Tag: dental advice

What Are The Worst Foods For Your Teeth?

Most people are aware that exercise plays an important role in keeping them healthy, but did you know that your diet is vital due to the impact on your general well being and your dental health? Here are the foods that are the worst for your teeth.

1. Sugary Sweets

When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your plaque starts to breakdown the sugar into acid. This acid is harmful to your enamel and starts to dissolve it, creating cavities in your teeth. Sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time, such as hard boiled sweets, make it harder for your saliva to wash away the sugar.

2. Soft Drinks

Soft drinks, whether they are fizzy or not, contain acid, which is harmful to the enamel on your teeth. The enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Try drinking water instead to help protect your teeth from decay.

3. Wine

Red and white wine contains acid which softens your enamel, causing your teeth to look yellow. Red wine contains compounds that stain your teeth. Risks associated with drinking wine, including risks to your health, can be minimized by drinking it in moderation. To help minimize the risks try drinking water after your wine to neutralise the acid.

4. Citrus Fruits

Fruits are an important part of a well balanced diet. However, when you eat a lot of citrus fruits, the citric acid can wear down your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay. Examples of citrus fruits include limes, lemons, grapefruit and oranges. When drinking fruit juices, try to use a straw to reduce the contact with your teeth.

5. Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are harmful to your teeth due to their high sugar content and acidity. The acid causes your enamel to become weakened making the teeth more susceptible to decay. The high sugar content encourages bacterial growth on your teeth, further promoting cavities.

6. Dried Fruits

Dried fruits such as raisins and apricots contain highly concentrated sugar and consuming them regularly can lead to tooth decay. Instead try snacking on tooth friendly foods, such as nuts, cheeses and non acidic fruits and vegetables.

If you need any further advice, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@newbydental.co.uk.

Hidden Sugar Found In Everyday Food

Every time we eat something sugary, the plaque on our teeth interacts with the sugar, creating acid which is harmful to your teeth, causing tooth decay.

Here are some foods that we eat often that contain more sugar than you would expect.

Salad Dressing

Getting your greens from a salad is essential for diet and nutrition but you should be careful of the salad dressings you are using. Sweet French dressings can have up to seven grams of sugar in one serving. Look out for ingredients such as dextrose, honey, glucose, and maltose which are just variations of sugar.

Soups And Sauces

Although they are savoury foods, many store bought pasta sauces have between 6 and 12 grams of sugar per serving.

Vegetable soups and pasta sauces that contain tomatoes can also be acid and lead to enamel erosion and dental decay when consumed regularly. It is recommended that you rinse your mouth out with water after eating to reduce the damage.

Breakfast Smoothies

Fruit’s natural sugar, fructose, is a common cause of cavities as the bacteria in the mouth feed on it. Fruit and vegetable juices also tend to be extremely acidic which can cause severe damage to the enamel on your teeth. Although fruit and vegetables are considered as healthy, this is when they are considered whole and not as a concentrated juice. Adding milk to your smoothies can help to counteract the acid damage to the teeth. It is also advisable to drink through a straw.

Breakfast Bars And Yoghurts

Although they can be a quick and easy breakfast option, processed foods contain a lot of sugar. Plain yoghurts contain naturally occurring sugars, but often the fruity ones add lots of sugar to enhance and sweeten the flavour.

Energy and granola bars can be very deceiving as to the amount of sugar they contain. They are often advertised as the healthy option when this is not always the case.

Bread

Depending on the type of bread you buy, it can contain a lot of sugar. White bread contains the most sugar which is why we advise you to eat brown or wholemeal.

Bread has a gummy consistency when chewed, meaning that small particles can get trapped between teeth, making it difficult to remove them.

Alcohol

The excessive amount of sugar that is present in alcoholic drinks is often overlooked. However, not only is it damaging to your liver, but also your oral health.

The large amount of sugar in alcohol erodes your tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.

When eating these types of foods, make sure you are checking the sugar content to ensure that you are not falling for the hidden sugars.

How Much Sugar Is Really In Your Cereal

When you’re eating your cereal in the morning, you might just pick up the first box you see as you’re running out the door. However, if you knew how much sugar was in your cereal, you might take a bit more time considering how to start your day.

This table shows you the guidelines we use to categorise foods into different sugar levels.

High Sugar Cereals

Sadly, lots of family favourites fall into this category. When visiting the supermarket, try to read the nutritional values to choose the healthiest option for you and your family.

Moderate Sugar Cereals

This category of cereals show the cereals that are ok to eat sometimes, but not everyday.

