Posts tagged “oral hygiene”

Why Should Patients In London Floss Their Teeth?

May 25th, 2013

Flossing teeth is important to remove food debris that may become trapped between teeth. Rotting food debris otherwise attracts infection-causing bacteria that may result in tooth decay, gum disease, foul breath and tooth loss.

At Devonshire Square Dental Studio in the London capital, our dental hygienist guides patients on flossing technique and flossing products available. Dentists recommend flossing as part of daily oral hygiene practice along with brushing, and particularly after meals.

To improve oral hygiene and health, individuals may floss with flossing tape or an interdental brush. An interdental brush has different brush heads to fit between tooth gaps, in tooth grooves and dental restorations.

Flossing techniques

Take care when flossing around dental restorations such as crowns and bridges to prevent any damage from occurring. Flossing technique may vary, and it is best to seek advice from the dentist or dental hygienist about dental restorations and flossing. If the gums persistently bleed when flossing, it is best to discuss this with the dentist.

Brushing the teeth, tongue and palate is not enough. If food debris remains between teeth or in tooth grooves, bacteria may colonise around the rotting debris and cause gum inflammation. Swelling and bleeding of the gums is known as gingivitis, and is the start of gum disease. Some people develop tooth infections or dental abscess from poor oral hygiene or not flossing.

Cavities and infection

Bacteria in the mouth increases acidity that erodes dental enamel resulting in cavities. Cavities weaken teeth and expose the dental pulp to infection. When infection spreads through the root canals of the teeth, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the infection and safe the tooth from extraction.

Tooth loss detracts from appearance and may lead to dental misalignment or bite disorders. Flossing teeth keeps the teeth healthy, the mouth clean, the breath fresh and the smile beautiful.

 

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The Importance Of Oral Hygiene For Patients In London

May 23rd, 2013

Oral hygiene should be practiced daily to keep the mouth clean and fresh. At Devonshire Square Dental Studio we make it a priority to teach patients the importance of oral hygiene and how to improve their oral health. We recommend regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning with our dental hygienist as needed.

Remove food debris and plaque

Daily oral hygiene such as teeth brushing and flossing after meals is necessary to remove trapped foods debris and plaque from around the teeth and gums. When food debris is left in the mouth it causes sticky plaque to form that hardens causing dental tartar and bacterial growth that erodes teeth and inflames the gums. For a clean mouth and fresh breath, the teeth, gums, palate and tongue should be cleaned daily after meals, before sleep and on awaking.

Prevent tooth decay and gum disease

Tooth decay and gum disease arises when oral hygiene is poor. There is then greater risk of dental damage and tooth loss. Irritated gums become inflamed and this is known as gingivitis, the start of gum disease. As teeth become damaged by tooth decay, cavities form and infection or dental abscess may set in. Dentists may have to perform root canal treatment to save the tooth and to restore it with a dental restoration such as a crown. Most commonly, people have cavities filled with white fillings made of porcelain or dental composite.

Care for dental restorations and prosthesis

At Devonshire Square Dental Studio in central London, we recommend that those receiving orthodontic treatment with a modern or invisible braces system will need to follow the guidance of our dentists in properly cleansing their oral devices. Dentures need to be gently brushed then soaked in a denture solution or warm water overnight. Caring for dental restorations and prosthesis should form part of the daily oral hygiene regimen.

 

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

 

 

 

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Stop Plaque Build-Up With A Regular Oral Hygiene Routine In The City Of London

February 5th, 2013

Maintaining good overall hygiene means keeping your mouth smelling and looking healthy. You will need to take care that teeth are kept clean and that bits of food do not collect in them, that you do not regularly have bad breath, and that your gums are not bleeding as you floss or brush.

Good oral hygiene

If you do suffer from any of these things, there could be a dental problem that requires treatment. You should visit your dentist as soon as possible so that any issues can be identified. The dentist can also advise you on any techniques that will be useful in keeping good oral hygiene, as well as identifying any particular parts of the mouth that you need to focus on.

Preventing the build-up of plaque by looking after your teeth and gums is vital for your well-being. Having healthy teeth enables you to speak and eat well as well as helping you feel and look good.

Flossing and brushing

The best way to stop dental problems resulting from plaque is to take daily measures to stop it forming. Flossing and brushing on a daily basis will prevent you needing costly and painful treatments for serious conditions that have developed.

As well as regular check-ups with your dentist, the simple measures you can take to prevent the development of problems such as gum disease and tooth decay include the following:

  • Brushing teeth properly twice every day and flossing on a daily basis
  • Avoid snacking between meals and try to ensure your diet is balanced
  • Use toothpaste and other dental products containing fluoride
  • If it is approved by your dentist, use a fluoride mouthwash to rinse your mouth

For more information please contact the team at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in the heart of London.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Patients In London; Don’t Forget To Floss!

January 12th, 2013

As you use your teeth on daily basis for a number of different purposes such as eating, speaking and in most people’s cases smiling it is important to ensure that they are kept in great condition. Without them these everyday tasks would become extremely difficult and it could greatly impact on an individual’s self-confidence.

The importance of oral hygiene

Therefore, it is important to ensure that a good level of oral hygiene is maintained on a daily basis. We all know that we need to brush at least twice a day, and preferably after eating, and after all the mouthwash commercials that have been on television we know just how important this is too. However, many forget about the space between the teeth and these are just as important to keep clean as the remainder of you teeth. So in order to do this make sure you incorporate flossing into your daily hygiene routine.

