5 Best Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay

If you want healthy teeth and to avoid having a lot of fillings then you need to do everything you can to help prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay causes your teeth to weaken over time and develop holes and cracks that require filling, or sometimes even replacing all together. To help you avoid this, below are some of the best ways to prevent tooth decay. 

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1. Eat the right foods

Everybody knows the foods you should avoid to prevent tooth decay – sweets, fizzy drinks, hard candy etc. However there are also foods you can eat that will help to strengthen your teeth. Calcium is one of the best ingredients for preventing tooth decay. This is why young children are often encouraged to drink milk to make their teeth stronger. You can get calcium from any dairy products though, including cheese and yoghurt. 

Other great foods for preventing tooth decay are fruits and vegetables that are high in fibre. Some excellent foods to go for are figs, raisins, bananas, apples and oranges. Whole grain foods such as brown rice and brown bread are also great for preventing tooth decay. 

2. Brush regularly

It might seem obvious but one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay is by brushing your teeth regularly. Ideally you would brush your teeth after each meal, although this isn’t practical for everybody. You should brush your teeth twice a day – once in the morning and once before you go to bed. This will go a long way to help your teeth stay clean and healthy as well as preventing tooth decay. 

3. Always floss

Flossing is something that most people neglect but it’s something that most dentists would recommend as strongly as brushing your teeth. Whilst brushing will allow you to remove plaque from the front of your teeth, the tiny gaps between your teeth can only be cleaned properly by flossing. 

Flossing is best done after each meal, since it will help to remove any tiny pieces of food that get caught between your teeth. Floss is very inexpensive to buy so there’s no excuse not to make flossing a part of your regular routine for keeping your teeth healthy. 

4. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol is fine in moderation but a lot of alcoholic drinks are now carbonated and very sugary, which is not good for your teeth at all. Even red wine can stain your teeth if you drink it regularly so it’s best to keep your alcohol intake to a minimum if you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. 

5. Schedule regular dentist appointments

Going to the dentist is something that a lot of people dread and therefore they’ll only go when they absolutely have to. This doesn’t make much sense though since going to your dentist regularly will help you to avoid developing more serious problems with your teeth that require treatment. There are many dentists that cater to those that are particularly nervous so you shouldn’t have any problem finding a dentist who will be able to set your mind at ease. 

About the Author:

Jayden has a keen interest in dentistry. His articles cover topics such as how to prevent tooth decay. And is associated with Bhandal dentistry.

The Impact Sugar Has On Teeth And How To Prevent It

It seems as though sugar is demonised at every turn nowadays. Whether it’s the weight gain it causes or the negative impact it has on a child’s mood – it’s hard not to avoid it. Whilst it might seem like a silly agenda that’s unnecessary, there are very good reasons why sugar is best avoided, not least of which is the damage it does to your teeth.

Why sugar is bad for your teeth?
 
You’re probably already aware that sugar is bad for your teeth but what you might not be aware of is why. When you consume sugar, bacteria sticks to your teeth that converts into acid, which will eat away at your teeth. Your teeth are covered by a protective material known as enamel. Sugar eats through the enamel and will cause a great deal of damage to your teeth once it does.

It’s very important for parents to control the amount of sugar that their children consume, since kids are often attracted to the most sugary foods they can find. Around half of 8 years old in the UK have dental decay already so it shows just how big of a problem sugar is and how early it can start damaging our teeth.

But I like Sweet Foods

Being completely honest, it’s not feasible for most people to cut sugar out of their diets 100%. So many every day food items now contain sugar as a preservative i.e. tomato ketchup, that it would be next to impossible to avoid it altogether. This being the case, the best course of action is to avoid any food or drinks that contain added or excessive amounts of sugar.

Some of the worst offenders in this regard are fizzy drinks. Fizzy drinks, such as Coke, Pepsi and 7Up contain a lot of sugar in each can and if you drink them regularly, they’ll certainly cause a lot of damage to your teeth. If you enjoy these types of drinks then try to cut them down as much as you can. Switching to diet fizzy drinks is another alternative although even this isn’t great for your teeth since they’re still carbonated.

As far as food goes, you should try to avoid any foods that are obviously high in sugar, such as donuts, cakes and chocolate. See these types of foods as treats to have on very rare occasions and you’ll be able to cut down your sugar intake significantly.