Low Sugar Cereals

These cereals are low in sugar so they are ok to eat everyday. These are the cereals you should be encouraging your children to eat so that they get into the habit of staring off their days with a healthy meal.

The main aim of this post is to try and show you the ways that you are consuming high quantities of sugar without realising it. Although some of the high sugar cereals might seem more appealing, they are much worse for your health in the long term, not only because of the impact they have on your teeth but also on the rest of your body.

Everything You Need To Know About Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding (bruxism) is a condition where you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you suffer with bruxism you may unconsciously grind your teeth during the day or when you’re asleep.

Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep related movement disorder. People who suffer with sleep bruxism are more likely to experience other sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea.

Mild bruxism may not require treatment, but people with more severe symptoms can experience jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other issues.

Symptoms

You may notice these symptoms that are a sign of bruxism:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
  • Worn tooth enamel. exposing deeper layers of your tooth.
  • Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles
  • Pain that feels like earache
  • Dull headache in the temples
  • Damage from chewing the inside of your cheek
  • Sleep disruption.

Treatment

First, your dentist will try to determine the cause of your bruxism. They will ask questions about your general dental health, daily routines, medications and sleeping habits.

In many cases, treatment isn’t necessary. However, if the problem is severe, options include certain dental approaches, therapies and medications to prevent more tooth damage.

There are options to try to prevent bruxism, including splints and mouth guards. These are designed to keep the teeth separate to avoid the damage caused by grinding and clenching. These can be worn at night to prevent night bruxism.

Other Approaches

There are other methods you can use:

  • Stress or anxiety management: If your tooth grinding is caused by stress, it may be a good idea to consider some stress relieving strategies to help promote relaxation.
  • Behaviour change: Once you are told that you have bruxism, you may be able to change the position of your jaw to the proper position. Ask your dentist to show you the right position.

Lifestyle And Home Remedies

  • Reduce stress: Listen to relaxing music, taking a long bath or exercising can help you relax and could reduce your chances of developing bruxism.
  • Avoid stimulating substances in the evening: Don’t drink coffee or caffeinated tea after your evening meal and avoid alcohol during the evening.
  • Practice good sleeping habits: Getting a good nights sleep may help to reduce the symptoms of bruxism.
  • Schedule regular dental exams: Dental exams are the best way to identify bruxism. Your dentist can spot signs of bruxism.

If you are concerned about tooth grinding or clenching, or think that a mouthguard would be beneficial please contact us at info@newbydental.co.uk or call us on 01723 670500.

What Is Gum Recession And What Causes It?

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a form of gum disease that happens when your gums start to pull away from your tooth, exposing the roots underneath. This also makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities as well as making them more sensitive when brushing and eating.

Who Does Gum Recession Affect?

Gum recession can affect people of all ages but it is most common in people over 65. There are some risk factors that will make it more likely that you will develop recession:

  • If you have periodontal disease.
  • If you had braces or other orthodontic treatment.
  • If you use chewing tobacco.
  • If you have a lip or tongue piercing.
  • If you brush your teeth aggressively.

Symptoms Of Gum Recession

The most obvious sign is the exposure of tooth roots but there are other warning signs:

  • Pain or discomfort near your gum line.
  • Sensitivity to heat, cold and sweets.
  • Sensitivity when brushing and flossing your teeth.
  • Sensitivity during dental cleanings.

If left untreated, gum recession can lead to other serious oral health problems such as bone loss or tooth loss. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, you should book an appointment with your dentist.

What Causes Recession?

There are a number of reasons that your gums may recede:

  • Brushing too hard or aggressively.
  • Dental plaque or build up of tartar.
  • Periodontal disease.
  • Trauma or injury to the gum tissue.
  • Abnormal tooth positioning.
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco.
  • Lip and tongue piercings.

A lot of the time, poor oral hygiene contributes to gum recession but it isn’t always the case. Some people have a genetic predisposition to recession.

How Is Gum Recession Diagnosed?

Your dentist will be able to diagnose gum recession during a routine check-up appointment. They will use a periodontal probe to measure the amount of gum recession on each tooth.

Management And Treatment

Unfortunately, gums can’t grow back, but there are things you can do to stop it from worsening. Mild cases of recession can be treated with nonsurgical treatments such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding or orthodontics.

During gum recession surgery, a gum graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue. The graft would usually be taken from the roof of your mouth but can occasionally come from sterilised human donor tissue.

Am I Too Old For Invisalign?

The simple answer is no! Many people delay having orthodontic treatment until later in life when they are able to afford it. In fact, treatment works well with adults because they tend to comply with wearing their retainers regularly.

