Author: Mary Gill

The Dangers of Turkey, Are They Worth It?

You may have heard of the new trend called ‘Turkey teeth’ which involves people travelling to Turkey to get cut-price crowns. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that it involves shaving down 60-70% of the natural tooth before a crown is fitted.

What Are Turkey Teeth?

Patients who are unhappy with their smile often choose to have veneers fitted to improve the appearance of their teeth. This can be an expensive procedure, especially if the patient requires a large amount of work to be done. This is why some patients are opting to travel abroad, to countries such as Turkey, to have the procedure done where it is considerably cheaper. However, what a lot of patients don’t realise is how invasive the procedure is and the risks involved.

The photo above shows an example of how invasive this procedure is, and how little natural tooth is left. Katie Price has had multiple procedures done in Turkey. Dentists warn patients against this as every time the treatment is done, more and more natural tooth tissue is removed.

In the UK, there are strict regulations in place relating to dental work, so anything carried out has to comply with the standards set by the General Dental Council. However, in other countries, these regulations don’t apply, contributing to the risk.

What Are The Dangers?

When veneers are fitted properly, they offer a low risk, long lasting solution to your smile insecurities. However, if carried out by someone inexperienced, they can result in serious damage leading to more treatment being needed to repair the tooth.

Immediately after treatment, patients tend to be very happy with the results achieved, often turning to social media to show off their new smile. But upon returning to the UK, they start to notice problems.

Common issues caused by Turkey teeth include:

  • Intense pain.
  • Sensitive teeth, making it difficult to eat or drink.
  • Exposed nerves, leading to more treatment.
  • Infected gums.
  • Swelling.

Although it may be cheaper to travel to Turkey to improve your smile, there is a large cost associated with their repair when they inevitably start to cause you pain. This cost will not be covered by your dentist when you return home.

What Are My Options?

Instead of putting your health at risk by travelling abroad to receive cut-price treatment, consider the other options that are available to you. A less invasive treatment that is widely available is composite bonding. Here at Newby Dental Practice, our experienced dentists will be able to provide you with the smile you desire, whilst maintaining your natural teeth. Composite bonding involves the careful build up of dental composite. The procedure can even be completed in a single visit.

If you are interested in improving your smile, call us on 01723 670500 or use our patient portal to book a complementary appointment with our treatment coordinator who will explain the treatments available and what they think is best for you.

How to Look After Your Dental Implant

Implants allow you to comfortably enjoy the food you love without any pain or discomfort, whilst also enabling you to feel comfortable with your smile. After the life changing investment, you will need to ensure the durability of your dentures by taking care of them immediately after treatment but also in the long term.

Immediate Aftercare

You should avoid eating or drinking hot items, spicy foods and alcohol. Don’t eat until the local anaesthetic has worn off. Avoid heavy exercise until your body has fully recovered as this will increase the blood flow to your mouth and increase bleeding. Do not smoke until the area has completely healed as this can severely obstruct the healing process. If you wear dentures, don’t attempt to wear them until you dentist tells you to do so as they will apply pressure and affect the success of your implant.

It is normal to experience some bleeding after the implant placement. After the treatment you may be asked by your dentist to bite down on some gauze to apply pressure. If the bleeding still occurs after an hour, repeat with a fresh gauze. This should stop the bleeding but if it does continue please call us.

Make sure that you stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and eat soft foods for a few days after surgery. Try to avoid eating on the area and do not eat foods like popcorn or seeded bread as this can become lodged and cause infection.

It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising after the implant has been placed. You may be advised to apply ice packs wrapped in towels onto the side of your face after treatment, but after the first day gentle heat will be more beneficial.

It is vital to maintain a good oral hygiene routine after treatment to ensure that it is successful.

Long Term Implant Care

After healing, you should look after your implants in the same way that you care for your natural teeth. Brush them twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean in between using floss or interdental brushes.

If you are interested in having implants placed, speak to our team at 01723 670500 or email us at info@newbydental.co.uk

5 Common Dental Health Myths

Dentists recommend lots of different treatments for their patients. However, there are common misconceptions about oral health which could lead to other dental health problems.

