Dentist London Blog » Dental Decay http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:05:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 See Your City of London Dentist about a Dry Mouth http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/see-your-city-of-london-dentist-about-a-dry-mouth/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/see-your-city-of-london-dentist-about-a-dry-mouth/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:05:53 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=4056 Dry mouth is a condition which affects the flow of saliva in your mouth and makes your mouth feel dry, sticky and raw. If you frequently feel thirsty, have problems swallowing and chewing, or develop sores in and around your mouth, you might be suffering from dry mouth and should see your dentist as soon as possible.

Dry mouth doesn’t just make your mouth and throat feel dry – it also affects your oral hygiene. Saliva acts as a cleanser in your mouth, washing away bacteria and fighting decay. Sufferers of dry mouth might find that they accumulate plaque more quickly and are therefore more at risk from infections, tooth decay and gum disease.

Dry mouth arises for a variety of reasons. It can be a result of other medical conditions including diabetes, and often is a negative side-effect of medication. Medications for your heart, blood pressure, or depression may be the culprit, and you should speak to your dentist if you think this is the case.

Otherwise there are a variety of ways to treat dry mouth. You should drink plenty of water and try to breathe through your nose, rather than through your mouth. Sucking on sugar-free sweets or chewing gum can help to stimulate saliva flow. If your dentist feels that you need treatment, he may suggest an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture, or prescribe you medication that stimulates saliva production.

Having dry mouth is not just uncomfortable, it has negative effects on your oral health, and should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent more serious problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

If you think you might be suffering from dry mouth, give your City of London dentist a call today.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/see-your-city-of-london-dentist-about-a-dry-mouth/feed/ 0 Looking for Gum Disease Treatment in London? http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/looking-for-gum-disease-treatment-in-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/looking-for-gum-disease-treatment-in-london/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:58:20 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=4048 Gum disease, which is also called gingivitis, is a condition that affects the gums and can result in painful, swollen gums that hurt on contact. More severe cases could develop into what’s known as periodontitis, which affects both the tissue that connects your tooth to its socket, and the bone in your jaw.

Caused by a build-up plaque on the teeth, which can result from not brushing or flossing often enough, gum disease can be a serious problem for many people. If it develops into periodontitis, it can even result in the loss of a tooth.

You can start to protect yourself from gum disease now, by maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss a few times a week, use mouthwash where possible, and see your dentist regularly.

However, if your gum disease is more advanced, your dentist may want to provide treatment. This might be a scale and polish, to clear tartar and plaque from your teeth using special instruments, or could involve root planning, where your dentist will clear bacteria from the roots of your teeth. Antibiotics are also a common course of treatment for cases of gum disease.

Severe gum disease, including periodontitis, could require surgery to remove an infected tooth and stop the problem worsening. This is why it’s a good idea to have your dentist take a look at your gums as soon as you spot anything amiss – early gum disease is easy to treat, and even easier to prevent.

If your gums are sore, swollen or red, or if they bleed when you brush, see your London dentist as soon as possible about gum disease treatment.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/looking-for-gum-disease-treatment-in-london/feed/ 0 London Dentist Explains Dental Caries http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/london-dentist-explains-dental-caries/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/london-dentist-explains-dental-caries/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:53:11 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=4044 One of the most common disorders in the world, dental caries is just another term for what you might call tooth decay or a cavity. It’s actually a bacterial infection caused by food debris left on the tooth’s surface. This food debris produces acid, which destructs the organic matter of the tooth and demineralises the tooth’s enamel.

Dental caries can be both extremely visible and extremely well-hidden. On the outside of a tooth, they usually begin as a chalky area and develop into a dark cavitation. However, when dental caries develop in less visible areas of the teeth, your dentist may need to use a radiograph or laser to judge how much damage they’re causing.

Other than the visible symptoms, if any of your teeth start to ache, this might be a sign of dental caries, and you should see your dentist immediately. When left untreated, dental caries can have some unpleasant side effects. Not only will your tooth hurt, but you might lose it, and it could get infected.

Your dentist will either prescribe you with a filling, a crown, or a root canal. Fillings involve blocking the cavity in your tooth with an alloy or resin, whereas crowns are used when damage is more extensive and a tooth needs extra support. A root canal is prescribed when the tooth’s nerve has died, and involves removing the dead material and filling the tooth’s roots with sealing material.

Dental caries, despite being common, are a serious problem for many people. It’s advisable to have them seen to straight away – catching them early can reduce the cost and length of the treatment you’ll need, as well as saving you a lot of pain and stress.

