Category “oral hygiene”

The Best Diet For Healthy Teeth For Patients In The Heart Of London

May 18th, 2013

The food we enjoy feeds all of our body, including our teeth and gums. Our oral and overall health is determined by the type of foods we choose to eat. At Devonshire Square Dental Studio we often get asked about the best type of diet for healthy teeth.

We are all made different, some with health conditions or faster metabolisms than others. Our health status and food tolerances or allergies may impact the kind of foods we may eat. Therefore, we suggest some general markers as dietary options for healthy teeth.

Avoid foods high in sugar and acid

Foods with high sugar and acid content, such as fizzy drinks and certain sweets, may cause the saliva in the mouth to become acidic, eroding tooth enamel. As the structure of the tooth erodes, cavities form and the tooth may become weaker and more susceptible to fractures. The sugar and acid may trigger bacterial colonisation in the mouth that leads to tooth infections and possible gum disease. By avoiding high sugary and acidic foods, tooth decay and gum disease is less likely to develop.

Eat balanced and versatile meals

To get all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals our bodies need for healthy function, we need to eat a balanced and versatile diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Processed foods are more likely to contain ingredients that may in the long run be harmful to health. Eating fresh foods keeps all of the body strong, including our teeth and gums. Drinking enough water hydrates the body and skin, lips and gums. Eat softer foods as needed, like with dentures.

Get enough calcium

All our bones, including our teeth and jaw bone, need calcium for healthy density and strength. Calcium-containing foods, such as dairy products or alternatives, keep teeth strong and less vulnerable to breaks. For a hygiene appointment with us why not contact us today at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in the city of London.

Tags: best diet for teeth, calcium, city of London, healthy teeth London
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The Benefits Of Interdental Brushing For Patients In The London Area

May 14th, 2013

An interdental brush is a type of flossing tool that is used to brush out food debris and plaque from between the teeth. For optimal oral hygiene, the interdental brush should be used at least three times a week and is easily included as part of daily oral hygiene practice.

We recommend interdental brushing

The interdental brush benefits patients at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in a number of ways:

Adjustable interdental brush heads

Our dental structures vary and the interdental brush is made to suit different sized and spaced teeth with adjustable brush heads. The flossing brushes come in thin to thicker sizes, some smaller and some larger. The brush heads are attached to a handle and may be removed and replaced as needed.

Versatile interdental brushing

Most of us have a combination of our existing teeth and dental restorations. Interdental brushes are versatile in that different brush heads may be used to clean away debris from between existing teeth and dental restorations such as crowns and bridges.

It is recommended to have a selection of brush heads to clean between teeth, tooth gaps and dental restorations. Discuss interdental brushing with your dentist if you have dental implants to replace missing teeth or wear an orthodontic device for teeth straightening.

Thorough oral hygiene

Toothbrushes and standard floss does not always get between all of the tooth grooves. Plaque and tartar may therefore develop in hard to reach places. Interdental brushes are shaped to reach into tooth grooves to remove plaque and debris, preventing bacterial colonisation and tooth decay.

The brush heads are designed to clean teeth with ease, moving in between and gently moving out of tooth gaps and grooves for proper cleansing. Our dental hygienist can tell you more about using the interdental brush as an alternate to or in compliment with dental flossing at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in London.

Tags: Central London, Interdental brushes, Interdental brushes London, oral hygiene
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Effective Tooth Brushing Techniques For Patients In London

April 30th, 2013

Brushing your teeth is essential for good oral health and it also helps to reduce your risk of suffering from general health problems. Brushing is important because it removes plaque from the mouth; plaque is a sticky white film, which is made from food particles and bacteria, and it clings to the tooth enamel. Plaque is a major cause of gum disease and decay and if it is left to collect, it hardens, becoming tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing.

Once plaque collects in the mouth, there is a risk of cavities, decay and gum disease; research has also shown that as well as causing gum disease, harmful bacteria can also increase your risk of serious medical conditions, including heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

How should I brush my teeth?

Most people think that there is no real technique to brushing your teeth and simply holding your brush against your teeth will suffice; however, perfecting your brushing technique will make a big difference to your oral health. Here are some tips for brushing your teeth:

Use a brush with a small head
Hold the brush at an angle and cover all surfaces of the tooth
Remember to brush along the gum line
Brush every tooth and spend equal amounts of time on each quadrant of the mouth
Use an electric toothbrush (they are proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes)

How long should I brush my teeth for?

