Posts tagged “tooth loss”

People from London Who Smoke Need to Think Again About Their Priorities

March 20th, 2012

Despite smokers having more issues with their teeth than people who don’t smoke, the latest research from a US government study indicates that they also visit their dentist less frequently. This goes for many patients from London and the UK as well. Smoking leads to poor dental health in a whole variety of ways. In addition to bad breath, oral cancer and gum disease, the habit can also lead to tooth discolouration and a build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth.

Smokers also lose more teeth than non-smokers. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US found that around 20 per cent of non-smokers over 65 are toothless whereas the figure jumps to 41 per cent in daily smokers over 65. There are also indications that smokers do not heal as well as non-smokers following periodontal treatment. Of course, it is not just cigarettes that have this effect and cigar and pipe smokers experience a similar level of tooth loss and degradation of the alveolar bones, which hold your teeth in place.

The 2008 survey from the U.S. government, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, looked at feedback from greater than 16,000 adults aged 18 to 64. The survey found that greater than 1/3 of smokers had 3 or more issues with dental health, such as aching teeth or gum infections. This level was twice that of people who didn’t smoke.

In spite of this, 20% of smokers surveyed claimed they hadn’t been to a dentist in a minimum of five years. A mere 10% of people who didn’t smoke and people who used to smoke had left it that long.  The main reason put forward for this is that smokers have less income.

A separate study from the same organisation found that 30 per cent of Americans with incomes below the poverty line are smokers, while that figure drops to 19 per cent in people with higher incomes. 1/2 of those surveyed who smoked said they couldn’t afford the costs of a dental visit, which was quite an increase compared to non-smokers not visiting the dentist.

However, while financial factors are important, you do not have a limitless supply of teeth. The most sensible course of action is to stop smoking and damaging your teeth in this manner and use the money saved to visit your dentist more frequently.

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What kind of oral surgery might you need at City of London dentists?

November 22nd, 2011

Oral surgery is used for a number of health issues that can arise in and around the mouth; theses can range from impacted teeth to tooth loss and jaw related problems.

Wisdom Teeth

The emergence of wisdom teeth often requires dental surgery, as they can cause problems such as swelling, pain and infection of the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth. This is because the wisdom tooth often becomes entrapped between the jawbone and gum tissue. They can also result in damage to nearby teeth and can sometimes result in the formation of cysts and tumours. Wisdom teeth do not always cause these problems, but if you are finding yourself in discomfort contact your dentist straight away.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss and subsequent dental implant placement requires oral surgery. Dental implants or dental implant retained dentures help with the general motion of chewing, as dental implants are surgically inserted into the mouth as replacements for roots and therefore do not buckle or move about like loose dentures.

Jaw Problems

Oral surgery may be required to treat jaw related issues, including unequal jaw growth, where the upper or lower jawbone fails to grow properly, which can then cause difficulty with eating, speaking and breathing. Unequal jaw growth can be resolved with the use of braces or other orthodontic appliances, but for more serious issues oral surgery will be required to move either the upper or lower jawbone, or sometimes both, to create a new balanced position.

There are many other issues that can be resolved with oral surgery. Facial injuries can be treated with oral surgery to fix facial bones that have become broken. Oral surgery can also be used to help with snoring and sleep apnoea, where surgery is used to remove the soft tissues of the oropharynx or the lower jaw. Laser surgery can also be used to scar the palate, so that it tightens to help prevent snoring or sleep apnoea.

Other issues like facial infections, cleft lip and cleft palate repairs, lesion removal and biopsy can all be corrected with oral surgery so consult your dentist to find out the best option for you.

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The importance of something so small

July 29th, 2011

Life without teeth; can you imagine such a prospect? Not being able to enjoy your favourite fry-up or Sunday Roast and a bowl of pudding and custard is many people’s notion of hell. All those wonderful smells you wouldn’t be able to give in to by asking for that highly-wanted second or third portion is something which I reckon a large number of us could not live without. But, for many, this is a reality.

Why let your smile suffer?

