London cosmetic dentistry

Archive for the ‘Gum disease’ Category

Beat deadly gum disease at Central London dentist

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

It is one of the most common diseases in the UK with over three quarters of adults suffering at some point in their life. It can be the source of great pain and has been linked to causing heart problems and even fatal heart attacks. Yet this problem is often ignored or dismissed as not being serious. Even more astonishingly, this disease is easily treated and in most cases completely preventable by taking a few easy steps each day.

Gum disease is often overlooked as a serious dental problem but dentists for years have been trying to emphasise the importance of looking after your gums as well as your teeth. Gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on the gums and begin to irritate the tissue. This ultimately leads to an infection that will cause redness, soreness and will spread quickly to other parts of the mouth. Because the soft tissue in the mouth is linked to the bloodstream, the infection can also easily pass into the blood and travel to other parts of the body. This can cause a narrowing of the arteries and ultimately lead to high blood pressure and heart issues.

Gum disease can be prevented easily by brushing and flossing your teeth more regularly and more effectively. Central London dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for at least three minutes twice a day using an appropriate brush. This will remove plaque and bacteria and keep the teeth and gums clean. It is also important to maintain your six-monthly appointments with your Central London dentist who will be able to monitor the gums for any sign of disease and offer the necessary treatment.

Have your bleeding gums examined by London dentist

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

Bleeding gums can occur for a number of reasons but for whatever reason it occurs it is never a pleasant experience and can even be quite frightening. The reasons for bleeding gums can range from the relatively innocuous to the very serious. The rule of thumb is that if your gums are bleeding you make an appointment with your London dentist to check it out.

The most common reason for bleeding gums and the most likely is thankfully the most harmless. It occurs when you have not been cleaning your teeth effectively and plaque and bacteria build up around their base. Then if you begin to make an extra effort to clean the teeth or begin to floss, the gums are a little sensitive and may bleed slightly. This will usually stop after day or so as they become used to the new cleaning regime. However, it is still worth seeing your dentist to be on the safe side.

Another reason for bleeding gums is the result of gum disease. This is when the gums develop an infection due to insufficient cleaning. Gum disease affects nearly three quarters of all adults at some stage in their life and is very easily treated if caught in time.

The most serious cause of bleeding gums is as the result of oral cancer, which is treatable at the early stage but will be fatal if not treated. It is for this reason that it is so important to have your bleeding gums seen to in case it is the sign of a serious illness. In most cases it will not be the result of oral cancer but you can never be too careful when it comes to the health of your teeth.

Gum disease and heart disease. A Central London dentists says they are connected

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Recent research has shown that there is a connection between heart and liver disease, and gum infections says a Central London dentist. The fact that receding gums bleed raised the issue that this may have an effect on other parts of the body, so research was started to determine if there was any connection between bad oral hygiene and other vital organs. Bleeding gums are a casualty of bad oral behaviour, and this allows bacteria to enter the body via the gums and the blood system. That bacteria is a bad one and is totally alien to our body, it can enter all the vital organs and infect them causing other diseases that wouldn’t normally affect us. Oral Hygiene is a very vital part of our body`s defence system as it is an open void that allows in any foreign body, there is no protective barrier in the mouth to stop this happening. Patients with early heart and liver disease have been part of the research and it has surprised researchers that many of these have a poor Oral Hygiene regime. Bacteria comes with our food and if we are not careful enough to keep our mouths free of food debris, it will sneak into the crevices between our teeth. This provides the food for bacteria to feed off; this dies off and becomes compressed onto the teeth as tartar. It also rots our gums through the acid that bacteria produces from sugar and fat deposits. So it is vital we clean our teeth more often.

Understanding the link between gum disease and heart attacks at Central London dentist

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Gum disease occurs when the gums come under attack from plaque and bacteria. Acid is released which begins to irritate the tissue and cause an inflammation. If this is not treated in time it can become infected, which poses a more serious problem.

In its milder form, gum disease is known as gingivitis, which can be treated with relative ease by a dentist and with improved oral hygiene. However, if the problem is allowed to persist it will eventually become periodontitis, a more dangerous form of the condition. In recent years several studies have identified a link between periodontitis and heart disease, one of the biggest killers in the UK.