Sugar Free Fizzy Drinks Are Good For Your Teeth

Although diet drinks may not contain sugar, they are still fizzy, meaning that they contain acid. The acidity can be very damaging to your enamel, causing it to wear away, exposing the sensitive dentine underneath.

Oral Health Stops In Your Mouth

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria. Your mouth is an entry point for harmful bacteria. By neglecting the health of your teeth, you are making your body vulnerable to a host of different types of diseases. There are now links between oral health and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

Baby Teeth Do Not Matter

Whilst being necessary for your child to eat, their primary teeth are vital for their speech development. They also serve a very important role of creating space for adult teeth to come in. Removing a baby teeth too early can cause the other teeth to shift, resulting in overlapping and crooked teeth.

It Doesn’t Matter What Time Of Day We Brush

The majority of people will know that it is important to brush our teeth twice a day. However, some people may not be aware that the time of day you brush your teeth has an impact too. At night when we sleep our salivary glands produce much less saliva. During the day our saliva flow is much higher which has a cleaning effect. So when we don’t brush our teeth at night before we go to sleep, food particles sit on our teeth all night and contribute to tooth decay.

Flossing Creates Spaces Between Your Teeth

Flossing removes a buildup of plaque between your teeth, preventing gum disease and tooth decay, it does not create spaces between your teeth. By removing the harmful bacteria, you are helping to keep your mouth healthy.

The Causes Of Teeth Sensitivity

Have you ever felt sensitivity in your teeth? While pain caused by sensitivity to hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cavity, it could also be a symptom of sensitive teeth.

Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth

People with sensitive teeth may experience pain in response to different causes. The most common causes include:

  • Hot foods and drinks
  • Cold foods and drinks
  • Cold air
  • Acidic foods and drinks
  • Sweet foods and drinks
  • Cold water
  • Brushing or flossing teeth
  • Alcohol based mouth rinses

Causes Of Sensitive Teeth

  • Using a hard toothbrush
  • Brushing your teeth too hard
  • Grinding your teeth at night
  • Eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks regularly

Other causes could include acid reflux as it results in the wearing down of your enamel, exposing the dentine.

Tooth decay and chipped teeth can also leave some dentine exposed causing sensitivity. In this case it is likely you’ll only feel the sensitivity in one particular area of your mouth.

Gum recession can leave sections of the tooth exposed and unprotected.

How To Treat Tooth Sensitivity

If your sensitivity is mild, you can try over the counter options. Try using a toothpaste that is specifically made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes won’t contain irritating ingredients.

Choose a non-alcohol mouthwash as it will be less irritating.

Use a softer toothbrush and be more gentle when brushing.

If home treatments don’t work, talk to your dentist for their advice. They may apply fluoride gel to help strengthen your enamel.

Interesting Facts About Your Teeth

Your teeth are a vital part of your body and it is important that you know how to look after them and attend regular dental appointments so that your dentists can look out for the things that you can’t see. Did you know about these unusual facts?

Your Teeth Are Like Your Fingerprint

This is why dental records are sometimes used to identify people. Even identical twins have unique teeth.

Part Of Your Tooth Is Hidden

About a third of each of your tooth is underneath your gums. This is why it is just as important to take care of your gums.

Your Enamel Is The Hardest Part Of Your Body

The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. It’s primary purpose is to protect your teeth.

Your Mouth Contains Lots Of Bacteria

Your mouth is home to 300 types of bacteria. Plaque contains millions of bacteria. Some of this bacteria is responsible for converting sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids which eat away at your teeth.

Your Teeth Are The Only Part Of Your Body That Can’t Heal Itself

Your teeth are coated in enamel which is not a living tissue, so they can’t repair.

Toothpaste

Before the toothpaste we use today was invented, around 100 years ago, humans used lots of different mixtures including crushed oyster shells, ground chalk, charcoal, pulverised brick, lemon juice and salt.

