Flossing is very important because it removes food particles and bacteria from hard to reach places not cleaned by conventional brushing. These include in the narrow gaps between teeth and below the gum line. It is these places that are often breeding grounds for bacteria and the location of a lot of dental decay and gum disease.

Dentists recommend that you floss at least once a day to receive the maximum benefits. Proper flossing technique should use about 40 centimetres of floss with the majority wound around one finger on each hand. Tightening the floss between the thumbs until taught, slide the floss up and down between the teeth without forcing it. Gently floss below the gum line all around the bottom of the tooth. For each tooth, use a new and clean section of floss unwound from one of the fingers. To remove the floss, gently work your way back and forth up to the top of the teeth.

It is also important to use the right kind of dental floss for the best results. The two types available are nylon and PTFE. Nylon floss comes in waxed and unwaxed varieties but can sometimes shred when used vigorously between the teeth. PTFE floss is a single thread, unlike the many-stranded nylon thread so is less likely to shred but it is more expensive.

More advice on flossing techniques, which type of floss to use and general dental health advice can be got from your Central London dentist at your next check up. Look after your teeth properly and they will last you a lifetime.

Dentures, or partial dentures, are artificial teeth that are specifically designed to replace all or part of the dental arc when teeth have been lost to decay or accidental damage. In the past dentures have had something of a bad reputation because they were unrealistic and patients often had trouble with poorly fitted sets, but denture technology has come a long way.

Losing teeth, whether to decay or because of a head trauma or accident, can be a very unpleasant experience. Everyday activities like eating and drinking can become very difficult and speech and facial structure can be adversely affected. It is important to replace missing teeth to limit the damage done to bite and also for aesthetic reasons. Many people with missing teeth feel embarrassed about their situation and are ashamed to smile or show their missing teeth. A set of dentures can restore a patient’s confidence to smile and eat foods made difficult when teeth are missing.

Modern dentures are made from a combination of ceramic and acrylic resin. They are fitted over the top of remaining gum tissue and ideally should remain in place by suction alone. This is sometimes not the case and loose dentures can fall out or cause irritation to the sensitive gum tissue. For this reason many denture wearers resort to using adhesives to secure their dentures, which is an added hassle and can prevent patients eating certain foods. One alternative option that is becoming more popular is mini-implants anchored directly into the jawbone to act as a solid base for the dentures. This reassures the wearer and feels more like real teeth.

Losing your teeth is something we could all do without, but with nearly a quarter of all people aged over 75 having no original teeth remaining it is a fact we may have to face. However, with improved quality denture technology available form City of London dentists, wearing dentures is not the burden it used to be. Denture wearers can now live a perfectly normal life, eating what they want when they want free from the worry of embarrassment.

There are a number of very important reasons why you should keep up regular dental check ups with a London dentist. Reasons that could have a very beneficial effect on your overall health.

According to the Oral Cancer foundation, someone dies every hour from oral cancer, a statistic that could be prevented by earlier detection of the disease, leading to more effective treatment. Dentists are fully trained to spot the early signs of oral cancer including unexplained bleeding and painful sores. It could just make the difference between life and death.

Perhaps less seriously but no less important, dentists are also able to examine patients for the first signs of gum disease, which can cause painful irritation and has several links to heart disease. Gum disease can occur even in healthy mouths and early treatment can prevent a range of more serious dental problems that could occur as a result. Similar to gum disease is dental decay, which can also be present in patients with excellent hygiene regimes. Prompt treatment of decay prevents the formation of dental cavities that cause painful infections and abscesses, which in turn lead to tooth loss.

Having a healthy mouth and teeth can be a sign of a healthy body as many bodily infections can begin in the oral cavity, and likewise any problems in the body can usually be detected by some change or unusual activity in the mouth. Bad breath could be the sign of inadequate cleaning but it could also indicate a more serious digestion problem that may need treatment.

Regular check ups are obviously important for maintaining good oral health. Dentists can treat any sign so of decay early and thoroughly clean the teeth to prevent any more, but a dentist can also be the first clinician to spot many other health concerns. Make an appointment to see a London dentist as soon as possible for the sake of your teeth and your whole body.

Root canal treatment, also referred to as endodontic therapy by dentists, has become a fairly common dental procedure these days. Sometimes decay or injury leads to the infection of the tooth pulp which is essentially the nerve tissue of the tooth. Initially you may not experience any pain, but when the pulp tissue starts to die, the tooth may turn a dark colour and then you will require root canal therapy.
If left unchecked, the infection may spread from the nerve tissue to the root canal system leading to the formation of an abscess. Pus gets collected in the abscess which in turn causes swelling and inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This stage is very painful and if root canal treatment is not carried out immediately, it will result in the loss of the tooth.
Unlike popular belief, this process is not very painful and is done under the effect of a local anaesthetic. The dentist first removes the infected pulp tissue; he also drains out the abscess if any present. Then the root canal is cleaned well and made ready for a temporary filling. The tooth is allowed to settle well for a few days after which the permanent filling is done.
Root canal treatment is offered by most dentists in their clinics in the city of London, though some may refer you to an endodontist. Many people hesitate to get this process done fearing the pain but it is inadvisable to do so. It is always better to save your original tooth than have it rot and extracted and then be fitted with an artificial one.

