Numerous individuals were never shown how to floss their teeth during childhood. Flossing is crucial for the maintenance of healthy gums; it’s not too late to begin flossing. Any newly formed habit will become easy after a few weeks. While at your London dentist or dental hygienist have them give you a personal lesson. However take these suggestions. Floss daily, your London dentist and dental hygienist suggest flossing once daily, however the jury is still out as to how many times a day is best. Also, floss after meals if you have a tendency to collect food between your teeth. Don’t rush when flossing, good flossing practices take time and coordination. Select a regular time to floss, select the best time for you to floss and try to set up a routine so that you do not forget to floss, and have floss with you. Dentists and dental hygienists feel that one of the better times to floss during the day is prior to bedtime. Don’t be cheap with the floss, pull off about 18 inches of floss, and move along the length of the floss while cleaning each side of all of your teeth, even the back side of the last teeth. Try not to reuse sections of floss, as it is believed that you may redistribute the bacteria to other areas of your mouth; though no research exists that demonstrates this belief. Select floss that performs what you want it to do, numerous flosses exists. Find the floss that best suits you and your oral hygiene needs. The type of floss that you like and how you hold the floss is a matter of personal preference.

Your London dentist has some information for you about the relationship of cannabis and your oral health. Cannabis (or marijuana) is a commonly used drug in London, with 40 percent of teens and adults trying it at least once. Hash and hash oil also fall into the cannabis classification. They all contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC. The frequent form of consumption is smoking, but it can also be eaten in various foods. It enters the circulation and affects the cardiovascular, immune, and respiratory systems, among others. Individuals that use cannabis regularly have more oral health problems than those that don’t use cannabis. These individuals are at greater risk for dental decay and gum disease(s). They are also at higher risk for developing oral cancer(s), and developing infections in the oral cavity because of cannabis’ affects on the immune system. Performing dental procedures on patients that are “high” on cannabis can result in increased paranoia, dysphoria, and anxiety. The administration of local anaesthesia that contains epinephrine can result in extended tachycardia. THC is a very “tarry” material, and forms heavy stains and build-up on the teeth, especially if used regularly. This could lead to more difficulty removing bacteria and plaque, and the acceleration of both dental caries and periodontal diseases. So, visit your London dentist and get some help with your oral health problems!

London dentists know that an acidic diet, both food and beverages, can demineralise your teeth. The saliva and environment of the mouth has a neutral pH under ordinary circumstances, and if bacteria and plaque are properly removed from the teeth and gum, the minerals in the saliva will help tooth remineralisation. The consumption of acidic foods and beverages, such as grapefruits, lemons, soft drinks, wine and juices, etc., will cause the saliva to fall below a crucial pH level (i.e., pH 5.5) and begin demineralising the teeth. Also, chewing on vitamin C tablets can also help to teeth to demineralise. You must rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after consuming an acidic diet. You should also brush your teeth prior to eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages to remove bacteria and plaque that thrive in acidic environments. It is best to eat neutral or basic foods for your oral health.

What are the advantages of having amalgam fillings over white fillings? Your City of London dentist has used amalgam fillings on patients with great success. Dentists have used amalgam fillings for about 150 years. Amalgam, as the name implies, is a blend of liquid mercury and metal shavings or powder. Silver, copper, zinc and/or tin, are usually used. Amalgam fillings are still being used due to its advantages versus newer white filling materials. Amalgam is less expensive than white fillings, and is durable, strong, easily applied, and stops the growth of bacteria (i.e., it is bacteriostatic). There has been recent conflict over the safety of the mercury, thus the mercury levels have been reduced.
City of London dentists view amalgam fillings as strong, long lasting and adaptable. They are easier to insert into the cavity preparation than white fillings, and last twice as long as white fillings. Visit your City of London dental clinic for amalgam fillings.

In the City of London, there is help for your gum disease. Gum disease affects approximately 75% of adults in the U.K. Specific anaerobic bacteria (i.e., don’t like oxygen), and their by-product and end-products, can cause gum disease. The body tries to defend against gum disease, however when the insult is too strong this may not be possible. When the gums swell, bleed, turn red, are painful, or there is temperature or visible pus present, gum disease is usually the cause. If treated early on, gum disease is reversible and treatable. However, if allows to progress, gum disease can turn to periodontal disease that is not reversible, but can be arrested (i.e., stopped).
Your City of London dentist or dentist hygienist will enforce upon you that prevention is the key, and will teach you how to properly care for your teeth and gums. There are also numerous treatments available at your City of London Dental Clinic. You should have dental checkups and professional dental cleanings at least twice a year. If your case is too advanced, your City of London dentist will possibly refer you to a gum specialist (i.e., periodontist). Treatments can involve scaling and root planning, antibiotics, and/or surgery.