Archives for September, 2011

Your London dentist informs you of the benefits of chewing sugar free gum for dental health

September 30th, 2011

Chewing gum is an unusual food because it does not contribute any nutritional value and hardly contains any calories – however, sugar-free gum does have oral health benefits. Many people assume that chewing gum is bad for your health, but sugar free chewing gum is actually endorsed by many dentists due to it helping prevent cavities.

Fresh breath

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help to stave off unpleasant odours and keep your mouth smelling clean and fresh. Chewing gum is especially beneficial if you have eaten foods with a strong odour, such as onions, spicy food or garlic. Chewing gum can also help to keep your mouth feeling fresh between brushing.

Preventing cavities

Clinical studies have proven that chewing sugar-free gum can help to prevent cavities because it stimulates saliva production, which blocks the harmful plaque acid attacks. Plaque acids are produced when the bacteria in plaque reacts with sugary and starchy foods, which then weakens the enamel surfaces of the tooth and leaves the teeth vulnerable to damage and decay. Studies have shown that the most beneficial time to chew gum is around 20-30 minutes after eating.

Remineralisation

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production and this helps to clear starchy food deposits out of the mouth and promotes remineralisation of tooth enamel. Remineralisation helps to prevent decay.

Healthy gums

Chewing gum encourages saliva production, which keeps the gums moist and also stimulates the gums and this helps to keep them in healthy working order.

Tags: bad breath, Cavity prevention, dental health, Sugar free gum
Posted in General dentistry | Comments Off

Could cosmetic dentistry at your London dentist help you find love?

September 28th, 2011

The quest to find love is one of life’s most discussed subjects. You chat to your friends about it, you read about it in magazines and you see programmes about it on TV.

There are many different ways people try to find love and there are numerous factors which may influence your decisions when it comes to choosing ‘the one’. Some people are all about looks, while others will swear that personality is the only thing that matters, whatever you look for in a partner, it helps to have confidence and self-worth. If you are confident about the way you look, the chances are that you will be more inclined to approach people and show them the ‘real you’, rather than shying away or trying to be someone that you’re not.

These days, the impetus is very much on appearance and most of us spend at least a few minutes each day trying to make ourselves look a little more attractive, whether that involves popping on some make-up, styling our hair, but some feel they need more and take the drastic approach of having cosmetic dentistry or surgery.

Cosmetic dentistry has also become extremely popular and this is no surprise as most people view their smile as their most important feature, with studies and polls also showing that a nice smile is amongst the most important features people look for in a partner. There are now many different cosmetic dental treatments, from veneers and invisible braces to whitening treatments and dental implants, all with the aim of giving you a beautiful, radiant smile you can be proud of.

It may seem slightly flippant to think that cosmetic dentistry could help you to find love but this could indeed be the case, as if you are happy with your smile, you are more likely to show it off, which makes you appear happy, confident and approachable to others. Your smile could be the thing that prompts someone to walk over to you in a bar or start chatting to you on a train and you never know when you might meet ‘the one.’ Research also shows that people who are happy with their smiles are more likely to succeed in their professional life and this could well open doors in the world of romance too.

For many people, having cosmetic dental treatment literally changes their lives, especially if they have been bullied in the past because of their teeth or have suffered from dental problems. A new smile often paves the way for a new start and a fresh outlook on life and the perfect partner could be just around the corner.

Tags: cosmtic dentistry, dating, Smile confidence, veneers
Posted in Dental veneers | Comments Off

Do’s and don’ts for your children’s teeth this summer according to your London dentist

September 26th, 2011

Summer is a time beloved by kids; long days of sunshine are a great excuse to get them out and active and the holidays are one of the only times that you might be able to get them to eat things such as strawberries and other summer fruits without too much fuss.

But while it can be good for the general health of your children, it can also be a time when their oral health is put at risk.

Large amounts of free time can be great for playing outside with friends, but not every day can be spent doing so and it’s inevitable that they’ll end up hanging round in the house for some parts of the holidays. And with complacency around the house often comes snacking on sugary foods. This and the array of sweet foods that become very popular during the summer months can add more sugar to the system and this has the potential to really damage teeth!

To help avoid any serious damage to your children’s oral health during the summer holidays, here is a list of do’s and don’ts.

