a crack is so large that it extends into your pulp, your dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the damaged pulp. This will help to prevent the tooth from becoming weaker.Extraction: If the tooth, and the nerves below it are so damaged, the only option may be to remove it.No treatment: If the cracked tooth isn’t affecting your appearance and isn’t causing any pain, your dentist may advise leaving it alone.Receding GumsReceding gums are a condition in which your gums pull back from your teeth, exposing the root surfaces. They can be caused by a number of factors, including:Aggressive brushing over a long period of time.Build up of hardened plaque.Smoking.Family history of gum disease.Diabetes.HIV.One of the best ways to prevent receding gums is to visit your dentist regularly. Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, a dentist will be able to see the early signs of gum disease. You can also help to prevent gum problems by practicing good oral hygiene, by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day.Dry MouthDry mouth happens when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This causes a dry feeling in your mouth. It can also cause bad breath, dry throat and cracked lips.The causes include:Dehydration: This can be caused by not drinking enough water, vomiting, or sweating. When you’re dehydrated your mouth produces less saliva.Medications: Dry mouth could be a side effect of certain medications, including those that treat anxiety, depression, diarrhoea, high blood pressure and asthma. It is important that you don’t stop taking these medications until you have spoken to your doctor.Radiation therapy: Dry mouth is a common side effect of radiation to the head and neck. Radiation causes damage to the salivary glands causing them to produce less saliva.Stress: When you’re anxious, your body makes more cortisol which changes the composition of your saliva.Snoring and mouth breathing: Breathing through your mouth causes saliva to evaporate.Smoking: Smoking can reduce the production of tobacco.Teeth GrindingTeeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is often stress related. It can be caused by:Stress and anxiety.Sleeping problems like snoring and sleep apnoea.Taking certain medications.Smoking, drinking lots of alcohol and caffeine.To prevent teeth grinding:Find ways to relax. Try breathing exercises or doing something that you enjoy like listening to music or doing exercise.Try to improve your sleep by developing a routine of going to bed at the same time every night.Have regular dental check-ups.Ask your dentist if they think a nightguard would help.
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.
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.