A dental abscess can cause pain, swelling and redness of the gums, bad breath, draining pus, and a temperature. If you have a bad toothache and/or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call and visit your London dental clinic immediately. A dental abscess results from an infection either within the tooth itself, and immediately adjacent to the tooth/teeth in the gum tissue and/or supporting bone. If not treated, more serious problems can result, such as a cellulitis. This will cause massive swelling to that area of your face and can be life-threatening. The treatment may include root canal therapy and/or gum surgery to resolve the infections. Antibiotics will be prescribed, and possibly pain medication if the pain is severe. A dental abscess can result in tooth loss if not treated immediately!
The first thing your dentist will do is to examine your mouth and take the appropriate X-rays, so that they can determine which tooth or teeth are involved. There are also other tests that can be performed, such as percussion, heat and cold tests, and electrical stimulation tests to see if the tooth is dead. Your bite will also be checked to make sure that the pain is not caused by your tooth/teeth touching prematurely or at a wrong angle to each other. The dental abscess may be too far progressed to save the tooth, in which case the tooth/teeth will require removal. If an infection is present, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection before the tooth is removed. If this is not done, the infection may spread through the blood system. In addition, your dentist will place an ice-pack on your face and have you rinse with warm-salt-water (e.g., one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water). There are things that you can do to prevent a dental abscess, which include brushing and flossing your teeth, and avoided sugary snacks between meals. Visit your London dental clinic regularly to prevent getting a dental abscess.

Are you experiencing a bad toothache or are you noticing drainage, blood and/or pus next to a tooth or teeth? Then you should telephone your London dentist immediately! You most likely have an abscessed tooth. A tooth abscess is the result of an infection(s) that occurs in the tooth itself due to dental caries or in the gum tissue next to the tooth. It left untreated, the problem can extend further, to the point where the tooth is lost and further problems arise. If dental caries is left untreated, the harmful microorganisms within the tooth itself will continue to spread and will most likely cause pain or a dental abscess. An abscess associated with gum disease results in the spread of bacteria in the gum tissue next to the tooth, creating loss of supporting bone and a periodontal pocket where the abscess forms. This can result in the loss of teeth.
The signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess are: dental pain; swelling of the gums and redness in the area; a horrible smell coming from the mouth; a bad taste in the mouth; you may have a temperature and; a boil in your gum adjacent to the abscessed area.
How will your London dentist help you once he determines that you have a tooth abscess? Your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic for the infection, which will help to kill the bacteria involved with the tooth abscess. However, in order to treat the tooth abscess, your dentist will drill a hole in either your tooth or its supporting structure to alleviate the pressure built up in your tooth or gums to allow the abscess to drain, thus relieving the pain associated with the abscess. If the tooth is infected, a root canal will be performed if you and your dentist agree to the procedure, or the tooth may require extraction. The dentist will have you place an ice-pack on the area outside your mouth, rinse with salt water (i.e., one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water), and may prescribe a pain medication or instruct you to use an over-the-counter pain medication.
In order to prevent an abscess, you should take proper care of your teeth and gums by: brushing two times a day, using dental floss to clean between your teeth, eating healthy foods and limiting sugar-based snack foods, and visiting your London dentist regularly for routine dental checkups.

Teeth are essentially indestructible under the correct conditions. However, in the living person, teeth are continuously being assaulted by microbial challenges. Dental caries ranks as one of the most universal burdens of man, but are not life- threatening. Dental caries is widespread in London. Advances in preventive procedures to deal with this disease have significantly reduced the overall caries rate. In London, being poor is a risk factor for increased tooth decay. More than one-third of poor 2 – 9 year old children have untreated decayed primary teeth, and this number varies with age and race/ethnicity.

Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease requiring a susceptible host (a tooth), cariogenic microorganisms, and a suitable substrate (e.g., sugar) interacting for a sufficient length of time. Streptococcus mutans (Sm) is the primary etiologic agent of this disease. Sm is transmissible, and a positive relationship exists between the number of Sm and dental caries. Dental decay did not become an important health problem until sucrose (sugar) became a major component of the human diet. However, good oral hygiene can reduce the chance of caries by reducing the number of cariogenic bacteria and removing the substrate, sugar. Sm is the primary etiological agent of dental caries in man and other animals. Under normal circumstances of health, Sm procduces bacterial acids that cause a continuous minute demineralization of the hard tooth surfaces. In addition, the consumption of acidic foods and drinks, and even toothbrush abrasion can cause enamel demineralization53, 54. If this demineralization is limited, the body’s own remineralization capability is able to restore the tooth’s lost minerals by using minerals available in saliva12.
Dental decay (caries) is the result of irreversible solubilization (demineralization) of tooth mineral by acid, predominantly lactic acid, formed by plaque bacteria that adhere to teeth surfaces, after the consumption of foods that contain fermentable carbohydrates (sugar). Frequent sucrose ingestion increases the lengths of time that sucrose is available for fermentation and acid formation by plaque. Thus, eating frequency, the amount of sugar retained in the mouth (particularly on tooth surfaces), and the length of time that sugar is retained in critical areas, are more important than the total amount of sugars consumed12.
The chemical conversion of sugar into simpler substances causes a quick decrease in pH (5.0 or <) at the plaque-enamel junction. Frequently consuming sugar or sugar-based foods causes Sm to flourish and become the principal bacterial organism in plaque. A drop of pH to this level puts undue pressure on the buffers in the saliva and lactic acid (the end-product of Sm metabolism) spreads into the outer layer of the tooth (i.e., enamel) causing it to begin breaking down, and to discharge calcium and phosphate ions at areas below the top surface enamel. This low (acid) pH is derived from acid-producing bacterial organisms, and favors demineralization over a period of time, resulting in a cavity. The tooth enamel (which is made up predominantly of hydroxyapatite) is permanently dissolved from these acids, particularly lactic acid. These bacteria begin to adhere more strongly to the tooth surface and form bacterial colonies or communities called “plaque”. Sm and other bacteria, such as lactobacilli, store sugars and continue to secrete acid long after the food has been swallowed. Dental plaque will continue to build up on the tooth surface, unless it is adequately removed. These processes result in dental decay.

 Everyone is prone to suffer from tooth decay. However, it can be prevented/controlled by proper dental hygiene and a wholesome diet.
Dental caries or tooth decay refers to a gradual deterioration in the state of a person’s oral health, which is brought about due to the tooth enamel giving away. This damage of the tooth structure linked to decomposition can result in holes forming in the teeth, which are generally known as cavities.
Causes of Tooth Decay
Very frequently, the choice of diet and dental hygiene habits are instrumental in causing tooth decay.
The majority of the foods consumed by us are rich in starches and sugars. If not properly cleaned, and food particles remain on the teeth, then plaque (the glutinous substance that develops on teeth) mixes with the bacteria residing in the mouth. It is this mixture that generates acids, which destroy the tooth enamel leading to tooth decay.
The Role Of Diet and Nutrition in Tooth Decay
Adhering to a wholesome dietary regime with good nutrition is vital for advancing proper dental hygiene and preventing tooth decay. Drinks and food that contain elevated levels of sugars are far more likely to produce the acid that damages the tooth enamel leading to decay. Restricting drinks and foods that have high levels of sugar and carbonation could aid in checking tooth decay and enhance dental hygiene.

I have been approached several times by people who merely want to inquire about a possible dental treatment. One topic that is usually brought up is the number of sessions it will take before they complete treatment. Although they do not mention their reasons for asking about these things, I can tell that they are concerned about the inconvenience of returning to a dentist’s clinic and the cost of subsequent treatments.The potential for a more permanent establishment of the cosmetic dentistry industry in London is massive! One possible reason is the increasing awareness of the benefits. Going around the city and meeting new people, I frequently get introduced as a dentist and people surprisingly become very interested in what I do. It is quite disconcerting to be bombarded by so many questions, but I can tell that genuine interest is present. The concept of cosmetic dentistry is still new to some, as most still have lasting memories of getting dental fillings composed of amalgam or gold. Whilst these materials are effective in treating decayed teeth, they do not contribute much to the over-all aesthetics of a person’s teeth because of their unattractive colour.

There are some one-session, relatively inexpensive dental treatments that people can avail of, including composite resin bonding, which is recommended for stained or decayed teeth. This procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour, and is quite long lasting. The patient does have to visit again for maintenance, preferably at six-month intervals.

Dental sealants can be placed during the early phases of tooth decay, or for preventing further decay. Treatment takes approximately 15 minutes and the sealant could last up to ten years. For stains or teeth discolouration, I recommend whitening or bleaching. Tooth contouring and reshaping are also permanent treatments that a patient can avail off in just one session.

ooth abscess is a state when pus accumulates in or around the roots of a tooth. It causes severe pain and the affected tooth may loosen. Taking pain killers and draining the gum boil is just an act of first aid. It is advisable that you visit a dentist.

Symptoms of tooth abscess:
 Agonizing pain which increases on touching the tooth. Pain is severe when biting or chewing.
 Swelling appears on the gum which is red and the affected tooth loosens.
 Foul tasting secretion is discharged into the mouth.
 When the contagion spreads to nearby tissues swelling appears on your face and you develop fever.
Treatment of tooth abscess:

The aim of abscess tooth treatment in the dental hospitals of London or anywhere else is to first of all remove the infection. Once the infection is eliminated the tooth is preserved. This will prevent further complications.

The abscess has to be drained so that the infection can be eliminated. Root canal is the process through which tooth drainage is conducted. In some cases root canal surgery is also recommended so that any diseased root tissue is removed once the infection subsides. Finally a crown may be positioned over the tooth.