DO take additional care to ensure they maintain their oral health routine. Brushing at least twice a day is important all year round, especially in the summer, so make sure your kids stick to it.
DON’T bring home snacks. While it may seem obvious, if there aren’t sugar snacks in the house then none can be eaten. The occasional snack is okay, but don’t allow your kids or yourself to overindulge.
DO find replacement snacks. Oral health is becoming ever a central theme of public attention and as such there are now many snacks being sold with lower sugar content. The best type of snack would be fruit or vegetables with low acidic levels, but as every parent knows, it can be hard getting them to eat these during meals, let alone as a replacement for ice cream.
DO get dental check-ups. Before and after the summer holidays it is a good time to book check-ups, allowing any serious damage done to be fixed before it gets any worse.

Tags: Children's teeth, Healthy snacks, Oral health risk, oral hygiene
Posted in General dentistry | Comments Off

Your City of London dentist is here to inform you of the factors that will affect whether you can get implants

September 23rd, 2011

Dental implants can be very demanding on the body of the patient. The amount of trauma the gums and jawbone experience mean that there are a number of standards that must be met.

Most dental implants involve the implant being fused with the jawbone. This is often achieved by inserting the implant through the gum. In procedures such as the common ‘root-form’, implants require a number of deep incisions in the gums, even the advanced and more simplistic ‘all-on-four’ method requires a certain level of trauma to the mouth.

Bone density

Bone density is a major concern to dentists when performing an implant procedure; since it is required that the implant must be inserted into the jawbone where it will fuse. The jawbone is required to be dense enough to facilitate and hold the implant screw. If the dentist believes the bone is not dense enough they can recommend a bone graph or a less demanding implant procedure.

Gum disease

Gum disease can be very detrimental to anyone who is looking to have implants. Not only must the gums be healthy enough to withstand the procedure but also infection and disease will possibly spread and be detrimental to the implants if oral hygiene is poor.

Smokers

It has been documented on how smokers have a higher failure rate when it comes to implants. As with nearly all procedures, smoking can create complications in operations. The general health of a person is required to be at a good level when undergoing these sorts of procedures. If you are a regular smoker your dentist may need to decide whether you smoke too much to give you implants.

Tags: bone loss, Dental implant, gum disease, smoking
Posted in Dental implants | Comments Off

Your London dentist looks at some of the foods that are bad for your teeth

September 21st, 2011

Good oral hygiene is a really effective means of staving off decay, but a bad diet could undo all your hard work. Certain foods can be very harmful for teeth and eating them on a regular basis could increase the risk of oral health diseases. Foods to avoid include:

Sugary foods

Sugar can be very harmful for the teeth and gums. When you eat foods that have high sugar content, the sugar reacts with the bacteria present in plaque and this can then lead to decay. When the sugar reacts with the bacteria, harmful plaque acids are formed, which attack the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth, leaving the dentin portion of the tooth exposed and vulnerable. Acid attacks weaken the enamel for around one hour. Examples of foods that are high in sugar include sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate and fizzy drinks.

Acidic foods

Acidic foods can have a detrimental effect on the enamel of the teeth, as they can contribute to acid erosion, which occurs when acid attacks the enamel of the tooth. Enamel is a very hard tissue, but it is not a living tissue, which means that it cannot be replaced or regenerated in the body. This means that once the enamel is worn or damaged it cannot be reproduced and the tooth will be susceptible to decay. Acid erosion often causes sensitivity, as the dentin portion of the tooth, which contains the living tissue (the nerves and the blood vessels), becomes exposed. Sensitivity usually causes pain when you eat or drink something very hot or cold.

Eating habits

Dental experts are eager to stress that the frequency of eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods and drinks is as important as the quantity you eat. The teeth can only withstand a limited number of acid attacks; so if you do fancy something sweet, try to restrict your intake to meal times. Snacking, grazing and sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day will mean that the teeth are under constant attack. As the enamel is weakened for an hour after eating or drinking something sugary or acidic, it is important that you do not brush your teeth during this time period, as brushing weakened enamel could cause further damage. Instead, you should wait at least an hour before brushing.

Tags: acid erosion, Diet tips, sugary foods, tooth decay
Posted in General dentistry | Comments Off

Your London dentist asks, is your smile ready for dating?

September 19th, 2011

Most people will freely admit that they spend hours getting ready for a date; choosing an outfit, doing your hair, thinking about what you’re going to say when you first meet your date all takes time but have you ever stopped to think about preparing your smile for a date? According to well-known dating website, E-Harmony, an attractive smile is the feature people most commonly look for when they are browsing through other people’s profiles.

In recent years, people have spent more money on their smile than ever before. The range of oral hygiene products has increased enormously and cosmetic dental treatments have become incredibly popular. The Hollywood smile was quickly established as a fashion trend once the A-listers started to parade perfect sets of pearly whites and dentists saw an influx of people having treatments such as veneers, invisible braces and whitening treatments.