Everything You Need To Know About Wisdom Teeth

Thousands of years ago, when our jaws were wider and could accommodate our last molars, wisdom teeth allowed us to chew on tougher foods. Overtime we have developed smaller jaws which means there is less room for them to erupt.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

Wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt. For most people, they will begin to appear between the ages of 19 and 20.

However, your wisdom teeth start growing between the ages or 7 and 10. The process takes years and is unique:

  • The tooth calcifies
  • The crown begins to form
  • The root develops
  • The teeth emerge through the gums

Signs Of Eruption

It is likely that you will experience some pain and discomfort when your wisdom teeth start to erupt. If you do experience some pain, over the counter painkillers or using warm salt water to rinse your mouth should help.

Some people will have no wisdom teeth at all or they never fully erupt. Some may experience some problems, usually between the ages of 17 and 25, including lingering pain, gum swelling or pressure in back jaw.

Why Might I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removing?

  • For preventative measures, so your mouth isn’t overcrowded, leading to plaque build up, decay or gum disease. Food and bacteria get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth causing build up of plaque.
  • The tooth is unable to break through the gums and has become impacted, leading to increased pain, swelling and infection.

When To See A Dentist

If you are attending your dentist regularly, they will be checking for the progress of your wisdom teeth should they need removal. However, if your wisdom teeth are causing you severe pain you should make an appointment, don’t wait until your next check up. Your dentist will check your teeth and likely take an x-ray to decide whether they need to be removed.

If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment with one of our dentists.

The History Of Dentures

Ivory Dentures with Human Teeth

Now a days it is quite easy to get a replacement for a missing tooth, but not too far in the past, people would would go to extreme measures to try and replace their teeth.

The First Dentures

The Ancient Egyptians were the first to use dentures in 1500 BC. They were made from human teeth threaded together with gold wire. In 700 BC Italians began using animal teeth to replace their own. Tribes in Mexico also did this, using wolf teeth. Ancient Mayans even replaced missing teeth with carved stones, bits of bone or even seashells. These materials worked well because they would fuse with the patient’s jaw bone for a permanent fix.

Wooden Dentures

Wooden dentures were common in japan from the 16th century. A priestess who lived in the Kii Province wore the first wooden teeth. This style of denture was used up until the 19th century. However, they weren’t the common option in the western world.

Ivory Dentures

George Washington wore ivory dentures made from hippopotamus tusks. Many people wore ivory dentures made from walrus, hippo or elephant tusks. However the material deteriorated quickly and stained yellow promptly. These types of dentures were still being worn in the early 19th century.

Human Teeth

In the 1800s, sugar consumption increased rapidly in Europe, especially England. This led to lots of people losing their teeth by the time they were 50, needing a way to replace them. French Physician Pierre Fauchard is known as the father of modern dentistry after publishing a book called ‘The Surgeon Dentist’ which included dental care practices that are still followed to this day. Shockingly, the teeth from soldiers who died in the Battle of Waterloo were used as replacements. Teeth were removed from cadavers and mounted onto an ivory base. These teeth were very popular among the elite and were seen as a sign of wealth.

Porcelain Dentures

The first pair of porcelain dentures were produced in 1744 by a British physician. However, they looked unnaturally white and they were very fragile. In 1820 porcelain teeth were mounted onto gold plates with springs and swivels which allowed the teeth to work more efficiently.

Vulcanite Dentures

In the 1850s, vulcanite was used to make dentures. Vulcanite is a type of hardened rubber. It is cheap meaning that dentures became available to people who could not afford them in the past. For the first time ever, middle class people could wear false teeth along with the rich and wealthy.

Modern Dentures

In the 20th century, acrylic and rubber compounds were used in the development of false teeth. Modern dentures are made from a blend of acrylic resin, metal and sometimes porcelain. Due to the improved quality of dental hygiene advice, the need for dentures has decreased.

Famous Figures From The Past

Centuries ago, the only people that could afford dentures were the rich and wealthy. Here are some examples of wealthy figures who used to wear dentures.

George Washington

Contrary to the common legend, George Washington’s teeth were actually made from ivory, not wood. Washington suffered from poor dental health throughout his life, caused by many elements including a poorly balanced diet and disease. Due to this, he involved the help of Dr John Baker to fashion his false teeth from ivory that was wired to his last remaining teeth.