You should aim to brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time. If you have difficulty brushing for the recommended time, try buying a toothbrush with a built-in timer or brushing along to your favourite song; you can also download apps that time you when you are brushing.

Which toothbrush should I use?

We recommend using an electric toothbrush because they are proven to remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes. Our friendly team at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in London will be happy to recommend toothbrushes, toothpaste and other oral hygiene products.

Tags: London, oral hygiene, oral hygiene tips London, using a toothbrush
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Tongue Detox Cleansing For Patients In The City Of London

April 18th, 2013

Most people are aware of the importance of cleaning their teeth, but have you ever spent time cleaning your tongue? Your tongue harbours thousands of bacteria and cleaning it on a regular basis helps to reduce the risk of decay and gum disease, as well as ensuring that your breath is fresh and clean.

Why is it important to clean the tongue?

Bacteria tend to gather around the tongue (especially at the back) and brushing your teeth alone is not sufficient to get rid of the bacteria and plaque in your mouth; rinsing with mouthwash can be very beneficial but you should also spend a couple of minutes cleaning your tongue. We recommend using the Tongue Detox Cleanser, which is a flexible plastic device, which is used to scrape bacteria off the tongue.

Around 80 per cent of cases of bad breath are linked to bacteria on the tongue and these bacteria can spread to other parts of the mouth, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Using a tongue cleaner removes bacteria from the tongue, which eliminates bad breath, a problem that can be embarrassing, and helps you to enjoy good oral health.

Smoking and your tongue

Some smokers find that they develop a thick film over the tongue as a result of smoking; using a tongue cleaner can remove this film, improving the odour of the breath and helping to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Advice about oral hygiene

If you need any advice about oral hygiene we are always on hand to give tips about brushing, flossing and rinsing, provide information about healthy eating and help with giving up smoking; we can also recommend oral hygiene products at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in London.

Tags: London, The tongue detox cleaner, tongue cleaning, tongue cleaning London
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What Are The Different Kinds Of Mouthwashes Available?

March 28th, 2013

Choices in mouthwashes are readily available and our dental hygienist at Devonshire Square Dental Studio is here to provide you with guidance on different types of mouthwashes. Each type of mouthwash fulfills a different function in oral care and may be comprised of varied ingredients.

Home-made mouthwashes

By mixing warm water with salt and a bit of peppermint oil, a home-made mouthwash may be made that keeps infection at bay and freshen the mouth. Rinsing the mouth with warm water and salt is often recommended after oral surgeries such as tooth extractions.

Herbal mouthwashes

Natural mouthwashes work similar to home-made ones but without containing any alcohol or fluoride. However, water in different areas may contain varied levels of fluoridation. Studies have revealed that alcohol in mouthwashes may contribute to oral cancer.

Fluoride mouthwashes

Toothpastes contain fluoride as does water. Mouthwashes containing sodium fluoride are available to prevent bacterial infection and tooth decay, however care should be taken in case of excessive treatment with fluoride that may be harmful to health.

Antiseptic mouthwashes

Antiseptic mouthwashes are specifically formulated to prevent bacterial growth that may cause oral infection or treat oral infections. Ingredients may include chemicals such as chlorhexidine gluconate.

Cosmetic mouthwashes

Cosmetic mouthwashes whiten teeth or mask bad breath. These mouthwashes contain ingredients to enhance aesthetics, not combat plaque and infection-causing bacteria.

Smoker’s mouthwashes

Mouthwashes designed for smokers may contain a combination of ingredients to freshen the breath and prevent bacterial infection that may develop due to excess plaque formation in the mouth as a result of smoking.

Magic and total mouthwashes

These mouthwashes may aim to freshen the mouth, prevent plaque or bacterial build-up and serve a cosmetic purpose. Some may contain not only an antibiotic or local anaesthetic but an antifungal or glucocorticoid for reducing inflammation.

Tags: London, mouthwash London, mouthwashes, oral hygiene treatment
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What Is The Best Way For Patients In London To Floss Their Teeth?