Smile your way to success

How many people have looked at photos and criticised their smile, saying their teeth are too big, too small, not white enough, not even enough? If you thought you looked too pale, you would consider fake tanning. If you thought your nails looked a bit tired, you’d have a manicure and more and more people are highlighting the imperfections in their smile and visiting their dentist to do something about it.

It may seem simplistic to suggest that a great looking smile could help you to find the one or be more successful on the dating scene but figures suggest that most people value their smile as their most important feature and investing in your smile could actually make a huge difference to your confidence, as well as your overall appearance. If you are filled with confidence, as well as having a beautiful smile, the chances are that you will be very appealing to potential partners and you will feel more comfortable and confident when it comes to getting ready for dates.

As studies and polls have shown, most people regard their smile as a very important physical feature; as a result of this, you could spend all the time in the world in front of the mirror and you could have the most beautiful outfit and you may still be unhappy with your appearance because you have crooked, stained or crowded teeth.

Getting the smile of your dreams

Dental treatment is now more advanced and available than ever before; there is a treatment to fix almost any problem and enhance the aesthetic of your smile, such as dental veneers. It may seem like a drastic way to prepare for a date but think how much money you will save in the long-run when you don’t have to buy endless amounts of dresses and pairs of shoes that you will probably not even wear to compensate for your slightly imperfect smile; plus, you may just find the one and the dating search will be over.

Tags: dating, dental implants, Dental Veneers, Smile confidence, tooth whitening
Posted in Cosmetic dentistry | Comments Off

Your London dentist tells of the affects of periodontal disease on one’s health

September 16th, 2011

Periodontal disease can cause a number of problems to oral health, often leading to the need for treatment like dental implants if not properly taken care of. It leads to bad breath and a growing number of studies have found that it can also cause a loosened hold on teeth from the gums and the eventual loss of teeth.

The disease is usually brought on by poor dental health and is becoming an increasingly common risk to oral health worldwide. It can be hindered from both the dental studio and at home and many dentists are urging patients at risk of the disease or who already suffer from it to use additional oral cleaning equipment such as rinses, floss and tongue scrapers.

A recent study in Kyushu Dental College in Japan attempted to answer the question: “Does periodontitis cause halitosis or does it occur alongside oral odour?” Halitosis is another word for bad breath and can be caused by a number of things, including dry mouth or particular foods and potentially periodontitis.

The study was conducted by observing the oral health of those with periodontal disease and those without. 101 adults volunteered for the experiment and their oral health was inspected. The volunteers included those with good oral health and those with periodontal disease. Saliva samples were taken from each patient in an attempt to discover exactly how periodontitis and bad breath are related.

The study eventually discovered that the presence of the bacteria – bacteroides forsythus – in the main area of the mouth shows positive links to bad breath. The bacteria is usually only found underneath the gums of people suffering from advanced periodontal decay.

The discovery of the exact bacteria present in the mouth of a person suffering from periodontal disease should go a long way towards curing halitosis in those with the disease, with eventual hopes that a prevention of the disease can be found. If this is not the case treatment such as dental implants may be recommended.

Tags: Dental implant, missing teeth, Periodontal disease, poor dental health
Posted in Dental implants | Comments Off

Your London dentist looks at some of the other benefits of botox

September 14th, 2011

Although Botox is most commonly used for aesthetic improvements the benefits of Botox now go further than vanity and for this reason – along with the fact that Botox is increasingly popular for the consumer – it would be a great idea if the product was more readily available. For the product to become more accessible it is necessary that more medical professionals take Botox training courses and learn the art of safe and effective Botox provision for the consumer.

Whilst the upper face is most commonly treated with Botox injections, it can still be used in the lower face; around the mouth, nasal area, chin or jaw for example. The difference in treating the lower face though is in the fact that the lower facial muscles are much more complex and so there is a much higher risk of Botox being problematic when used below the eyes. Botox can also be used in some areas of the neck.

What many people do not realise however is that Botox can now be used to treat medical problems that aren’t completely aesthetic. Botox has been used successfully to treat hyperhidrosis – or excessive sweating – for years now and is bringing relief to thousands of people that suffer from the embarrassing problem. When Botox is injected in the underarm or palm it reduces the activity of the glands that cause the body to perspire for a period of six months to a year.

Another Botox miracle has been found in the fact that Botox can ease the symptoms of migraines and tension headaches. When the muscles in the forehead are injected with Botox it reduces muscle activity as well as the body’s perception of pain in that area and this minimises the sensitivity of migraine and tension headache sufferers to their symptoms. Botox has also been found to help various eye conditions; anal fissures; spasms of the face or neck and a number of other conditions caused by over-zealous muscle activity.

