Tag: Dentist

Medications And Oral Health

A 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 Mouth

Saliva 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:

  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Sedatives
  • Pain killers
  • Antacids

What To Do About Dry Mouth

If your dry mouth is severe as a result of your medication, talk to your doctor and they may be able to recommend an alternative.

Inhalers

People 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 Treatments

Chemotherapy 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

After 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 Implant

Implants 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 Denture

A 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 Bridges

A 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

Gum 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 Drinks

You 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.

Tomatoes

Unfortunately, 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.

Oranges

Citrus 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.

Popcorn

Have 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 Love

After 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

Tooth 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.

Sensitivity

The 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 Irritation

Gingival 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 Results

Tooth 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 Grinding

If 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.

7 Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment

Having 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.

Why Is Snacking Between Meals Bad For Your Teeth?

Research 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 Plaque

Plaque 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.

Diet

Most 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 Avoid

  • Citrus fruits.
  • Chewy, sticky, sugary sweets.
  • Pickles are low calorie but they are highly acidic.

Snacks To Try

  • Seaweed 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?

It 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 Decay

Tooth 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 Disease

In 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 Breath

Bad 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 Teeth

Tooth 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 Do My Gums Hurt When I Brush My Teeth?

Painful 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 Disease

Swollen, 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 Tooth

When 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.

Stress

Although this may seem strange, stress raises your level of cortisol which increases the likelihood of inflammation throughout the body, including your gums.

Tobacco

If 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 Incorrectly

It 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.

How To Clean Your Removable Dental Appliance

Your appliance sits inside your mouth and against your teeth so it quickly accumulates bacteria, plaque and calculus. It is important you clean your appliance everyday.

There are several types of appliance which include:

  • Aligners: Clear braces, such as invisalign.
  • Retainers: Worn after orthodontic treatment to ensure that the teeth don’t shift back to their original position.
  • Nightguard: Prevents you from grinding your teeth at night.
  • Snore guard: Reduces snoring during sleep.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Appliance?

If you don’t clean your appliance regularly, bacteria and plaque will buildup. Overtime it may start to taste and smell funny.

The appliance can harbour dangerous bacteria that can result in gum disease and dental decay.

How To Clean Your Appliance

You should rinse your appliance after every use. Try to do this immediately after it is removed to rinse away any debris before it hardens.

You can also soak your appliance. Check with your dentist which tablets are appropriate for your orthodontic appliance. In most cases you will add a tablet to a cup of lukewarm water and soak your aligner for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse.

5 Reasons To Consider Getting A Dental Implant

Missing, damaged and broken teeth can cause pain and embarrassment. An implant may be the right choice for you.

1. Damaged Teeth

If you struggle with broken or chipped teeth, implants may be the best way to fully restore your teeth. Damaged teeth can be a source of embarrassment as well as causing difficulties eating, and in more severe cases, speech issues. Implant restoration involves removing the damaged teeth and replacing them with new, artificial ones that fit perfectly.

2. Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can also cause eating and speech difficulties, as well as affecting your appearance. There are various reasons why you could be missing your teeth, such as trauma, health issues, or a lack of oral hygiene. Implants will help to resolve these issues by filling in the gaps with natural looking, sturdy artificial teeth.

3. Loose-Fitting Teeth

If you suffer with weak and wobbly teeth implants can help you. If you can easily move one of your teeth around, you might want to talk to your dentist about replacing it with an implant. Similarly to how damaged teeth can affect your lifestyle, unsecure teeth can affect your ability to speak and eat as you normally would.

4. Infected teeth

Tooth decay and gum disease are both very serious issues that may lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis, a form of gum disease, results in bone loss. This means that there aren’t enough supporting structures for your teeth, causing them to become loose and eventually fall out. If left untreated, mouth infections can even spread to other parts of your body. Your dentist will remove the infected tissue and and replace the natural tooth with an artificial one.

5. Shrinking Jawbone

Missing teeth roots from the gum and jawbone can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone. Natural tooth roots transmit the pressures created by chewing into the jawbone, maintaining its form and function. The post portion of the implant acts as an artificial tooth root. It becomes osseointegrated, meaning it grows and fuses with the jawbone and transmits the necessary forces. Quickly replacing any missing teeth with implants helps stimulate the jawbone to continue its natural function.

If implants are something that you are interested in, please give our team a call on 01723 670500 for more information.