March 26th, 2013

Teeth flossing should form part of your daily oral hygiene routine, to remove excess food debris and plaque trapped between teeth. Our dental hygienist at Devonshire Square Dental Studio is here to provide you with guidance about oral hygiene practice and how best to floss for better oral health.

Healthy flossing technique

Our dentists or dental hygienists can show you how best to floss at a regular dental check-up or when coming for teeth cleaning and scaling. Use about 18 inches of floss per dental arch. Choose a separate and clean part of the floss string to clean each tooth. You do this by wrapping a 1 inch floss section between the two index fingers and inserting it between two teeth.

Move this part of floss gently backwards and forwards along the teeth and gum line in a C shape but not too deep otherwise it may be harmful to the root of the tooth. Use a clean section of the 18 inch of floss to clean each tooth in this manner on both the upper and the lower dental arch. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to the gum tissue.

Types of floss

There are different types of floss available and our hygienist can explain how these work. Some may comprise a single filament or more. Others may be fluoride-containing or may include a hand-held device for ease or for those with dexterity challenges.

Suitability of flossing

People with orthodontic devices and tooth restorations may need to follow particular guidance when flossing or not be able to floss at all. Bleeding gums may be a sign of oral or gum disease. Advice from the dentist may be necessary if gums persist to bleed when brushing teeth and flossing. To book an appointment with one of our hygienists please contact the team at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in London.

Tags: flossing, flossing London, London, oral hygiene
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The Best Ways For Patients In London To Treat Mouth Ulcers

March 23rd, 2013

Mouth ulcers may be non-infectious and may result from food allergies, smoking -cessation, stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions and medications. Some people find that mouth ulcers run in the family or are triggered by eating strong cheeses.

It is worth discussing serious mouth with a medical professional, as they may be a sign of iron or vitamin B12 deficiency. Those suffering with Crohn’s and Coeliac disease or arthritis may experience mouth ulcers. Although easily treated, mouth ulcers may be a sign of a serious immune-deficiency conditions or viral infection.

Treating a mouth ulcer

Mouth ulcers may be rarely experienced, not affecting oral functions such as eating and speaking. Mild and occasional ulcers may heal naturally within a week without treatment. More frequent ulcers that cause discomfort may be treated through:

Oral hygiene techniques

Changing your tooth brush for a softer one and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash containing an ingredient such as chlorhexidine gluconate may give relief. By keeping the mouth clean, gum tissue irritation and mouth ulcers may be prevented. Mild ulcers may be relieved through rinsing the mouth with warm water and salt.

Avoid oral irritants

Avoiding foods such as coffee and peanuts that are known to trigger mouth ulcers help in preventing onset. Selecting softer foods may be better. Changing ulcer-triggering medications may help.

Relaxation

Where stress and anxiety is the cause of frequent mouth ulcers, a lifestyle change to reduce stress levels may make all the difference. Some people find that exercise helps and relaxation techniques such as meditation.

Medication

Treatments for mouth ulcers are available at local pharmacies without the need of a doctor’s prescription. A doctor may prescribe medication to treat mouth ulcers, such as corticosteroids and painkillers. The medication aims to reduce the inflammation caused by the ulcer and heal the wound. Contact the team at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in London for more information.

Tags: city of London, mouth ulcers, oral health London, ulcers in the mouth
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Ways Patients In London Can Prevent Gum Disease

March 23rd, 2013

Gum disease affects all and may be caused by poor oral hygiene, lack of dental care, illness and smoking. Tooth decay is the main contributor to development of gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Daily oral hygiene practice for good oral health

Brushing teeth daily after meals and before bed time, and flossing, helps keep the mouth clean and free of harmful bacteria. Sticky plaque is naturally present in the mouth around the teeth, on the palate and tongue, and may build up with food debris. Cleaning away plaque, including from dentures and orthodontic devices, prevents plaque build up excess colonisation of bacteria that may cause tooth decay.

Visits to the dental hygienist for teeth cleaning

Plaque may form hard tartar or calculus that best cleaned and scaled by our dental hygienist. Acidic levels within saliva rise with plaque build-up, destroying dental enamel and causing cavities. White fillings seal cavities and prevent onset of infections and gum disease.