Some Tips To Reduce Tooth Decay

Sugar isn’t the only thing that causes tooth decay however. There are many things we can do to help prevent it as well as avoiding. For example, eating foods that strengthen your teeth, such as dairy, high-fibre fruits and veg and whole-grain foods. 

You should also ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day to help remove the plaque build up from the food you’ve eaten. Flossing is another essential thing to do that will help to keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay.

About the Author:
Jayden is very interested in dentistry and associate with Bhandal Dentistry. His articles cover topics such as the impact sugar has on our teeth.

What treatments are available to improve the appearance of teeth?

Healthy looking teeth are something that’s desired by everyone. Whilst regular brushing and a good diet will go a long way to keeping your teeth looking healthy, it’s also worth knowing what cosmetic treatments are available to help improve the appearance of your teeth.

Below are some of the most popular treatments available to improve the appearance of your teeth.

#1. Teeth whitening

One of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments is teeth whitening. Whilst there are many teeth whitening products to buy online, it’s not always the best idea to go down the DIY route. Many of the home teeth whitening kits available to buy have a very high strength of hydrogen peroxide, which can actually be damaging to your teeth and cause side effects such as sensitivity.

This being the case, it’s always preferable to go to a dentist if you want to have your teeth whitened. Not only will a dentist be able to recommend the best type of treatment but they’ll also

#2. Dental braces

Braces are used to straighten teeth and ensure they are properly aligned. Braces can be fitted at any age but are most common in children and teenagers. The are different types of braces available, including metal, ceramic and lingual. Metal braces are the most common purely because they’re the most affordable. They might not look that great but they get the job done.

For those who are self-conscious about how braces will look, then there are ceramic braces. They work in just the same way as metal braces but their transparent appearance means they’re not nearly as noticeable as metal braces. Lastly as lingual braces, which are fitted to the back of the teeth rather than the front, as is the case with metal and ceramic braces. Whilst this might sound ideal since they’re not visible, lingual braces can be uncomfortable and are not suitable for everyone.

#3. Dental crowns

Crowns are used to cover damaged teeth to make them stronger and also improve their appearance. Crowns can also be used on top of dental implants to give them a more tooth-like appearance. There are a variety of materials used for dental crowns, including ceramic, porcelain, metal alloys and gold.  The type of material used will usually depend on the extent of the damage to the tooth and where in the mouth it is.

For back teeth, it’s usually recommended that a metal crown is used since they’re stronger. For teeth nearer the front of the mouth then a porcelain or ceramic crown is usually preferable due to their more natural appearance.

#4. Dental bridges

If you have one or more teeth missing, then a bridge may be recommended by your dentist. Bridges are so named because they’re typically placed over missing teeth and held into position by the surrounding teeth or implants. They’re available in a variety of materials just like crowns. Your dentist will be able to suggest the best type of material for your bridges depending on where your missing tooth (or teeth) is located.

Everything You Need To Know About Braces

Braces are something that many of us have had experience with, whether we’ve worn them ourselves or had a family member who’s had them. Having braces fitted is something that no one especially looks forward to but the truth is they’re really not that big of a deal once you well informed about how they work.

What are braces used for?

Braces are used to keep your teeth in alignment and prevent problems occurring in the future. Although braces are often associated with teenagers, people of any age can have them. Braces are fitted by an orthodontist – a type of dentist who specialises in teeth and jaw alignment.

A good orthodontist will have a lot of experience and be able to suggest the right type of braces or retainer to help keep your teeth straight and in proper alignment. Although you might be worried about how dental braces will affect your appearance, they only need to be worn temporarily and there are different types of braces to choose from other than traditional metal braces.

#1. Metal braces:

 

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Metal braces are very common and are most often used for children and teenagers. Brackets are individually placed on the teeth and a wire is then run through them and tightened when needed. This encourages the teeth to grow in the right direction and prevents them from becoming crooked. Metal braces can be seen as ugly though they’re usually not required to be worn for more than a couple of years.

#2. Clear/ceramic braces 

 

Clear braces are an alternative to metal braces and although they work in much the same way, the materials used gives them a more transparent appearance. Clear braces are often used for children and teenagers who might be self-conscious about wearing regular metal braces.

 

#3. Lingual braces:

 

 Lingual braces are different to metal and clear braces in that they’re placed on the back of the teeth rather than the front. Although this means they’re completely hidden from view. A lingual braces orthodontist will be able to determine whether lingual braces are right for you.