Reasons Adults Seek Invisalign Treatment

Many adults who have issues with their smile actually had braces when they were younger but didn’t keep up with wearing their retainer. This has caused their teeth to shift back into their old position.

Other patients have always had crooked teeth but did not have the opportunity to have them corrected when they were younger.

Whatever reason for being unhappy with your smile, it’s never too late to enjoy Invisalign treatment.

Pros And Cons Of Invisalign As An Adult

The benefit to having orthodontic treatment as a child is that they have jaws that are still growing. Undergoing orthodontic treatment during this stage means that dentist can account for growth when planning treatments.

Having Invisalign treatment as an adult means that you are more likely to comply with wearing the retainer. As an adult you are more likely to appreciate the results that the aligners provide you, meaning you will look after them effectively and wear them when instructed to do so.

What To Expect During Treatment

Once you have decided to go ahead with treatment, impressions of your mouth will be taken and you will be given your first set of trays. The trays are normally worn for two weeks at a time. Once you have worn all of your trays, you will be given a retainer to wear at night.

If you are interested in having Invisalign treatment, you can book a complimentary appointment with our treatment coordinator who will help you decide if it is the right treatment for you. Please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.

If you would like more information, please visit our Invisalign page or email us at info@newbydental.co.uk.

Cleaning And Caring For Your Dental Implant

The right oral hygiene routine will help to minimise the discomfort you feel after your implant procedure, as well as improving the healing times, and helping to ensure the implants don’t become infected.

What To Expect After Surgery

The healing time after surgery will depend on the person, the number of implants placed and other procedures performed such as tooth extractions or sedation.

For a single tooth implant, you should be able to manage with over the counter painkillers for the first couple of days. Try ibuprofen as it is anti-inflammatory so it will help with the swelling. Also try using a cold compress to help reduce swelling.

If you have had multiple implants, or have had teeth extracted, you will need more time to recover. Take the medications prescribed and stick to a soft diet for the first several days.

How To Keep Your Implant Clean

Once the implant has fully healed, you should care for your implant as if it was a natural tooth. You should clean it at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and a low abrasive toothpaste. Brush under and around the implant crown. Use a nylon coated interdental brush to clean hard to reach places. Floss daily with unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss. The goal of your hygiene routine is to prevent gum inflammation and gingivitis.

What Causes Infection After Implant Placement?

Dental implant failure is usually caused by risk factors such as gum disease or poor placement. By maintaining a healthy oral environment before and after the implant placement, you can reduce your chance of infection or failure.

With the right care, dental implant placement is extremely comfortable and can last a lifetime.

if you are interested in making an enquiry about dental implants, please email us at info@newbydental.co.uk for more information.

How To Cope With A Lost Filling

If you lose a filling when you are eating, brushing or flossing you will need to book an appointment with your dentist to have it replaced. In the meantime, here is what you should do.

  • Call your dentist. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If your dentist can’t see you right away, ask their advice of what to do to protect your tooth.
  • Keep the tooth clean: If you can’t see your dentist straight away, you need to keep your mouth very clean. An unfilled tooth can trap food which then causes harmful bacteria to accumulate. Brush gently and carefully inside the hole to remove the debris. You can rinse your mouth out with warm salt water after eating.
  • Avoid chewing on the area of the exposed tooth.

What Should You Do If You’re In Pain

  • Take an over the counter pain killer like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Use a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling.
  • Apply a topical numbing agent.

Can A Loose Filling Cause Complications?

If a filling isn’t replaced in good time, it could cause damage to the unprotected tooth. Bacteria and food particles can stick to the empty space and cause decay. The missing filling could also expose the dentine which is softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay.

If more of the tooth becomes damaged, the tooth may require extra work. This is why the sooner you get it repaired, the better.

How Long Do Fillings Last?

This depends on the materials used and your personal hygiene. If you look after your teeth and see your dentist regularly, your filling is likely to last longer.

The lifetime of the filling is also affected by the position and size. If the filling is large and expected to experience high pressure from chewing, it is likely that it won’t last as long.

How To Prevent A Filling From Coming Loose?

The key to looking after a filling is to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular check ups. Here are some oral hygiene tips:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss your teeth everyday.
  • Replace your toothbrush regularly (every three months)
  • Brush your tongue to remove build up food.
  • See your dentist regularly for check-ups.

Here are some other preventative measures that might help protect your fillings:

  • Avoid grinding your teeth.
  • Avoid chewing hard objects.
  • Try not to clench your teeth.
  • Be careful with sugary, sticky foods that could dislodge your filling.
  • See your dentist if the filling area becomes sensitive to hot or cold, or becomes painful.