Regular dental check-ups and oral screening

At Devonshire Square Dental Studio in the city of London we screen for oral cancer and gum disease through regular dental check-ups. Dentists look for signs of gingivitis, such as swollen, inflamed, and red gum tissue. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that develops from gingivitis with symptoms of bleeding gums, loose teeth and bad breath.

Making the right lifestyle choices for better health

Smokers are at higher risk of gum disease as plaque layers develop on the teeth, palate and tongue. Our dental hygienist provides guidance to smokers on products they may use to keep their mouths fresh and free of decay-causing bacteria. Poor nutrition and consuming foods with high acid or sugar levels may erode tooth enamel. Eating a healthy, varied and balanced diet improves oral health and prevents development of gum disease.

Tags: Central London, city of London gum disease, gum disease, Periodontal disease
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Hygiene Visits At The City Of London Dentists

March 2nd, 2013

At Devonshire Square Dental Studio we provide flexible appointments for a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments and dental care including hygiene visits. Dental hygiene check-ups form part of the regular dental check-ups that we offer, such as for tooth decay and gum disease screening.

Meet our dental hygienist

Our dental hygienist is there to listen to your oral health concerns and provide you with information, screening and treatments. The role of the dental hygienist is to provide care in prevention of oral diseases and dental care maintenance for better health.

There are certain treatments that may be provided at dental hygienist visits, such as professional teeth cleaning, and others that may involve both the dentist and dental hygienist, such as for management of a gum disease.

Visit our dental hygienist for power teeth cleaning

Appointments may be made to scale, clean and polish teeth as part of helping you maintain good oral health through home oral hygiene practice. Plaque and tartar are removed from tooth grooves that are hard to reach with a tooth brush. Power teeth-cleaning prevents development of tooth decay and gum disease.

The dental hygienist and fissure sealant treatment

Children are prone to cavities as they develop and the dental hygienist may apply fissure sealant to tooth grooves to prevent development of tooth decay. The fissure sealant serves as a barrier, preventing harmful bacteria from damaging tooth enamel. Less fillings may be needed if teeth are treated with fissure sealant.

The dental hygienist for screening of oral disease

As part of their role in preventing oral disease, dental hygienists screen for caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and mouth cancer. The screening helps identify early signs of an oral disease so that the right treatment may be provided to restore oral health. Regular check-ups with the dental hygienist maintains a healthy mouth, body and mind. Contact the team at Devonshire Square dental studio in the heart of London for more information.

Tags: dental hygienist, London, oral disease, Oral hygiene London
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Causes Of Gum Disease For Patients In London

February 28th, 2013

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) results from an infection spreading to the roots of teeth and gums, and can lead to tooth loss if it is not treated. If you believe you may be suffering from gum disease, a periodontist will need to assess the problem and discuss surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Causes of gum disease include:

Plaque – This creates a film over the gums and teeth, and the bacteria it contains will attack the tooth enamel and gum tissue, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular flossing, brushing and use of mouthwash will stop plaque causing gum disease.
Smoking – This impairs the natural healing processes in the body and allows bacteria to spread through the body.
Genetics – Around 30% of people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. If this applies to you, you should make regular appointments with your dentist for check-ups.
Pregnancy – The changes to the body’s hormones undergone during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease. This means it is vital to maintain a good oral hygiene routine throughout the pregnancy.
Medication – Certain medications can have an impact on dental health, such as oral contraceptives and anti-depressants. You should let your dentist know what medication you are taking.
Tooth grinding – This puts extra pressure on your teeth and the tissue around them.
Diabetes – The changes to blood sugar levels can increase the risk of periodontal disease and may require surgery on the gums.
Bad diet – The body finds it harder to fight diseases if it does not have the required vitamins or nutrients.

You should look out for the following symptoms and contact your dentist for advice of they occur:

Bleeding after you brush or floss your teeth
Space forming and increasing between your teeth
Gums that are tender and swollen
A gumline that recedes and makes your teeth appear longer
Pus between your teeth
Sores in your mouth
Constant bad breath
A change in the way teeth bite together

Non-surgical treatments may be used if the problem has been identified early enough. These include a recommended dental hygiene routine or periodontal cleaning. If you would like more information about gum disease and the treatments we offer please contact the team at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in central London.

Tags: city of London gum disease, gingivitis, gum disease, London
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