#4. Invisalig: 

 

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Invisalign, as the name suggests, are invisible braces that are made by doing a scan of the patient’s teeth that allows for the design of a perfect aligner. More akin to a mouth guard than braces, Invisalign is printed using a 3D printer and is very easy to put in and take out, with no need for glue to be applied.

The downside to Invisalign is that the aligner’s have to be replaced regularly and paid for after the first fitting. This means they can get expensive and therefore aren’t suitable for everyone. Invisalign is mostly used for adults although they might be suitable for use in teenagers in some cases too.

Are braces painful?

Many people fear that having braces fitted will be a painful procedure, but this is usually not the case. An anaesthetic is usually not required and the braces can be fitted very quickly in most cases. The only slight discomfort might be when the braces are tightened but even this is usually not too painful.

Don’t let fear put your oral health at risk

Research suggests that 25% of us have a fear of going to the dentist. That fear will undoubtedly mean different things to different people, with some simply preferring not to go for a check up to others having physical symptoms of their fear and anxiety.

While the fear itself it obviously unwelcome and unpleasant, it can have a knock on impact on your oral health. If your nerves and anxiety stops you from either having a regular check up or even seeking treatment when something is wrong, then your teeth, gums and general health can suffer as a result.

It is therefore important that you tackle the source of your fear and do all you can to get it under control.

How to ease your fear

The first thing you ought to do is speak to your dentist. If you don’t have one (because it has been so long since you last visited one) take some time to research dentists in your local area. You will want to find someone who is able to understand, and sympathise with your fear of seeing treatment.

The receptionist should be able to answer any questions you might have, and will arrange for you to come to the surgery so you can have a look around before signing up to be a patient.

When the time comes to make your appointment then it is advisable to go for an early morning one. Even if this does not necessarily suit your normal routine, it is best to get the appointment over and done with as quickly as possible. An afternoon appointment will allow you to dwell on it for longer and will do nothing to calm your nerves.

Remember that the appointment you have made with your new dentist will simply be a check up. This will give you the opportunity to get to know about your dentist, and for them to find out how your general oral health is.

Should any follow up work be required then you can speak about this in detail with your dentist there and then. They can explain the process and you can remind them how nervous you are. Your dentist may even be able to suggest a variety of dental oral sedation techniques that they provide for patients with similar fears as yours.

These can range from the use of gas and air to put people at ease, to an IV sedation drip designed to completely relax you (whilst allowing you to remain conscious).

Dentists are on hand to ensure that your health is well looked after, and that it is as pleasant an experience as possible.  Going to the dentist should not be a scary or disturbing experience – even if treatment is needed.

Caring for a Dental Crown

As well as you might care for your teeth on a daily basis, there may be times when some dental work is necessary.

In the majority of cases, a hole or cavity may be filled by a standard filling but there are other cases where more serious and long term work may be required. Dental bridges and crowns are one alternative to root canal work or the removal of the damaged tooth altogether.

Having a crown should never be undertaken lightly. It is a lengthy procedure and is more expensive than standard work. However, with the right care and attention after the crown is fitted, there is no reason why it shouldn’t stay as a permanent option with little or no more work required.

crown

 

Bridge

#1. Immediately after

The most important thing to note about having a crown is that you’ll require an anaesthetic. Many people find the sensation of a numb mouth to be extremely odd and as a result may pick at their lips, overbite and make their gums sore or even bite their tongue or the inside of their mouth. You should always be careful as your mouth is under anaesthetic that you don’t cause any damage.

As the numb feeling wears off, you may experience some discomfort, especially as you’ve had a considerable amount of work done. Your dentist may prescribe you with some strong painkillers if they feel it necessary. Alternatively an over the counter medication such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or co-codamol may help ease any pain you’re in. It may be that the site of the work is sore for a few days following the procedure, in which case you might require a numbing agent such as one you might use on a mouth ulcer.

You may also notice that your mouth has suddenly become extremely sensitive to hot and cold substances such as tea or cold ice lollies. This is perfectly normal after dental work but should it persist, you may need to ask for a further examination.

#2. Hygiene

The worst thing that can happen to your newly fitted crown is for the teeth around it to become infected and weakened. Therefore if you don’t have a hygiene routine such as flossing and the use of mouthwash, now is the time to begin one in addition to your daily brushing.

#3. Instructions

Depending on the site of your crown, and the amount of work which has been done on the area, your dentist may give you specific care instructions. These could include lists of foods to avoid or some care for you afterwards. This information has been put together specifically for you and it is vital that you follow it to ensure the ongoing health of your crown.