Through gingivitis, or gum disease, the teeth suffer terribly. By not carrying out a rigorous method of oral hygiene (such as brushing twice a day and flossing throughout the week the same number of times) means that the gums will suffer. The build-up of plaque in the gums means that they start to swell up and are prone to bleeding. By your teeth bleeding, this means that the build-up of plaque is not exactly good for your teeth and is doing complete harm and no good at all.

In serious cases, the result of gum disease could result in the person suffering from Periodontitis which is a far more dangerous form of gum disease. Periodontitis happens when the inflammation of the gums also starts affecting the material which connects the tooth to the tooth socket. If this is affected, the tooth might become wobbly and could actually fall out.

In order to resolve gum disease, the future might be bright and not dour at all. By practising an excellent level of dental hygiene means that you are doing what you can personally do in order to remove gum disease. Furthermore, it is a good idea for you to visit your dentist so that you can get the most professional advice. Even if you have a fear of visiting the dentist, by approaching them will not only help your teeth but also detect future problems which could have caused untold harm if not treated in advance.

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Common senior dental health problems

June 15th, 2011

As we grow older our bodies tire of all the hard work we have put in over the years; raising children, working long hours, looking after our homes, gardens, friends, family and neighbours. Similarly, our mouths and teeth start to ‘retire.’ Gums may start to shrink and recede, causing pain and sensitivity, and teeth may begin to loosen and fall out.

Listed below are common senior dental health issues:

  • Tooth discolouration. Teeth may darken from years of stain-causing food and drinks such as coffee and red wine.
  • Dry mouth. It is a misconception that we produce less saliva as we get older. A dry mouth is usually a symptom of mouth cancer or gum disease.
  • Gum disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis). The build up of plaque and bacteria over time can lead to gum disease which may result in tooth loss and gum abscesses. Tobacco, alcohol, poor diet and cancer can contribute to the development of gum disease. See the section on gum disease below for a low down on the signs and symptoms of gum disease.
  • Root decay. Receding gums caused by ageing can cause yellow ‘cementum’ to show through, leaving teeth exposed and vulnerable to decay.
  • Diminished taste, trouble swallowing and difficulty speaking.
  • Denture-Induced-Stomatitis. Results from ill fitting dentures, poor oral hygiene and/or build-up of fungus.
  • Medication induced problems. Medication used to treat diseases such as diabetes, epilepsy and high blood pressure can adversely affect oral health.
  • Tooth loss (resulting from gum disease).
  • Uneven jawbone (Resulting from tooth loss).
  • Thrush.
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Restorative treatment to the rescue

May 14th, 2011

As we walk through life experiencing a high quantity of events that might test us mentally and physically, these predicaments might become troublesome at times. What to do in a particular situation might prove to be horrifically difficult. However, when it comes to a dental predicament which is not at all desirable it could cause some issues if not treated in time. If the issues are really serious, then restorative treatment might be required.

Restorative treatment is simply what it says; forms of treatment that can help the patient achieve that fantastic smile they once had. This could range from losing a tooth after becoming dislodged or the tooth simply falling out if its nerve endings are damaged beyond repair. There are various types of dental procedures in this category.

Implants

Used to substitute the natural tooth with a singular or several teeth, the root to the dental implant are synthetic with a replacement crown placed in top. If correctly looked after,  dental implants can last for the rest of the patients’ life.

Full mouth reconstruction

For patients who need several forms of treatment in order to resolve their dental issues, by diagnosing the teeth properly will allow for the dentist to fully know what exact treatment is required. These steps are then told to the patient so they know precisely what is going to happen but this also reassures them as they realise that their dentist is there to help them, not hinder.

Bridges

Used in order to fill the gap left by a missing tooth, dental bridges are normally fitted in the following way. During the patients’ first appointment, the gap is filled by a crown which allows for the dentist to gain a physical impression of what bridge the patient requires. On the second visit, a dental bridge is then fused to the patient’s natural teeth so a complete smile is created for them. In between these appointments, a temporary bridge will be worn by the patient.