As with other drugs it is without doubt that more benefits of Botox will be discovered eventually. Therefore making Botox readily available in more places is going to be of massive benefit not only for the patient but for the service provider too. Botox training can provide medical professionals with everything they need to know about adding Botox to their treatment list and will give the consumer more and more options when it comes to finding a treatment provider that can offer Botox in a safe and trustworthy environment.

Tags: botox, Botox treatment, Sweating treatments, Wrinkle treatments
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What difference can cosmetic bonding make to your smile att your City of London dentist?

September 12th, 2011

If you are a person who is self conscious about any chips, stains, gaps, or misaligned teeth then there is an affordable solution in cosmetic bonding. Cosmetic bonding is dental porcelain putty that can be shaped and moulded in a precise way to fill gaps, covers stains, replace a chipped part of the tooth or add onto an existing misaligned tooth to give the appearance of straightness.

The bonding is porcelain and can be made to match the colour of your current teeth. Once the paste is shaped and ready for the location it is to be placed, it will harden in a short amount of time. Today’s bonding material is fairly robust. However, a negative may be that it is possible that over time the bonding will tend to lose its colour, which will leave it looking different from your surrounding teeth. Also, if you are looking to fill a large cavity then cosmetic bonding may not be the correct answer. Cosmetic bonding is usually used on small cavities as the material lacks the strength to withstand a large amount of wear and tear.

Many people who have suffered chipped teeth, gapping or a minor misalignment may feel self conscious about their smile. Cosmetic bonding is a low cost solution if you are looking for a temporary answer and to regain some confidence in your smile. If you possess a fear of dentists or you are slightly worried about being in pain then cosmetic bonding could be a good option for you. The procedure requires no local anaesthetic and can be completed in a relatively short amount of time.

Cosmetic bonding is a quick and easy way to restore confidence in your smile. This pain free method can give you the appearance of near perfect teeth that can be completed in one day. However, it should be known that cosmetic bonding is not a permanent solution in most cases. The eventuality is that over time it may become discoloured or even fall out.

Tags: chipped teeth, Cosmetic bonding, Misaligned teeth, Teeth gaps
Posted in Cosmetic dentistry | Comments Off

Your London dentist takes a look at the debate over chocolate milk

September 9th, 2011

Debate is raging on the future of chocolate milk in schools after some schools in the USA announced that they were removing it from their lunchtime menus. Chocolate milk takes many adults back to their childhood and many schools across the US have been supplying it for many years. However, nutrition experts and dentists have criticised the provision of the creamy substance on the grounds that it contains a large amount of fat and sugar.

Why is chocolate milk bad for kids?

Chocolate milk has been labelled ‘bad’ for kids because it contains a large amount of fat and sugar. Sugar contributes to dental health problems, as well as other health problems, and a diet that is rich in fat increases the risk of childhood obesity, an illness that has almost reached epidemic proportions in some countries. Obesity is linked to a host of health problems, from diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease to high blood pressure, infertility and strokes.

Nutrition experts and dentists are eager for schools to provide healthier options for kids. Even a serving of reduced fat chocolate milk has almost as many calories and as much sugar as a can of Coke. Some schools have already removed chocolate milk and replaced it with natural, organic milk, which is lower in fat and contains less sugar.

Why is obesity on the increase?

A poor diet and a lack of exercise are the main causes of obesity. In recent years, fast food has become more widely available and many people find it hard to resist the lure of a burger bar or a fried chicken stall. People are also working longer hours which means they have less time and energy to devote to preparing meals; for many, when they get home from a long day at work, the last thing they want to do is start cooking and they call a take-away or drop in at a fast food outlet on the way home. Many people are also spending much more time indoors, both during their work hours and their leisure time.

The other side of the story

The stance of dentists and nutrition experts is well-known but there is another side of the story. The change of heart will undoubtedly have a huge effect on the dairy industry and some parents are unhappy because they want their children to have the choice; some experts have also claimed that chocolate milk is preferable to some other drinks because it contains calcium, which is important for building strong bones and teeth.

In opposition to the ban on chocolate milk, the dairy industry has launched a million dollar campaign on YouTube named ‘Raise Your Hand for Chocolate Milk’. The aim of the campaign is to highlight the health benefits of drinking chocolate milk, such as high calcium content and vitamin D.

Tags: child obesity, chocolate milk, oral hygiene, Sugar snacks
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