Maintaining your Dental Implants

There are many situations where teeth could be lost. The patient could be injured in an accident or sporting incident, may have a long term health condition or may lose their tooth due to poor dental hygiene or care. It is not uncommon for an adult to have some missing teeth but over time, lost teeth could cause a problem for them as they lose the ability to talk or eat properly.

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Many dentists use implants as replacement for missing teeth. However, in order for the patient to enjoy continued use of their implant, there is a great deal of maintenance which needs to be done.

This maintenance will ensure that the implant, together with the surrounding area of the mouth and gums remains healthy and free of any further disease or cavity.

• Hygiene

With the right daily hygiene, there is no reason why a dental implant won’t last indefinitely. Once it has been fitted, finished and has integrated with the bone inside the jaw, it should be treated just as a normal tooth would be. This means brushing twice daily and after meals, flossing and the use of mouth wash. Many dental professionals now recommend the use of an electrical toothbrush which can simply reach into more surfaces than brushing manually, as well as brushing faster and ridding the mouth of more harmful bacteria.

They also recommend limiting sweet and sugary foods and drinks, or at the very least ingesting all sugary treats in one session then brushing the teeth afterwards.

• Impact

Implants are only successful as long as they remain fused to the bone in the jaw. If this fusion fails, the implant may fail. Therefore, it is essential that the patient is careful with the foods they eat, the sports they do and to reduce any excess chewing or teeth grinding.

• Infection

Under normal circumstances, an infection can be extremely painful but with implants, they can be exceptionally so and can result in the failure of the implant altogether. Therefore, it is necessary for the patient to attend a dental implant clinic on a regular basis to ensure that any and all bacteria and plaque are removed safely and thoroughly. Dental hygiene appointments should take place ideally every 3 – 6 months, although a dental professional may recommend more regular  appointments once an implant has been fitted.

• Health

General body health can have a great affect on dental health. Some conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or thyroid conditions can have an adverse effect on dental health if those conditions aren’t managed properly.

If you have any concerns over your oral health then it is always best to speak to your dentist, or dental nurse. They are best placed to provide you with any advice, guidance or treatment you may need.

Chew These Healthy Teeth Facts Over

We all know that the key to a healthy life, and professed longevity, is a well balanced diet with lots of exercise.  In fact, few of us would argue with that.  We know that too much sugar or fat can make us feel lethargic and bloated, and can do horrible things to our blood sugar levels.  However, they can also have a significant impact on our oral health.

With this in mind, we are going to focus on how five a day can help keep your teeth healthy too, and which foods you should be looking at to improve oral health.

 

  

#1. Oranges: 

 

Most of us know that oranges are a fantastic source of Vitamin C, but few of us really understand why this is a big deal. Oranges, like all citrus fruits, are full of Vitamin C which can help to strengthen blood vessels.  This can in turn improve circulation and help reduce inflammation which could lead to gingivitis.

#2. Strawberries: 

 

These little sweet fruits are also bursting with Vitamin C, so have the same benefits as grapefruits, lemons and oranges.  In fact, they are so good for you that just half a cup of strawberries can provide you with 70% of your daily recommend allowance of Vitamin C.

#3. Raisins

 

These little dried fruits are naturally sweet, which means you can get your fix without filling yourself with sucrose or sugar.  This is particularly good as sugar help ensure that bacteria stick to the surface of teeth, which in turn can cause decay.  Recent research has even suggested that raisins, which contain phytochemicals, may kill cavity causing plaque bacteria as well, which is an added bonus.

#4. Apples, carrots and cucumbe:

 

In fact, any fruit or veg with a bit of crunch to it are likely to be of benefit to your teeth.  The act of chomping down on these crunchy snacks, and then engaging in a slightly more prolonged chewing episode can actually serve as a cleaning mechanism for the mouth.  Any bacteria left on the teeth surface from previous meals or drinks can be wiped off an removed in the process.

#5. Cranberries

 

These little fruits contain polyphenols which are proven to slow the growth of the bacteria often associated with cavities. This means that there are fewer cavities, and less chance of developing gum disease. However, it is worth pointing out that as cranberries are in themselves very tart, you must be careful that sugar has not been added to any cranberry based products as this would defeat the object!

Of course, simply sticking to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is not enough to ensure that your teeth will remain healthy.  It is important to see your dentist regularly, brush twice a day and follow good oral hygiene.

