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.
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.
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 You Should Drink Water To Help Your Teeth 24 May 202326 July 2022We all know that there are numerous health benefits to drinking water, but did you know that it’s also good for your teeth?1. Strengthens Your TeethSome areas in the Uk have a water supply that naturally contains fluoride and in other areas it is added to the water. So by just drinking tap water, you are helping to strengthen your teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to keep your teeth strong and prevent tooth decay.2. Keeps Your Mouth CleanThroughout the day, as you eat, the sugars get stuck to your teeth. The bacteria in your plaque break down the sugar to form acids which can wear away the enamel on your teeth. To protect your teeth, drink a glass of water after you eat to help wash away any remaining sugar.3. Keeps Your Mouth HydratedNot only does a dry mouth feel horrible, a lack of saliva can leave your teeth vulnerable to acid attacks. Saliva is 99% water so keeping hydrated will ensure that your mouth produces enough saliva. Your saliva washes away left over foods and keeps your teeth strong by washing them with calcium, phosphate and fluoride.4. Its Sugar FreeUnlike other drinks, water is sugar and calorie free. Even drinks that are advertised as healthy can be full of sugar, so swap these for water to help protect your teeth from acid attacks. Avoid fizzy drinks completely, as even the diet versions contain acid which can erode your enamel, weakening your teeth.
Why Do My Gums Hurt When I Brush My Teeth? 17 May 202326 July 2022Painful 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 DiseaseSwollen, 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 ToothWhen 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.StressAlthough this may seem strange, stress raises your level of cortisol which increases the likelihood of inflammation throughout the body, including your gums.TobaccoIf 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 IncorrectlyIt 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 26 April 202312 July 2022Your 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 ApplianceYou 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 12 April 202312 July 2022Missing, damaged and broken teeth can cause pain and embarrassment. An implant may be the right choice for you.1. Damaged TeethIf 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 TeethMissing 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 TeethIf 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 teethTooth 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 JawboneMissing 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.