I was once asked if brushing teeth is fine to do even without toothpaste. He further explained that since it is the brushing motion that dislodges the food particles and sweeps away bacteria in the oral cavity, then why do need toothpaste for? If it only were for having that minty fresh breath, then you can just use some mouthwash.

However, using toothpaste is also an essential part of oral hygiene. It supplies the needed fluoride that the teeth use for strength and the prevention of decay and caries. It can also re-mineralize certain areas of the teeth that have weakened due to decay.

Even during the 1960s, tap water in several parts of the world, including London and the US has undergone fluoridation, given low levels of fluorine in the water. According to the local dental associations, this augments the fluoride need of each person. It meets the daily allowance of fluorine in the body which is often lacking in the diet.

Unfortunately, several people are also opposed to this fluoridation, saying that there is no difference between the oral conditions of children using fluoride filled water and those without fluoride. In fact, there are also studies showing kids having dental fluorosis due to too much intake of fluorine. Dental fluorosis is a condition wherein the surfaces of the teeth weaken and get discoloured.

In conclusion, anything should be taken in moderation. Fluorine can be an enemy and a friend, depending on how it is used. It will just be up to you on how to deal with it.

This disease affects people of all ages. Periodontal is also referred to gum disease. Generally it is an infection of the tissues and bones that support the entire network of teeth. If this disease is not treated it can become so serious causing the teeth to become loose and hence they will gradually fall out.
This disease is often caused by the buildup of plague, which is an accumulation of germs which form around the teeth and gums. The plague consists of bacteria which produces toxins that damage the gums.
There are several hundreds of bacteria which live in our mouth. Hence we battle every time by brushing, flossing our teeth and also visiting your London dentist regularly in order to fight these germs.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis are the gum diseases which are often known as serious infections.
Gingivitis - It is often known as the mildest form of gum disease and it causes the gums to be come red and swollen. The gums become very week and at times they bleed. This disease is often caused by lack of oral hygiene.
Periodontitis - is known as the advance stage of gingivitis. The plague spreads and grows below the gum. The bacteria produced causes discomfort to the gums. The gums begin to separate from the teeth since the tissues and bones that support the teeth will be destroyed.
There are several forms of Periodontitis and the commons ones are Aggressive Periodontitis, Chronic Periodontitis, Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases, Necrotizing periodontal disease.
The symptoms of gum disease are that gums start to bleed whilst sleeping or brushing your teeth. Gums begin to turn red and become swollen.
This disease can be cured by the use of professional treatment or oral home care that includes healthy eating, flossing and brushing of teeth regularly.

Everyone wants to have a radiant smile and healthy teeth. A lot of people pay attention to the beauty of teeth from the outside. The truth is that you also have to take care of the little spaces between your teeth in order to have a completely healthy mouth. It is impossible to have a radiant smile and a healthy mouth if you do not clean the spaces between your teeth.

I’ve been practicing dentistry for years already and I always tell my patients that you have to take care of the spaces between your teeth. There are a lot of ways to take care of the spaces between your teeth. In my dental clinic here in London, I offer total cleaning of the teeth or what is also known as prophylaxis. I recommend that you have total teeth cleaning once a year or more.

Aside from visiting your dentist, you also have to do your own interdental cleaning at home. Keep those spaces between your teeth as clean as possible by using dental floss. After you brush your teeth, you can reach the spaces between your teeth through dental floss. Try to brush and floss your teeth twice a day.

Flossing has evolved. There are several types of floss for your teeth nowadays. You can use super floss which is a foamy and spongy type of floss. This floss cleans spaces between your teeth much better because of its spongy nature. Dental tape is a type of floss that is wider than the usual floss. Since the area of flossing is bigger, dental tape can cover larger surface areas between your teeth. The last type of floss involved floss holders. With floss holders, the floss is usually stronger than the average floss and the holder makes it easier for you to navigate through the spaces between your teeth.

If you aren’t flossing regularly then consider getting floss as soon as possible. Prevent the onset of any kind of tooth decay or gum disease by cleaning the spaces between your teeth. I never fail to reiterate to my patients to brush and floss twice or more daily.

Aside from telling my patients that they have to take care of their teeth, I never fail to stress the importance of taking care of their gums as well. If you do not take care of your gums then there will be no place for your teeth. The gums are the foundation for your teeth and if you don’t take care of them then don’t expect to have healthy teeth too.

I’ve seen a lot of patients here in London who always brush their teeth but still complain that their gums hurt. How can this happen? The most important thing that you have to understand is that there are spaces between your teeth and your gums. We’re not talking about the evident little spaces between your teeth. We’re talking about the spaces that are snuggled between your teeth and your gums. This is the kind of space that you can’t see with your bare eyes.

Gum disease is caused mainly by bacteria and germs. The build up of bacteria and germs is caused by accumulated plaque. Plaque is a mixture of food and different kinds of bacteria that accumulate in the mouth. There are a lot of people who brush their teeth but fail to clean these spaces between the teeth and gums. When this plaque accumulates, you will end up getting some sort of gum disease.

Gingivitis is the most common type of gum disease. This is characterized by swelling gums, bleeding gums after brushing, and smelly breath. If you do not treat gingivitis then the gum disease may get worse and become periodontitis. This is when your teeth start falling out of your mouth. It’s scary to go through this so don’t tempt fate!

Brushing your teeth everyday is great for your teeth but there are some areas in your mouth that need expert cleaning. Visit your dentist once or twice a year so that you can have these tricky places cleaned. Preventing gum disease is the best way to have a healthy mouth and a radiant smile. Don’t wait for gum disease to happen and don’t let it get worse if you have it already.

Invisalign is the undetectable way to set straight your teeth without putting on formal metal braces.

Invisalign makes use of a sequence of clear, detachable specially made plastic aligners to budge your teeth. This engineering is also easy, annulling the mouth scratches that can be induced by the metal and wires of conservative braces. This method is more convenient because the person undertaking invisalign treatment need not spend too much of time in a London dental clinic.

Why People Prefer Invisalign Over Metal Braces?

• People prefer invisalign to metal braces because they are hygienic.
• No metal bands or wires which can trap food or plaque in your teeth.
• Oral hygiene can be easily maintained.

Pros and cons of invisalign:
Pros:
 When compared to the conventional metal and rubber band braces the invisalign aligners are removable. This helps you to remove them when you eat or brush your teeth

 You need not worry about the breakage of rubber bands because invisalign aligners are convenient. You need not visit your dentist often.

 The transparent colour of the invisalign aligners does not make it noticeable. Your teeth are perfectly aligned without feeling self conscious.

Cons:
 People with sensitive gums or teeth will feel some discomfort when they wear invisalign aligners. But this discomfort will be only temporary. Once you get used to invisalign aligner you will not feel it.
 In rare cases some people break aligners due to teeth grinding habit. And the constant removal of the aligners is a bit risky.
Invisalign aligners are a bit more expensive than the regular metal braces.
 Consider the following before going in for invisalign:

Before Choosing Invisalign seek the advice of your dentist:
Your oral health is of course vital and your decision to straighten it is a great idea. But it is always better if you get your dentist check the complete condition of your mouth and find out if you are fit for this treatment. Some people may have to undergo gum treatment before invisalign.