Visit your London dentist for a check-up today.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/london-dentist-explains-dental-caries/feed/ 0 Dentist in Central London Discusses the Serious Problem of Teeth Decay for Patients http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dentist-in-central-london-discusses-the-serious-problem-of-teeth-decay-for-patients/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dentist-in-central-london-discusses-the-serious-problem-of-teeth-decay-for-patients/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 01:58:19 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3980 Also referred to as dental cavity or dental caries, teeth decay is a serious problem that can affect people of all ages. Sugar left over on your teeth from the foods and drinks you consume throughout the day serve as food for harmful bacteria that wear away and break down the hard surfaces of your teeth. This process is known as demineralization and leads to teeth decay amongst other dental problems. The earliest stages of teeth decay is easily treatable and can often be reversed by fluoride therapy administered by your dentist in Central London. You may need a filling if your teeth decay has resulted in a visible cavity or pit in your teeth. In the most severe cases, you may need an extraction of your teeth to prevent the spread of infection. Depending on the severity of your teeth decay, your dentist may recommend fillings, crowns, or a root canal as other means of treatment. The best way to fight teeth decay is to take preventative measures by practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting the dentist regularly. You should be brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day at home, every day, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for clean ups and check ups. If you have any further concerns regarding tooth decay, your dentist is here to help.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/dentist-in-central-london-discusses-the-serious-problem-of-teeth-decay-for-patients/feed/ 0 The Symptoms and Dangers of Tooth Abscess Discussed by Your Dentist in London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-symptoms-and-dangers-of-tooth-abscess-discussed-by-your-dentist-in-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-symptoms-and-dangers-of-tooth-abscess-discussed-by-your-dentist-in-london/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:29:24 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3939 An abscessed tooth refers to the problem of a bacterial infection occurring in the pulp of your tooth. When pus is enclosed in the root of your tooth between the gum and a tooth, you will experience the severe pain of an abscessed tooth. It is quite a painful problem at first and even if the pain goes away, the infection will spread and cause very dangerous complications. An abscessed tooth is typically the result of extreme tooth decay. Other causes may be a chipped or broken tooth and at times, periodontal disease. If you are experiencing constant toothache, you may have an abscessed tooth and should seek attention from your dentist in London straight away. Patients often describe the pain as sharp, shooting, or throbbing. If you are running a fever, it is critical you seek medical attention because your infection may be quite bad. You may have sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks, a persistent bad taste in your mouth, swelling of your neck glands and gums, and swelling in your jaw. You may also experience halitosis, the medical term for bad breath as a result of your abscessed tooth. Without treatment, you will lose your teeth or worse. The infection from the abscessed tooth will spread throughout your body if left untreated and will lead to serious medical complications that could hospitalize you.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-symptoms-and-dangers-of-tooth-abscess-discussed-by-your-dentist-in-london/feed/ 0 Combating Abscess, Tooth Pain, and Gum Disease with Your Dentist in Central London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/combating-abscess-tooth-pain-and-gum-disease-with-your-dentist-in-central-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/combating-abscess-tooth-pain-and-gum-disease-with-your-dentist-in-central-london/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:55:55 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3922 Preventative dental care is crucial to avoiding abscess, tooth pain, and gum disease, all of which burden you with discomforts of all kinds. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to avoid abscess, tooth pain, and gum disease. These dental problems are costly, time consuming, and devastating to your oral health. In severe cases, you may even lose your teeth and experience spread of infection throughout your body. All is not lost if you are already suffering from an abscessed tooth, tooth pain, or gum disease. Please do not despair! Don’t ignore your problems and don’t hesitate to get professional, medical help! Team up with your dentist in Central London to combat these dental problems today and you will be able to enjoy meals, smile and laugh with confidence again. Your teeth are an important part of your physical and mental health. If there are problems with your teeth, you will be suffering from physical pains as well as emotional ones caused by embarrassment and depression. Don’t ignore an abscessed tooth, tooth pain, or gum disease. Modern dentistry offers high tech solutions to even the worst cases of such dental problems. Don’t be afraid and get in touch with your dentist and find out how you can fight back!