Central London dentists have been placing dental sealants for a long time to seal out dental decay. These sealants are almost always placed on the back teeth; the child’s premolars and molars, on the biting surfaces. These dental sealants are made of plastic, and act as coatings to seal out decay and protect these teeth against dental decay that usually occurs in the grooves of the teeth where they are placed. The teeth grooves are usually very small, and cannot be brushed adequately. The bristles of the toothbrush have trouble reaching the dental caries in these grooves. In addition, if the dental sealants are placed over areas of minimal tooth decay, they will reduce and even stop the progression of dental caries development. Your Central London dentist would like to place these sealants on your child’s teeth as soon as the permanent molars erupt; usually at 6 to 12 years old. Dental sealants aren’t placed on teeth that already have fillings. Dental sealant are relatively easy to place and do not require any drilling of the teeth or anaesthesia. The teeth are treated with a mild etching material, thoroughly dried, and then the dental sealant are placed and cured using a dental light with a halogen bulb. This procedure is very safe. Dental sealants last from 2 to 4 years, but have already been reported to last for 10+ years. Visit your Central London dentist to seal out decay from your child’s teeth.

When you bring your child or adolescent to the City of London Dental Clinic, your dentist will speak to you about tooth sealants. These are placed on the biting surfaces of your child’s and adolescent’s molars and premolars. Tooth sealants are white or clear plastic coatings that are placed on the tooth in order to help prevent dental decay. They fill the grooves on the biting surfaces of the teeth. These grooves usually retain bacteria, plaque, and food debris, thus leading to tooth decay. Also, these grooves are very narrow and your toothbrush can miss these areas. When tooth sealants are placed over minute amounts of dental caries, the dental caries usually do not progress any further.
Your City of London dentist will advise you to have sealant placed on your child’s permanent molars immediately when they erupt into the mouth; usually from the ages of 6 to 12 years. Tooth sealants are not placed on filled teeth. Tooth sealant are easy for dentist to place, and don’t require any numbing of the mouth or drilling. Tooth sealant last from 2 to 4 years, and at times even longer. Visit your City of London dentist to have your child’s tooth sealants placed.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, you should immediately call and make an appointment to visit your London dentist. Your tooth pain can be rapidly alleviated by your London dentist, and may not be as bad as it appears. However, if you let it go for awhile, and the cause is not treated, it could lead to much more serious problems. So, don’t procrastinate! Tooth pain can occur from pulpal injury or surrounding gum and oral bone problems. If the tooth pain is caused by injury to the tooth pulp, it may be reversible at its early stages, if the tooth wasn’t severely damaged. Symptoms of tooth pulp injury or damage include; tooth sensitivity from touch, sweets, hot, and/or cold. Tooth pain caused by infection in the gum or oral bone can also be treated if you see your London dentist in time. If not properly treated, you can lose the tooth. Most tooth pain is acute, and if treated rapidly and properly, your tooth pain can be resolved rather quickly. Once your tooth pain is treated, you can continue to function normally. Dental decay in a tooth can cause tooth pain, and this can be treated rather quickly.

Your City of London dentist talks about the advantages and disadvantages of available mouth rinses. Often used to mask bad breath and tastes, prevent plaque accumulation, and help protect against dental decay, some mouth rinses can also be harmful. Most mouth washes don’t wash well. Mouth rinses are divided into therapeutic, cosmetic, or both. Cosmetic mouth rinses are found over-the-counter (OTC) and are helpful for removing food debris, masking bad breath, and reducing bacteria in the mouth. Fifteen OTC mouth rinses have been investigated, and have been shown to work for 10 minutes, with none working after 2 hours. Therapeutic mouth rinses also have the above benefits; however contain additional ingredients that can be protective against several oral diseases. In contrast to cosmetic mouth rinses, therapeutic mouth rinses are controlled by a government body. These mouth rinses are classified into either: 1) anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis mouth rinses; and 2) fluoride mouth rinses that fight cavities.
Your City of London dentist suggests that the use of mouth rinses is up to you, and what your needs are at the time. Although mouth rinses can curb bad breath for 2-3 hours, they are of limited benefit in the prevention of dental decay and gum disease(s). They can mask bad breath, however bad breath can be to sign of something bad occurring in your mouth. You should always brush your teeth, use a fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your City of London dentist regularly!

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!

When you require emergency dental services, the London Dental Clinic will take care of your needs, and will not berate you in the process about not taking care of your teeth. We have a very understanding staff. When in dental pain, don’t wait. Come by and see us! Dental pain can occur as a result of disease or injury to the dental pulp or the adjacent structure (periodontium). Early on, disease(s) of the pulp, known as reversible pulpitis, have warning signs such as a transient sharp pain brought about by exposure to cold or sweet. Periodontal pain is usually associated with an acute periodontal abscess, which can also result in serious problems. Dental pain is generally acute in nature, and prompt and effective treatment by tooth restoration, root-canal therapy, extraction, or periodontal curettage will result in the resolution of pain.
Clinically, a dental caries lesion (a cavity) occurs when a hole appears outer surface of the tooth. However, when this is observed, dental caries has proceeded to the late stage. A clinically noticeable white lesion may precede the carious lesion. However, these white spots may not proceed to dental decay. Interproximal (between) tooth surfaces may only be visible with the use of a dental X-ray (radiograph), and the decay can go unnoticed in these areas until it is too late in the caries process.
Diagnostic tests for dental caries are non-invasive. This is due to the fact that the teeth are exposed to the environment and can be visualized by looking into oral cavity (mouth). During a clinical examination, the dentist will use a dental explorer to help diagnose dental caries. When the explorer is placed into a cavity it will usually stick into the decayed area. Dental radiographs (X-rays) are used to help the dental professional diagnose caries that cannot be viewed directly or detected by the explorer. Conventional dental therapy is based on response to symptoms.