If you need help with a lost filling, please call us on 01723 670500 to see one of our dentists.

What To Do About Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Wisdom tooth pain affects many people and it can range from quite mild to severe symptoms. Pain can be felt at the back of the mouth where the teeth erupt but it may also make the surrounding teeth painful too.

What Causes The Pain

Your wisdom teeth will erupt during your late teens and early twenties so there may be growing pains as they come in. This should fully subside once they have fully formed. However, if there is not enough space for the tooth to emerge, your wisdom tooth may become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in:

  • Tooth Decay: As it is more difficult to clean, they are more vulnerable to tooth decay.
  • Infection: If you have an impacted wisdom tooth you may develop an abscess more easily which can lead to an infection in your mouth.
  • Gum Disease: Similarly to tooth decay, it is more difficult to clean your wisdom teeth when the become impacted to the likelihood of developing gum disease increases.

An impacted wisdom tooth may partially emerge so that some of the crown is visible, or it may never break through the gums. The tooth may:

  • Grow at an angle towards the next tooth.
  • Grow at an angle towards the back of the mouth.
  • Grow at a right angle to the other teeth.
  • Grow straight up or down but stay trapped in the jawbone.

Symptoms

Impacted teeth don’t always develop symptoms but if it becomes infected or damages other teeth, there are some symptoms you might notice:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Jaw pain
  • Swelling around the jaw
  • Bad breath
  • An unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth

How To Ease The Pain

  • Saltwater rinse: Rinsing your gums with warm water and salt helps promote healthy gums and kit harmful bacteria.
  • Painkillers: ibuprofen is an over the counter medication with anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Visit your dentist: If you are concerned with the pain and think that your tooth might be impacted, call your dentist as it may need to be extracted.

10 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthy Mouth

Brushing your teeth is a good start to keeping your mouth healthy, but there are other things you could be doing as well.

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day For Two Minutes

Keeping your teeth healthy starts with regular maintenance. Brushing for two minutes twice a day will help to keep plaque at bay, reducing the risk of developing tooth decay and other diseases. If you have young children it would be a good idea to start this routine fairly early in their life. Find ways to make it fun such as playing a song or setting a timer for the two minutes.

To make it easier to clean every tooth, try to spend 30 seconds cleaning each quadrant or your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left). Using the right techniques to brush your teeth will help to ensure you don’t damage the soft tissue around them. Use small, circular motions and angle the brush towards the gums. Make sure you brush all surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line.

2. Floss Daily

It is recommended to floss every night before brushing to remove any food that has become lodged between your teeth. This is a step that many patients admit to skipping, but it is a very important step in preventing gum disease. Don’t ignore the tight spaces, these are especially important as your toothbrush can’t reach here.

3. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

As a rule, you should be replacing your toothbrush every three months so that it can work effectively. Damaged toothbrushes won’t clean your teeth correctly and can cause damage to your gums. Remember to replace your toothbrush if you have been ill to prevent the bacteria from re-entering your mouth.

4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Your dentist will be able to notice any issues before you would and prevent them before they become serious. Regular visits allow your teeth to get a professional cleaning to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar, helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

5. Maintain A Healthy Diet

Avoiding foods high in sugar such as fizzy drinks, sweets, and chocolate will help to reduce your chances of tooth decay. Instead try to incorporate foods that are high in calcium such as yoghurt, milk and cheese to help strengthen your teeth. Ask your dentist for recommendations of food that will help keep your teeth strong and healthy.

6. Keep Hydrated Throughout The Day

Keeping hydrated is not only beneficial for your overall health, but it also helps to maintain a healthy saliva flow. Saliva washes away food particles in your mouth, preventing them from becoming lodged in your teeth where bacteria can grow.

7. Don’t Smoke

Smoking causes cosmetic issues such as tooth staining, but it also causes more serious health concerns including gum disease, oral cancer and other issues. The best thing you can do is to quit smoking immediately.

8. Use A Mouthwash

Mouthwash helps to freshen breath, reduce plaque and gingivitis, whitens teeth and soothes dry mouth. It also has antimicrobial benefits and additional fluoride. However, make sure you are using your mouthwash at a different time to brushing your teeth as it contains less fluoride and will be washing away the benefits that your toothpaste has provided.

9. Don’t Forget About Your Tongue

Food particles can build up on your tongue, along with plaque, which can lead to bad mouth odour and other health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

10. Try An Electric Toothbrush

When choosing a new toothbrush, you may want to consider an electric one. The bristle movements help to remove plaque more efficiently than a manual one.