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/combating-abscess-tooth-pain-and-gum-disease-with-your-dentist-in-central-london/feed/ 0 Watching out for Dental Cavities in the City of London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/watching-out-for-dental-cavities-in-the-city-of-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/watching-out-for-dental-cavities-in-the-city-of-london/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:19:28 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3853 The top of any dentists agenda in the city of London is to ensure they look after your teeth as best as they humanly can and to advise you how to do the same when your not sitting in the chair, and there are some basic principles applied to this. What you’re trying to avoid in everyday life is the build up of plaque and to keep your teeth clear of acids and bacteria. Do this well and between the pair of you you’ll be avoiding the dangers of dental cavities. These little evils can gather speed quickly, especially if you are pretty nonchalant about oral hygiene and about keeping up with dental check-ups. Acids start to attack the surface of the teeth quickly and then soon eat their way inside. If you go to your dentist regularly, then they will pick up on this and solve the problem with a filling. But, if you get lackluster about things, the first you will know about the cavity is when you get a tooth-ache and at this stage, it literally means that the tooth is dying inside. Catch it at this stage and you will require a root canal, though you will save the tooth. But tooth-aches can go away and you may think ‘no problem’- think again, because the whole root of the tooth will become infected and possibly cause gum disease and then all of your teeth are in peril, as is your general health.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/watching-out-for-dental-cavities-in-the-city-of-london/feed/ 0 The Dangers of an Abscessed tooth in the City of London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-dangers-of-an-abscessed-tooth-in-the-city-of-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-dangers-of-an-abscessed-tooth-in-the-city-of-london/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:07:05 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3835 One of the greatest dangers that can threaten your mouth in the city of London, and indeed, your life too, is that of getting an abscess develop around your tooth. Many people get complacent about the way they look after their teeth and if it all goes wrong, they’d expect the dentist to pick up the pieces. But when it comes to having an abscess, complacency goes out of the window and you should be very aware of the danger it can cause. It is borne out of neglecting your teeth and poor oral hygiene- how many times have you been told to look after your teeth? If plaque is allowed to reap havoc in the mouth, gum disease swiftly follows, as does tooth decay and then you’re are in danger of getting an abscess. Now if you’re lucky and the abscess subsides, then it’s time to get your tooth treated, but be warned, the fact that you have had an abscess means that these little terrors will return. Generally the tooth will inevitably have to be removed to avoid the abscess coming back. One thing you should never be complacent about, an abscess can be extremely violent in the way it erupts in the mouth and without the immediate antibiotics, there have been cases where people have fallen into comas because of the poison that an abscess emits into the bloodstream and into the brain.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-dangers-of-an-abscessed-tooth-in-the-city-of-london/feed/ 0 The ongoing fight against Tooth Decay in Central London http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-ongoing-fight-against-tooth-decay-in-central-london/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-ongoing-fight-against-tooth-decay-in-central-london/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:09:49 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3831 Tooth decay in central London is the direct result of poor oral hygiene. In the average diet, the foods will consist of carbohydrates and sugar at some point but it’s vital that they are removed from the surface of the tooth, otherwise, the bacteria and acids that emanate from such foods will start to attack the surface of the tooth and then eat into the tooth itself, causing decay- the teeth are at even further risk if saliva levels in the mouth are low (usually caused by medication, stress and/or diet), as this acts as a natural deterrent to bacteria. Good oral hygiene and regular dental excursions will be enough to thwart tooth decay, mess this up however and the first time you realize decay has set in is when you have a tooth ache- this may be remedied with a filling but if it’s bad, you will require root canal treatment. Any further ignorance towards the problem and the tooth will fall out altogether. Of course the side effects of this can lead to gum disease and then you are in a world of hurt that will take some pretty expensive and extensive treatment to put right if you don’t want to end up wearing dentures.

]]> http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/the-ongoing-fight-against-tooth-decay-in-central-london/feed/ 0 Central London dentists tell patients that dental cavities can be successfully avoided with the right care http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/central-london-dentists-tell-patients-that-dental-cavities-can-be-successfully-avoided-with-the-right-care/ http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/central-london-dentists-tell-patients-that-dental-cavities-can-be-successfully-avoided-with-the-right-care/#comments Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:00:49 +0000 admin http://www.bakerstreetdental.com/blog/?p=3800 There are many potential causes of dental cavities but just one course of action if you want to avoid them in the first place. Dental cavities can be painful and inconvenient but by taking the right steps to ensure good oral hygiene you can make sure that you won’t have to deal with the problem in the first place.

Primarily dental cavities are caused by an excess of plaque on the surfaces of teeth. This acidic substance is created when we eat food and drink things that are high in sugar and starch. Plaque is the main reason why we brush our teeth and make sure that plaque is removed from the mouth. Plaque has the capacity to erode the string coating of teeth which is called enamel. This erosion creates holes in the teeth that will not stop growing unless they are filled by dentists.

A period of ill health or an extended lapse in one’s oral hygiene can allow plaque to take hold on teeth. If you have teeth which are particularly bunched up then they might be more prone to the development of cavities because it will be harder to clean them of plaque. In such cases it might be desirable to undergo some sort of tooth straightening treatment to get the requisite levels of spacing between the teeth.

Those who suffer from dry mouth (clinically known as xerostomia) will be more prone to cavities also because they are experiencing a lack of saliva. Saliva not only helps to strengthen enamel but it is also a natural defence against plaque in the mouth. See your dentist in central London if you are having problems with dry mouth or are worried about cavities.

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