Oral Hygiene

Why is oral hygiene important?

Good oral hygiene helps to prevent dental problems - mainly plaque and calculus which are the main causes of gum disease and caries (tooth decay). Good oral hygiene may also help to prevent or delay dental erosion.

• Dental plaque is a soft whitish deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It forms when bacteria (germs) combine with food and saliva. Plaque contains many types of bacteria. You can remove plaque by good oral hygiene.
• Calculus, sometimes called tartar, is hardened calcified plaque. It sticks firmly to teeth. Generally, it can only be removed with special instruments by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Some common dental problems related to poor oral hygiene

Caries (tooth decay)

Caries is when holes form in parts of the enamel of a tooth. A main cause of caries is due to a build-up of plaque. The bacteria in the plaque react with sugars and starches in food to form acids. The acids are kept next to the teeth by the sticky plaque and dissolve the tooth enamel.

Gum disease (periodontal disease)

  

Gum disease means infection or inflammation of the tissues that surround the teeth. Most cases of gum disease are plaque-related. Plaque contains many different types of bacteria and a build-up of some types of bacteria is associated with developing gum disease.

Depending on the severity, gum disease is generally divided into two types - gingivitis and periodontitis:

• Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. There are various types. However, most cases of gingivitis are caused by plaque.
• Periodontitis occurs if gingivitis becomes worse and progresses to involve the tissue that joins the teeth to the gums (the periodontal membrane).

Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also a main cause of bad breath (halitosis). However, gum disease is often treatable.

Tooth (dental) erosion

Tooth erosion is a common problem. It is the gradual erosion of tooth enamel by the action of acid on the teeth. This is different to damage caused by bacteria resulting in tooth decay and caries. Tooth erosion affects the entire surface of the tooth. In time, tooth erosion can cause thinned enamel, and eventually can expose the softer dentine underneath the enamel. Dentine is sensitive so erosion can lead to your teeth being more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

Routine oral hygiene

It is important to get into a regular habit of good oral hygiene. In particular, regular teeth brushing and cleaning between teeth.

Visiting a hygienist

 Dental hygienists are specially trained to work with the dentist to give care to patients.
They play an important part in dental health care and are mainly concerned with gum health - showing people correct home care and helping to keep the teeth and gums healthy.

Look after your Heart -Oral hygiene, gum disease and heart disease

In addition to the benefits to your teeth, good mouth hygiene may have even further benefits. There is some evidence to suggest that poor oral hygiene is associated with an increased risk of developing heart diseases such as heart attack and angina, and other blood vessel-related problems (cardiovascular disease).

Merry Christmas and A happy New Year

We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy 2012.




H ours of happy times with friends and family


A bundant time for relaxation


P rosperity filled with peace


P lenty of love when you need it the most


Y outhful excitement at life’s simple pleasures



N ights of restful slumber (you know - don’t' worry be happy)


E verything you need


W ishing you love and light






Y ears and years of good health


E njoyment and mirth


A angels to watch over you


R embrances of a happy years!





God Bless

MOUTH CANCER ACTION MONTH - NOVEMBER 2011

Habits that can lead to mouth cancer

Mouth cancer is one of the least well known cancers, but it kills more people each year than testicular and cervical cancer combined.

In the UK, the number of new cases have soared by nearly 50 per cent in the last 10 years. Each year around 6,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, and around 1,800 people die from it.

This year, as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, the British Dental Health Foundation are aimimg to increase awareness of the warning signs and risk factors for mouth cancer, and urge people ‘If in doubt, get checked out’.

Habits that put you at risk of mouth cancer

Everyday habits that increase your risk of mouth cancer include:

Smoking

This is the number one risk factor for mouth cancer. The saliva in your mouth helps spread around the carcinogens in cigarette smoke, increasing your risk.

Alcohol

Helps smoke absorption in the mouth, so drinking alcohol while smoking increases your risk of mouth cancer even more. If you smoke and drink heavily you are 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.

Chewing tobacco

Paan, areca nut and gutka are as dangerous as smoking tobacco, if not more so.

Sex

Experts now think that Human papilloma virus – transmitted during oral sex - could soon overtake alcohol and smoking as the major cause of mouth cancer.

Diet

Poor diet is associated with up to a third of mouth cancer cases. Fruit, vegetables, egg and fish consumption help to lower your risk.

Dental hygiene

Recent research in the US found that people with chronic gum disease had an increased risk of developing oral and neck cancers.

Mouth cancer warning signs

Around two-thirds of mouth cancer cases are discovered in the later stages of the disease. But early detection of mouth cancer can improve five year survival rates to 90 per cent.

Regular dental check ups may catch the disease in its early stages before you are even aware it exists. Common symtoms which you should always get checked out include:

• Ulcers which don’t heal within three weeks
• Red and white patches in the mouth
• Any unusual changes, lumps and swellings in the mouth (can be painless)

Exclusive New Offers and Reductions for Our Dental Membership Club

We are delighted to introduce an extra benefit to our club members.

This is the latest addition to our club and allows you exclusive access to a website offering reductions on hundreds of goods and services and savings on vouchers

from well known brands such as:

and many more.....

 We hope that this service will provide you with unbeatable money saving offers and allow you to treat yourself as well.

Please contact us so that we can tell you how you can start saving fast.

020 88944639

If you are not a club member, why not ask how you can become a member and start saving too.

WELCOME TO OUR TORCH CLUB

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT CROWNS?

What if my teeth are badly broken down?

When a tooth is badly broken or heavily filled, we may need to crown or 'cap' it to restore its appearance and strength.

What is a crown?

A crown is a shell in the shape of a tooth that fits over the entire tooth surface to protect it from further damage.

When is a crown indicated?

It is usually indicated when a tooth is badly broken down or heavily filled. This improves the strength, appearance, function and longevity of the tooth.

What are crowns made of?

Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials. Traditionally, they were made from a strong and durable material (eg. Gold). As technology evolved porcelain was bonded to gold to make teeth look like teeth. Nowadays, it is a common practice to use ceramic materials combined with Zirconium to make restorations that are as durable as Gold but look sensational.

New materials are continually being introduced. We will work with you to find out what would work best for you.

What happens to my teeth while the crown is being made?

While your crown is being made, the prepared tooth can be protected with a temporary crown. This is easily removed just before fitting the permanent one. In most cases, the temporary crown is in place for approximately two weeks.

The results are extremely pleasing.

  



 





 

Don’t let this happen to you!

 Tooth decay is caused by loss of minerals like calcium and phosphate from the tooth surface. This is called demineralisation. Demineralisation occurs on any tooth surface where the dietary sugars are attacked by bacteria. The acid produced by the bacteria dissolves the tooth structure causing cavities.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY

1. Clean your teeth thoroughly on all surfaces by daily tooth brushing and flossing or interdental brushing. You may check the effectiveness of your tooth brushing by using disclosing tablets (dyes) which show up remaining plaque.

2. Use toothpaste with appropriate level of fluoride, twice daily, last thing at night and on one other occasion.

3. Use a soft or medium toothbrush. Brush in a set pattern so that you don't miss any teeth.

Your best friend to fight decay.

4. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between the teeth, where cavities often develop (ask us to show you how).

5. Check your diet to reduce sugar intake – especially between meals. This may be in the form of sweets, chocolates, fizzy drinks or tea / coffee.

6. If you suffer from a dry mouth, possibly due to medication, talk to us.

7. Visit us at regularly for dental examination to avoid bigger problems.