About the Author:

 

David has a keen interest in oral health. His articles on the subject inform readers of all aspects of dental health and advise how five a day will keep your teeth healthy too.

The Importance of teaching good dental care to our children

As parents we have so many things we have to make sure our children know how to do, from getting tying shoe laces to learning to read.  Thankfully, we are not alone when it comes to many of the tasks, and teachers are on hand to help with large parts of the education process.  However, when it comes down to learning personal care parents often find they are up against it. Instilling the importance of washing their hands, learning to dress themselves and of course teaching your child to brush their teeth are common areas that see parents and toddlers falling out.

Part of the problem, especially with the latter example, is that many parents just don’t know how to teach their children to start to take care of themselves.  However, it is vital that they do learn, which is why we have put together some information on how to get those teeth cleaned without arguments!

#1. Start early 

It is good practice to start demonstrating the importance of oral hygiene from a young age.  In fact, whilst your youngster still has that perfect gummy smile, you should be cleaning their gums.  You can do this with a cloth, or a moist infant toothbrush; however, remember that if there are no teeth then you don’t need toothpaste!  Not only will this help ensure that the gums are being kept clean, which is important for good tooth development, but it will also get your child used to the process of having their mouth examined and cleaned.

#2. Once the first tooth appears

When your child has cut their first tooth it is important to start brushing it twice a day.  This will help ensure that debris and bacteria are removed, and will again reinforce the cleaning process which will come in handy later on.  The best way to safely brush your child’s teeth is to have them on your lap, facing away from you. Use a small amount of paste, and a soft bristled brush. Avoid fear by explaining to them what you are going to do, what you are doing, and what will happen next.  Brush in a circular motion, and angle the brush to 45 degrees to make sure you get the gumline.

#3. Toddlers 

When your child is approximately three years old, you can begin to encourage her to clean her teeth herself.  Remember though, she won’t have the fine motor skills to do this well for some time, so it is important you continue to supervise, and assist where needed.  Encourage by making brushing a family event, perhaps doing yours at the same time as she does hers.  You can also ensure that your child brushes for the right amount of time by setting up a timer or singing to a favourite song.

About the Author:

David has a keen interest in oral health and associate with Bhandal Dental Practice. His articles on the subject inform readers of all aspects of dental health and advises the importance of teaching your child to brush their teeth.

What Options Are Available For People With Severe Dental Phobia?

If you have an extreme phobia of visiting the dentist then you’re not alone. Many people avoid visiting their dentist and as a result they suffer from problems such as dental pain, abscesses and damaged teeth.

For people such as this, there is a solution in the form of dental oral sedation. By using one of the many drugs available to help patients deal with anxiety, dentists can do their work whilst the patient is completely relaxed.

A common reason for the use of oral sedation is for people who are adverse to needles. Because the medications are administered orally, there’s no need for injection. However many patients find that once they have taken the medication, they’re much less anxious and therefore are no long afraid of receiving a local anaesthetic.

When you are tense and anxious, particularly when you’re anticipating pain, it puts your body in “fight or flight” mode and therefore makes you very sensitive to every sensation and noise. This is a very common experience for people who have a phobia of dentists. Using oral sedation can help you to completely relax and make the experience much more tolerable.

Is it safe?

If you’re consideration oral sedation then it’s important to inform your dentist of anything about your medical history that you think is relevant, including -

• Any medications you’re currently taking

• Any existing medical conditions you have

• Any herbal supplements you’re talking. You may think that herbal treatments such as St John’s Wort are not worth mentioning but they can interact with oral sedatives so it’s vital that you inform your dentist.

• Smoking and alcohol consumption. Both can influence how effective sedative medications are.

Once this information has been provided, your dentist can then decide on the best type of sedative to use for your treatment.

Planning for an appointment

In order to plan for a visit to the dentist where oral sedation will be used, there are certain things you must do.

 

These include –

• In some cases your dentist will administer oral sedation medication for you to take the night before your treatment to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep.

• It’s advisable that you don’t eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your appointment.

• It’s usually best to take the day off work when you’re taking oral sedation.

• You should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to your appointment and pick you up afterwards. It is not safe to drive until after the medication has worn off. How long this takes will depend on the particular medication you were given.

• You should also keep hydrated and drink plenty of water following your appointment.

About the Author:

 

David has an interest in all subjects related to dentistry and often discusses the benefits of using dental oral sedation.