When we hear the word Cancer, we automatically think of the common forms such as breast cancer and leukaemia, a Wirral dental has commented. What many of us fail to grasp is that cancer of mouth or Oral Cancer, can be just as common and fatal. An obvious cause is smoking, this can cause cancer cells to become active in almost any part of the mouth including, the throat, lips, tongue and gums. Too much alcohol intake will also increase the risk of Oral Cancer, as will exposure to the sun. Skin cancer is fast becoming the top cancer in the U.K. but many of us forget that our lips are exposed to the sun as well, and the radiation from the sun can also cause cancer in the lips. Prevention is of course better than a cure, as with cancer there aren`t that many cures. At best the Oncologists can slow down the cancer growths or give us some respite from the tumours, but there are not too many actual cures. To stop smoking or chewing tobacco will go a long way to keeping Oral Cancer at bay, but just giving up won`t give us protection for a good few years so it’s best to stop now. The symptoms are sores that bleed and don`t heal up, reddish blotches and of course lumps on the tongue and throat that make swallowing hard and uncomfortable. Ask your dentist to look for signs when you have your 6 monthly check-up, they may not always look for signs as part of the routine. If you find a lump or any symptoms that may look like Oral Cancer, then tell your doctor and go for tests.
Archive for May, 2010
Cancer of the Mouth, A Wirral dentist gives the ins and outs of this disease and prevention
Thursday, May 20th, 2010Dental Bridges, a simple solution for an often complex problem. A Toxteth dentist`s advice
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
A Bridge as we know it is a means of getting across a gap, and in dentistry it means the same thing, says a Toxteth dentist. It is a false tooth that is held in suspension using the two teeth either side to hold it in place. It is the same material that veneers and dental implants are made from; the difference is how it is fixed. First digital photos of the rogue tooth is taken, if the tooth has been removed already then the gap is the subject of the photos. From this the new tooth is sculptured using porcelain over a titanium base; the rogue tooth is then extracted and allowed to heal. The teeth that will be used as anchors will need to be prepared to take the new part of the bridge, these will be ground down and shaped so that the anchors will fit over them and look natural. It really is a simple and painless procedure to have, and a necessary one in some cases. Many people lose a tooth and then live with the gap, but what happens is that the healthy teeth either side start to shift into the space. This can then make them less viable as strong teeth, as they will be losing their support from the missing tooth. This causes bite and chewing problems and makes the teeth more prone to infection, it’s often a case of together we`re strong, but divided we`re weaker. For all intents the bridge does an excellent job, and will in the short and long term prevent other problems. It is maintained in the same way that your natural teeth are cleaned and flossed, and at your 6 monthly check up your dentist will remove any tartar from the bridge and make sure there are no problems with adhesion.
Zoom Teeth Whitening is now available, A Merseyside dentists spills the beans
Friday, May 7th, 2010
We all want nice white teeth, but up until just recently the price has been too prohibitive says a Merseyside dentist. The method is a tried and tested one with spectacular results, and the best part of it is that it’s quick, painless and instant. Many salons now do teeth whitening using the Zoom method, its applied by a technician rather than a dentist and many of them travel from salon to salon, or do the treatment in your home. It a simple treatment that starts with a soft rubber gum shield being placed in your mouth, this does two jobs, firstly it exposes all of the enamel area of the teeth, and secondly it protects the gums, lips and tongue from being exposed to the Blue Zoom Intense light. Next comes the gel, this is a bleaching agent that acts with the light source and the teeth`s natural enamel to make them brighter and whiter. The intense light is shone on the teeth for up to 15 minutes at a time, it isn’t harmful to the teeth, but it can burn the softer tissue of the mouth, hence the guard. You will need 3 sessions during the hour of the treatment, but at the end of it you`ll see the instant results. The teeth are a little sensitive afterwards, but it isn`t painful. You need to stick with a list of foods and drinks to keep the teeth whiter for longer. This means nothing with any artificial colours or red wine, tea and coffee, but isn’t that a small price for a better set of molars and a more confident smile. The treatment is called a `Smile Makeover` and like a clothes make over, it has brought millions worldwide a whole new look. See your Yellow Pages for salons that have Zoom Whitening in your area.