When Washington was inaugurated President, he only had one tooth remaining. Dr John Greenwood made an advanced set of dentures made from hippopotamus ivory and using gold wire springs and brass screws to hold the teeth in place. He even left a hole to accommodate Washington’s final tooth.

Queen Elizabeth

Before dental prevention practices were used, problematic teeth were extracted left and right. During Queen Elizabeth’s reign from 1558-1603, ivory dentures hadn’t been developed. Her only solution was to stuff bits of cloth into the gaps in her teeth when attending public events.

How To Effectively Floss Your Teeth

There are multiple choices of floss you can use, whether that is the floss picks or satin floss tape.

Key Flossing Technique

  • Make sure that you are using enough floss. Use a length of about 45cm. This may sound like a lot but you need to make sure you have enough to have a clean segment to use on each tooth. Wrap a large a large section of the floss around your middle finger on one hand and then a small section around the middle finger of your other hand. This keeps your index finger free to manipulate the floss around your mouth.
  • Keep a one to two inch length of floss taut between fingers and use your index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
  • Gently slide the floss between the teeth in a zigzag motion. Contour the floss around the side of the tooth. Slide the floss up and down and below the gumline. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.
  • Make a ‘C’ shape with the floss as it moves around the tooth. Then carefully pull the floss upward from the gum line.
  • As you move around your mouth, unroll a fresh section of floss.
  • Don’t forget to floss each side of each tooth.

Whether you use floss or interdental brushes, it is important that you clean in between your teeth to prevent the buildup of plaque. This will help to prevent the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Scarborough & District Minor League Football Sponsors

Newby Dental Practice is proud to announce that we are now supporting Scarborough & District Minor League football. Our sponsorship will help support the league so that they can improve the way that football works for families. They do this using two initiatives:

Firstly, using the Fixture List Planner. This has been rolled out to over 150 youth leagues, generating thousands of pounds for youth football across England and Wales. This has helped to raise the profile of each league in their community.

Secondly, the Pitch Finder Handbook is used by tens of thousands of families each week to find out how to get to their next game.

These initiatives, are not only aimed at tackling problems within youth football leagues, but to help raise the profile of youth football in the community. Football is a large part of community in England and Wales, but the cost of running the clubs is constantly rising, making it more difficult to fund. This is why we are the proud sponsors of Scarborough & District Minor Leagues football. We believe that community is very important in keeping people happy and healthy so we wanted to do our part to help the club keep up their fantastic work!

Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important?

Dental appointments shouldn’t only be made when you are in pain or have a problem. By attending regular appointments, you can prevent problems before they arise. In this article we will outline some of the reasons why you should be attending your dentist regularly.

Check For Mouth Cancer

Your dentist will perform an examination, looking for head, neck and oral cancers that you might not be able to see yourself. In most cases, these checks will find nothing unusual but your dentist is specially trained to look out for these issues and could potentially save your life. Read further about oral cancers in this article.

Prevention

There are lots of things that your dentist is trained to see that may not be visible to you. Many dental problems don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in the more advanced stages. Your dentist can check for the early signs of tooth decay and gum disease to give you advice and prevent the problems from worsening.

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists and therapists are vital when it comes to your oral health. Hygienists are mainly concerned with preventative measures and treating gum disease. They will give you advice to ensure that your are effectively caring for your teeth at home. They will also professionally clean your teeth, using a scale and polish, to remove the plaque and tartar.

How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?

It is recommended that you visit the dentist at least once or twice a year, depending on what your dentist suggests. Regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of a healthy mouth. Even if you take good care of your teeth at home, you still need to see a dentist regularly.

People with a high risk of dental disease might need to visit every three month. This high risk group includes:

  • Smokers
  • Pregnant women
  • Diabetics
  • People who currently have gum disease
  • People with a weak immune system, such as people undergoing chemotherapy
  • People who tend to get cavities or build up plaque.

If you are in need of a dental check-up, please contact us to book an appointment on 01723 670500 or email us at info@newbydental.co.uk