Drainage of the abscess can be carried out through the socket by extracting the tooth.

The last method of draining the abscess can also be carried out by slitting the swollen gum tissue.

Once the abscess is drained then you will have to take antibiotics to help you to fight the infection. To get relief from the pain and discomfort linked to an abscessed tooth, you can use over the counter pain killers or rinse with warm salt water.

Prevention of tooth abscess
Tooth abscess can be prevented by adopting good oral hygiene practices. And if you feel that your tooth has loosened then it is advisable for you to seek immediate dental attention.

No one really likes visiting their London dentist but it’s really necessary that you do get a check up done atleast once in six months. The main reason for this is that gum disease is a really insidious condition which has no major symptoms until the disease has advanced to a very bad condition. Here’s how it starts!The formation of soft and hard deposits on the teeth surface is really common and occurs for everyone. But most of the time with proper care plaque is not allowed to accumulate. But irregular brushing and poor oral hygiene can result in plaque accumulations which are infected with bacteria starting gum diseases. The plaque that slowly hardens over time and collects at the gum line is then called as calculus or tartar. Plaque or tartar now houses colonies of bacteria which infect the adjoining gums to cause gingivitis or gum inflammation. This infection can spread into the bone and can cause peridontitis.

If you do not catch this condition immediately for treatment, it can lead to loss of teeth, loose teeth or shrinking gums. Proper brushing techniques and flossing will help a lot to remove plaque formation. Oral health is also very important especially in pregnant women and in diabetic patients. People in this category are more susceptible to develop serious gum diseases. Other than loss of teeth, gum disease can cause serious inflammations in heart valves. The bacteria in the infected teeth can spread into the blood stream while chewing or eating and then reach lungs and other organs to cause serious infections.

We’ll have a Coke for a mid morning drink. Or you may like to have different types of commercial fruit juices, sports drinks, herbal teas, beer salts, and some types of Lucas brand of candy.All these products contain large amount of acids which can eat away or dissolve the surface enamel of your tooth. Shallow cavities can form all over the tooth surface called as dental erosion cavities. These acids strip away the hard enamel out coating of the teeth and expose the delicate inner dentine to the oral environment. Dentine is filled with a lot of nerves and these get exposed to the sudden changes in temperature or acidity causing severe sensitivity.

Sometimes it becomes difficult to locate exactly where the erosion cavities are located and treating the shallow saucer shaped cavities becomes difficult. Dental erosion creates a polished appearance to the enamel without any pain or sensitivity in the early stages. Most patients are not even aware of the problem until the situation becomes really bad.

A good ways to keep a close eye on your teeth is to get regular check up every two months at your London dentist and preferably avoid all drinks contain a large amount of acids.

When your child transitions from a baby bottle to a sippy cup, this is a big development. The dentists in London make a very strong note to all parents to not give juices to their kids in sippy cups.The reason behind this fact is that as long as those juices or sugary drinks stay in the sippy cups, it is for that period of time that your toddler is going to be exposed to them, which is a major contributor to cause cavities.

Therefore it is expressed time and time again by London dentists to all the parents that they should give water to their toddlers in the sippy cups instead. The juices or sugary drinks only cause the kids to be at high risk for tooth decay.

There are some important facts that parents should always take into consideration and this includes to never ever let your child sleep with a sippy cup having any sugary drink, they should only be given water.

At meal time, sippy cups should always contain water. Another important fact that needs to be taken into consideration is that sippy cups are not to be used for a prolonged period of time in a day.

Using sippy cups for your toddlers is a major landmark and it is the time when most care is needed to prevent your child from developing any tooth problems at such a young age. Prevention now can avert serious dental conditions from happening in future.

Recent researches have shown that oral problems in children are five times more frequent than respiratory disorders and seven times more frequent than ordinary hay fever. Researches have also confirmed that tooth decay is the most serious ailment that affects children between five and seventeen years and that it is no less a threat in infants. Therefore, the assumption that children have better teeth than the adults is only a misnomer and that is why extra care should be taken to ensure complete oral health in children and infants, so that they are not faced with too many complications in the future.What a child eats mostly affects the child oral condition. Sugars, starches, food acids, etc cause tooth decay and contribute to a whole myriad of other dental and periodontal problems. Added to this fact, a child’s teeth are even more difficult to clean, resulting in bacterial growth. Although a baby’s deciduous teeth will eventually be replaced with the permanent ones, a healthy set of teeth is crucial to the baby’s overall development and health.

It is best to consult a professional dentist for your child’s overall oral hygiene and for this you can refer to any qualified paediatric dentist in London. A professional will be the best person to prepare a checklist for your child’s oral health while he/she grows up from a baby. A general child oral care checklist may include regular teeth cleaning, regular dental visits, optional sealant application sessions, fluoride treatments, dental flossing sessions, regular mouth washing, and orthodontic treatments.