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Tooth loss advice with London city dentists

March 2nd, 2011

Let London City dentists offer you professional advice on the facts of tooth loss

Losing a tooth as a child may not seem daunting, as you knew it was going to grow back – as well as get a present under your pillow courtesy of the tooth fairy. But teeth loss in adulthood sadly is no fairytale ending.

Looking after your oral health is more than just brushing your teeth and flossing; it’s about regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure your mouth is in good working condition. Rotting teeth, gum disease – these ailments can be prevented as long as you visit the dentist at least every six months. The secret is not to simply clean – but ‘keep’ clean. Getting into a daily routine and maintaining tip top teeth doesn’t just mean you’re looking after your teeth, but your teeth are looking after you.

However at the first sign of poor oral health, such as painful teeth, make an appointment to see your dentist immediately. Whilst you may have dental products at home that could alleviate your symptoms, your dentist is the expert and will have tools (such as X-rays) to help determine the problem. Not only will you receive professional treatment, but you can talk to your dentist about changing or improving your dental knowledge.

But remember – when it comes to tooth loss, it’s not an overnight problem. This sort of matter is an ongoing problem, which is why it is imperative that excellent oral hygiene is practiced daily and efficiently.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

Let London City dentists be your modern day tooth fairy, and work their magic on your dental future.

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London dentists offer incredible results fitting false teeth with dental implants

December 22nd, 2010

Dental implants from London dentists offer durable solution to tooth loss

If you have lost a tooth or teeth it is vital that they are replaced as soon as possible.  There are a number of potential causes of tooth loss, such as one off accident, dental decay or gum disease.  You might find that, without a tooth or teeth, things like eating and drinking that you take for granted become that little bit more difficult.  Even simply smiling can be rendered a difficult proposition if you are worried about what your mouth looks like without one or more of your teeth.

There are a number of options to replace lost teeth.  If a whole new set of teeth are required then dentures remain a popular choice although they can be inconvenient and slip out.  Porcelain crowns or veneers can be constructed with incredible speed by dentists using digital technology.  But it is dental implants that are now many peoples’ choice as a solution to their lost teeth.

A dental implant acts as a substitute for the lost root part of the tooth and is like a socket, into which a permanent replacement tooth can be placed.  This tooth can then support a bridge or other replacements if that is required.  Implants are placed under the gum and tight with the jaw bone, so that they can begin to fuse.  The titanium which dental implants are made from has been found to be ideal for this process of osseointegration and the replacement tooth or teeth have an incredibly secure foundation.

Looking for a cosmetic dentist? City of London dentists are here to help

If you need a tooth replacing and are after a long term solution which can be treated just like regular teeth, contact your London dentist and ask about the options available using dental implants.
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Bishopsgate London dentists treat bleeding gums effectively

December 1st, 2010

Get expert diagnose and treatment of bleeding gums from Bishopsgate London dentists

Bleeding gums can be a common occurrence when brushing your teeth or flossing.  If the problem persists then you should inform your dentist so that any problems can be dealt with.  Bleeding from the gums might be an early sign of tooth decay which, if not dealt with properly can lead to tooth loss.

The most common form of gum disease is a condition known as gingivitis and can manifest itself with bleeding gums.  You ought to inform your dentist if this happens to you so that the problem can be treated.  Antibiotics might be required but in most cases it is necessary only to tighten up your home oral hygiene routine.

It is crucial that gingivitis is dealt with and eliminated because it can lead to periodontitis.  This is an advanced form of gum disease which causes the bones holding teeth in place to become inflamed.  This can end in the loss of teeth themselves, a painful process which will likely involve invasive surgery.

Looking for a cosmetic dentist? City of London dentists are here to help

As well as following advice in recommended home oral hygiene habits, you should also visit your Bishopsgate London dentist every six months so that your mouth can be examined.  If you find that your gums are bleeding then you should make an additional appointment rather than waiting for the next six months check up.  Bleeding gums might only be the result of you brushing with too much vigour but it might signal that something worse is beginning to take hold and your dentist needs to be kept aware of such developments.

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