The link occurs because infected matter in gum tissue enters the bloodstream. There it causes a chemical chain reaction which leads to a narrowing of the arteries and heart concerns. Treatment of periodontitis ranges from antibiotics to tissue removal and even hospitalisation.

The key symptoms of gum disease are swollen, red or inflamed gums, an unpleasant smell and bleeding gums. Gum disease can be prevented by maintaining regular check ups with a Central London dentist every six months.

In an age where heart disease is a very serious problem and affected by so many aspects of our modern life it is important to give yourself every possible chance of avoiding this very serious condition. Heart disease can result in high blood pressure, heart attacks and even fatalities. Ask your dentist for more information about the link between the two.

Bleeding gums examined by Central London dentist

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Looking after the health of your teeth and gums is very important. This is true, not only because this will keep your teeth and gums looking healthy but also because a healthy mouth is a good indicator of your overall health and any oral problems could be the result or even cause of wider health problems.

There are many mild and series dental problems that can affect the teeth and gums. Dental decay begins with small dental cavities in the surface enamel. Although easily treated, like with all dental problems, if left without attention it can quickly become something more serious. For instance, if the cavities penetrate to the centre of the tooth, they can cause an infection that will attack the dental nerve. This is not only pretty painful but can also result in the loss of the tooth and spread of the infection to others in the mouth.

It is a similar story with the gums. Constantly under attack from plaque and bacteria, it is not uncommon for the gums to become irritated and suffer from mild infections. Again, if the problem is addressed it can be easily cleared up but if left can lead to more serious concerns. This includes periodontitis, the most serious form of gum disease, characterised by bleeding gums and swollen tissue. This may well need treatment with antibiotics and even some tissue removal.

Bleeding gums can also be the sign of more serious concerns in the oral cavity including oral cancer so it is always wise to visit your Central London dentist if you notice that your gums are bleeding.

Catch gum disease before it becomes a serious issue at Central London dentist

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Gum disease is the most common form of dental health problem. It is estimated that three quarters of adults in the UK will suffer from gum disease at some stage in their life. For some this might just be a case of mild gingivitis but for others it could be periodontitis that results in the need for tissue removal, extractions or even hospitalisation.

Gum disease, like tooth decay, is caused by a build up of bacteria and plaque. This releases acids, which irritate the gum tissue and can lead to an infection. If the gum becomes infected it will swell, become sore and red and spread cross the tissue. Gum disease is particularly nasty because it has proven links to heart disease. If the infection enters the bloodstream in the mouth, it can cause a chemical chain reaction that leads to a narrowing of the arteries around the heart. This could potentially be the cause of a heart attack and other very serious cardio conditions.

Gum disease can easily be prevented with improved brushing and flossing. When brushing your teeth it is recommended that you use a soft bristled brush angled towards the gums. This will gently clean the gums and stimulate them at the same time. Flossing will remove bacteria and plaque form around the base of the teeth and gums, which will help to keep them clean and healthy.

Treatment for gum disease usually involve improved oral hygiene and in some more serious cases antibiotics to treat the infection. In most cases this will be enough to solve the problem but in severe cases some tissue may need to be removed. This is why it is so important to see a Central London dentist every six months so that gum disease can be treated before it becomes a serious problem.

Stop gum disease with preventative dentistry from Central London dentist

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Prevention is better than cure. This is especially true when it comes to looking after your teeth. Dental problems can be particularly nasty and unpleasant, as well as costing you a lot of money to treat, but for the most part they are completely avoidable with better dental care.

Better dental hygiene starts at home with more effective brushing and flossing. Dentists recommend brushing twice, for three minutes a day. Your dentist will be able to recommend a suitable toothbrush and paste for your teeth. Flossing is equally important to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Your Central London dentist will also be able to offer you a preventative dentistry treatment. This involves an initial appointment with the dentist to assess your teeth for any potential problems. These will then be treated accordingly, making sure to repair any damage to the teeth and gums and highlight potential future problems. Once all your teeth have been repaired and checked, a dental hygienist will undertake a thorough deep clean with scaling and polishing. This will remove any tartar or plaque that remains on your teeth before polishing them so that it is harder for plaque to accumulate in the future.