Get flossing

By doing this you will be getting into those hard to reach areas to remove any food or debris that may have become trapped along with any lingering bacteria, which in turn can help to prevent bad breath and more importantly tooth rot and gum disease.

To get the best effect from flossing insert the floss between each tooth gap and move it back and forth in a gentle motion along the gum line, however do not push beyond the tooth root. Then use the same process to scrape between the two teeth gently but don’t apply too much force.

Many may encounter bleeding the first few times they do this, but after a few days of a regular routine, once all the plaque and bacteria between the teeth has been removed the bleeding should stop. If it persists consult the team at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in the city of London. There are also alternatives available for those who find flossing difficult.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Remember That Oral Hygiene Is Vital For Patients In London

January 10th, 2013

We all know that we need to keep our teeth clean in order to prevent anything bad happening in our mouths. When issues do occur then obviously our dentist is there to help us, but there is plenty we can do ourselves to ensure that our teeth, gums and general oral hygiene is on top form.

Brush teeth twice a day

Firstly we know that we need to brush our teeth at least twice a day, and as some of you may have been told brushing after eating is also advisable to prevent the build up of bacteria on the tooth surface. But this isn’t enough as the parts of the teeth that we brush regularly aren’t actually the full tooth, and when brushing the bits we can see we often miss in between, so to combat this problem always use dental floss to ensure that any debris or plaque left in the gaps is removed and not sat there causing problems.

Using mouth wash

Finally mouth wash, we’ve all seen the adverts over the television over the last five years or more so make sure you use this within your daily hygiene routine to combat any bacteria that may have escaped the toothbrush and dental floss.

However sometimes this doesn’t work and if that’s the case Devonshire Square Dental Studio in the city of London has a number of highly skilled hygienists that offer treatments such as a scale and polish, tartar removal and varnish and sealant applications to help maintain good oral health.

However it is important to note that hygienists rarely treat patients unless a dentist has advised them to and scheduled an appointment, which is usually the case if your have symptoms of gum disease or it would be beneficial to your teeth. So make sure you keep up your daily hygiene routine in order to avoid this situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What are interdental brushes and how do they work for patients in London?

December 29th, 2012

A few of you out there might just be wondering what exactly an ‘interdental brush’ is. Well, let us tell it to you straight; an interdental brush is a thin brush used as an alternative to flossing and they are particularly suited to people who find flossing painful or awkward. They have small bristled heads, designed to thoroughly clean between your teeth, and come in a variety of sizes in order to fit the different sizes of gaps between people’s teeth.

How do interdental brushes work?

Chances are you will need more than one type of interdental brush in order to properly clean between your teeth. A smaller brush, for instance, is best used for the front teeth, whilst a larger brush may be required for the teeth at the back of your mouth. Using the brush is simple; pick a brush of appropriate size and gently insert it between your teeth gently, using a twisting motion. It is very important that you do not force the brush. The use of force can put pressure on the gum which, over time, can cause a slight re-shaping of your gums. This will not affect your bite, but many people like the small gum triangle on their front teeth and that is what will be visibly affected. Remove the brush by using a slight pulling motion, then reinsert and repeat until you are happy that your gap is clean. Then simply use this method to work around all the gaps in your mouth!

Why should I clean between my teeth in the first place?

Well, if you’re not even flossing then perhaps I should give you a word of warning; brushing alone won’t get rid of all the food and plaque in your mouth as some of it will get between your teeth. If plaque builds up, then the bacteria that it consists of can irritate and inflame your gums. This can then lead on to gum disease and tooth decay.

Pick some up

Want to try some interdental brushes? Then pop into Devonshire Square Dental Studio in the city of London.

 

 

 

 

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What Does A Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine Look Like For Patients In London

October 25th, 2012

A healthy oral hygiene routine may differ for each person depending on when oral cleaning is done and the type of tools used for cleaning the teeth, gums and tongue. Some people wear dentures and these may require special care, as may orthodontic devices such as modern braces systems.

A good oral hygiene routine involves time set aside for proper cleaning of all oral parts. The routine time should include daily home cleaning and periodic professional oral cleaning with a dental hygienist.

A dental hygienist cleans scales and polishes the teeth, using latest technologies to reach where toothbrushes cannot. Regular six-monthly dental check-ups screens for tooth decay and gum disease so that the right treatment may be provided.

A healthy home oral hygiene routine comprises:

  • Teeth and tongue brushing
  • Gum and palate cleansing
  • Teeth flossing
  • Cleaning of dental devices

Brushing teeth according to dentist-recommended technique is important to avoid erosion of dental enamel and to remove all food debris and plaque from attaching around the tooth surface and gum line. Using fluoride-containing toothpaste and an antibacterial mouth rinse ensures that infection-causing bacteria are eliminated.

Part of healthy oral hygiene practice is to use a tongue scraper or brush for removing residue left by food, medication or smoking from the tongue surface. Cleaning the teeth alone is not sufficient as bacteria may colonise on the tongue causing oral infection. Similarly, brushing the palate and massaging the gums helps to keep them clean and improve circulation.

Teeth should be brushed and flossed after every meal and before sleep. Gentle flossing around tooth restorations, such as bridges and crowns, maintains their quality. Dentures should be removed and soaked in cleansing solution over night. Depending on the type of orthodontic device, the team at Devonshire Square Dental Studio in the heart of London will provide advice for cleaning and care.

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