Tips for your child’s healthy smile from Bootle dentist
Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Chronic tooth and gum disease in young children is worryingly on the increase in the UK. This means it is more important than ever to make sure your child has clean and healthy teeth. As many parents will tell you, getting your child to do things they don’t want to do can often be a struggle but it is important that you don’t let cleaning their teeth become a factor of resentment. While it is important to stress how important having healthy teeth is, you don’t want to make it seem like a chore that can be ignored. Creating good oral hygiene habits in their infancy can stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.
A healthy smile indicates a healthy child, so start early. As soon as the first tooth appears, start to wipe it gently with a damp cloth after meal times. When more teeth appear, use a very soft brush to carefully clean them. You can start to use fluoride toothpaste, usually after the age of two but always remember to check with your Bootle dentist first.
When your child is old enough to start cleaning their own teeth, you will need to supervise to make sure they are doing it correctly. Again, don’t make this seem like a chore. Make it fun or even reward them for doing it well. Creating a positive relationship with oral hygiene is vital for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Make yourself aware of the signs of decay and gum disease and have the occasional check to see if there are any symptoms. Finally, always remember to take your child to the dentist regularly and don’t be afraid to ask for any advice that you might need. Your dentist is there to help you deal with any concerns that may arise.
Avoid periodontal disease with help form Kirby dentist
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010
Periodontal disease affects gums, bone and the other adjacent tissue in the mouth that gives support to the teeth. Although 90% of adults in the UK will suffer some gum disease at some point in their lives, only around 10% of those will develop the more serious periodontitis. Caused by bacteria collecting in the mouth, periodontal disease attacks the tissue of the gums and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
There are several risk factors that affect how likely someone is to suffer from periodontal disease. Stress, family history and smoking are all high risk factors and general health disease like diabetes may make you more susceptible also. The common signs of periodontal disease are gums that bleed and look inflamed. In some cases you may notice a drifting or mobility of the teeth but it is possible to have the disease and not notice any of the symptoms. This is just one of the reasons why it is important to keep up regular check up appointments with a Kirby dentist.
Your dentist will be able to carry out a thorough check for the signs and symptoms of gum disease, including taking x-rays. If you are suffering then they will carry out a thorough clean of your teeth to remove as much bacteria as possible. They may also have to treat the inflamed areas of the gums. In some severe cases it may be necessary to undergo a course of antibiotics and even possible tissue removal.
The key to avoiding periodontal disease is effective teeth cleaning. Good brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as the watchful eye of a Kirby dentist will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Birkenhead dentist gives tips for good oral hygiene
Saturday, May 1st, 2010
Looking after your teeth is very important. Good oral hygiene can help to keep your teeth free from decay and your gums disease free, as well as keeping your breath fresh. But recent statistics show that tooth decay is on the increase in the UK and over 90% of adults will suffer gum disease at some point in their lives. Birkenhead dentists recommend a few easy steps to ensure that you are keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
The most important aspect of good oral hygiene is brushing. Most people brush their teeth twice a day but there a few things to remember for more effective brushing. Firstly, you should brush your teeth for at least three minutes twice a day, preferably after eating. Ideally you should brush your teeth after every meal but this is not always possible. It is best to use a soft-bristled brush with a small head for the most efficient and gum friendly cleaning. Try to angle the brush at a forty-five degree angle in order to stimulate the gums when brushing.
After brushing comes flossing. This helps to remove plaque and bacteria from areas that can’t be reached with a toothbrush. This is very important because it is often these areas that are the source of much decay and disease. Flossing also helps to remove food particles from between the teeth, one of the main causes of bad breath.
Your diet can also have a large impact on your oral hygiene. Eating sugary and starchy food is especially bad for your teeth. Try to eat more fruit and vegetables and avoid processed sugars. It is also a good idea to drink water regularly through the day to remove plaque from your teeth. This is especially effective after eating. By making an effort to do these things you will be giving your teeth the best chance of staying healthy.