Your dentist and hygienist will draw up a new dental hygiene plan for you to address any possible concerns and help to keep your teeth and gums free of decay and disease. It is then up to you to stick to the plan as closely as possible and make sure your teeth are kept as healthy as possible. Preventative dentistry is like starting again with a clean slate. Your teeth will be made as healthy as they can be and by working with you dentist you will hopefully be able to keep them that way.

Early treatment from London dentist helps patient to cure periodontal disease

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Recent evidence suggest that periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis or gum disease, has strong links with heart disease and even fatal heart attacks. Infections that begin in the gums can enter the bloodstream causing a chemical reaction that causes the arteries around the heart to narrow. This is very bad for your health and yet frustratingly, periodontal disease is easily preventable.

Gum disease is caused by a combination of poor dental hygiene, irregular visits to the dentist and bad diet. By eating food bad for your teeth you are increasing the risk that plaque and bacteria will cause damage. This however, will be made significantly worse by a poor standard of oral hygiene. Insufficient brushing and flossing allows plaque acid to irritate gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed. If this is allowed to continue it will eventually cause an infection in the gum that damages tissue. Most forms of gum disease can be easily cleared up in their milder forms by improved cleaning and a visit to your dentist. But, by not recognising the signs you are increasing your chances of the disease worsening and gum disease having a negative impact on your teeth and overall health.

Severe periodoantal disease will require antibiotics and even tissue removal. This may also result in tooth loss and a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Added to all of this is the potential to cause life-threatening heart disease, making it something to be avoided at all costs. The easiest way to avoid periodontal disease is to make regular appointments to see your London dentist. They can help to spot the first signs of the condition and also give you tips on how best to clean your teeth to avoid it.

City of London dentist prevents gum disease by keeping your teeth healthy

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

It sounds fairly obvious to say it, but having healthy gums usually means having healthy teeth. Maintaining a good standard of oral hygiene at all times is the key to avoiding nasty and painful oral conditions such as dental decay and gum disease. Most patients who have healthy gums also have healthy teeth and vice versa. This is because by effective cleaning of the teeth, you will also be ensuring the health of your gums.

Good oral hygiene involves effective brushing, with a soft brush and appropriate toothpaste, and also flossing. Brushing should be carried out twice a day for three minutes and flossing at least once a day. This will help to remove bacteria from the surface of the teeth and the small gaps between them. This can help to keep teeth free from decay and gum tissue healthy and able to fight off infection and irritation.

Effective oral hygiene should always be backed up by six-monthly visits to a City of London dentist. They will be able to offer the best advice about how to keep you teeth and gums healthy. They can also treat the first signs of gum disease to prevent it becoming any worse. This is very important, especially as more severe gum disease has string links to heart disease and even fatal heart attacks.

By neglecting your oral hygiene you may be allowing plaque to get the upper hand. This can cause gum disease, as it will irritate the gum tissue until it becomes infected. By keeping your teeth free from plaque, you will limit the chances of any gum irritation and help to prevent infection.

Central London dentists help you to understand the importance of daily oral hygiene

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Nearly 9 out of 10 adults suffer from gum disease at some stage in their life, which means it is very important to look after your teeth properly. Dentists always recommend that you brush and floss twice a day, every day and have check up appointments every six months. But the statistics would suggests that we are probably not good at heeding this advice we have probably heard hundreds of times throughout our lives. This makes it doubly important to start looking after your teeth and encouraging your children to do the same for life of good dental health.

Brushing your teeth twice a day for three minutes helps to remove plaque, the filmy substance responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. If allowed to remain, plaque releases acids, which gradually erode the protective layer of tooth enamel and irritate gum tissue. This will eventually lead to infection in both instances, the cause of more complicated and painful dental problems.

Central London dentists recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head so that you can reach more areas of the mouth without causing any damage to the gums. Try and brush your teeth with the brush at a forty-five degree angle to the gums in order to effectively clean them.

Flossing is almost as important as brushing as it removes plaque and decaying food from small areas between the teeth and around their base. By doing these two oral hygiene tasks well each day and seeing the dentist regularly, and most importantly, sticking to it, you will be protecting your teeth for many years to come.