There are some strange rumblings in dental circles around Birkenhead and in fact the whole country, involving the government too, concerning how often you go to the dentist for a check-up. This has come about because of the cuts to NHS dentistry and the shortage of NHS dentists, but bizarrely, some dentists have come out in favor of a single yearly visit for their patients, on the basis that oral hygiene products are more affective than ever before and bi-annual check-ups are no longer necessary. Of course, in the ideal world, that would depend on patients being educated into the correct use of hygiene products, but sadly, not everyone is. There are also a lot of social pressures in the present climate that cuts down the amount of time in the day that people have available to give to hygiene- let alone if the can afford all these products. So people rely on their dentists to keep an eye on their teeth and fix anything they may have missed at home. Problems that arise in the mouth can spiral out of control very quickly- bacteria only needs 24 hours to start attacking the teeth with acids, and plaque and gum disease can also set up home in the mouth within weeks. Restorative treatments can get expensive too, so if you have a habit of missing the odd brush and floss, a check-up every six months should be high on your agenda for the health of your teeth and gums.
Archive for May, 2011
Regular Visits to the Dentist in Birkenhead
Monday, May 30th, 2011Why you should consider Dental Bonding on the Wirral
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011Like anything in life, when something comes into fashion, everyone gets caught up in the euphoria of it all, which is fair enough- you only live once and if you’ve got it, flaunt it. But when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, you do get the sense that people are having things done, when really there are more practical and less damaging alternatives for your teeth, on offer. So the next time you’re at your dentists on the Wirral, and thinking about a bit of a touch-up to the mouth, you might like to ask them about dental bonding. It’s a fantastic way to give the look of your mouth an overhaul. It’s cheap and simple and can be just as affective as its more expensive cousins. Technically speaking, it involves the build up of several layers of resin on the teeth which are then cured by heat and finally sculptured to blend in with the rest of your teeth. But it’s the flexibility of its use that makes bonding attractive. For a start, it’s the perfect replacing those old tired looking fillings with fresh white ones. But if your teeth are just looking tired and in need for some subtle TLC, then bonding comes into its own. It’s great for covering up cracks, gaps between the teeth, chips and discoloration and what’s even better, you can have it done in a single sitting.
The Wonders of Dentures in Kirkby
Thursday, May 19th, 2011
Dentures have always had a bad billing; they have that reputation and stigma attached to them- ill fitting, they look ‘false’, and most embarrassing, always falling out without warning. So with all the modern alternatives on offer to us, like implant technology, you may be surprised to learn that dentures are refusing to lie down and are going through a bit of a renaissance in Kirkby, and it’s partly down to implants, that they are becoming, unbelievably, quite fashionable again. Over the past 20 years across the whole field, dentistry has gone through quite a revolution due to the computer, the laser and the use of modern materials to make oral products from. Dentists have also got their act together too, in order to recognise what their patients require. They certainly wouldn’t pull all the teeth out because of gum disease anymore- they’d much rather treat the disease and save as many teeth as possible to wrap the dentures around. Softer, more natural looking dentures stick to the mouth a lot better and there has also been a revolution in the adhesives used to keep the dentures in with. But it’s the radical progress of implant treatments that have given dentures this new lease of life. Thanks to the use of laser surgery, mini-implants can be fitted into the mouth in one sitting. Then, the dentures click onto them and are held firmly against the roof and the base of the mouth. It’s never been a better time for denture wearers to start eating steak again!
The importance of flossing: Toxteth dentists tell patients how to carry it out effectively
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Few things in life are simple and unfortunately taking great care of your teeth is not as simple as brushing twice a day. Any Toxteth dentist will tell you that it is vital to floss as well. These two activities taken together ought to help you to have many long years of great oral hygiene. The high rates of gum disease in the United Kingdom are testament though to the fact that too many of us are not flossing as often or as well as we should.
Dental floss can be easily located in any super market or high street pharmacy, near the brushes and tooth pastes. It is usually found in small containers from which one pulls a length of floss and tears it off using a lacerating device. It is an affordable dental product and eminently worth investing in.
Plaque does not just make a home on the surfaces of your teeth, it is just as prevalent in the gaps between your teeth too and it is more difficult for just brushing to remove these deposits of plaque. You should take a sufficient length of floss and pull it between your teeth so that the plaque there is dislodged. Drag the floss to and fro a few times while moving it up and down the sides of your teeth.
If you have not flossed before or have not done so in a while you might find the process a little painful on your gums. First time flossers often find that their gums bleed but don’t worry, this is a very common occurrence and should not put you off. Persist with it and you’ll soon find that the bleeding desists and you’ll reap the benefits of a healthy mouth.
Merseyside dentists apply dental sealants to protect children’s teeth from decay
Sunday, May 8th, 2011
There are a number of things that the concerned parent can do to help protect the health of their children’s teeth. It is matter that is worth taking seriously because ailments affecting teeth are painful and the consequences will have to be lived with for the rest of the child’s life. If a cavity occurs in an infant tooth, for example, the tooth will not regrow.
A simple way of helping protect infant teeth is to get your dentist to apply dental sealant to the teeth. Essentially they consist of a durable plastic coating which acts as an extra guard against the onset of plaque which can be so damaging to young teeth. The age of six is the age when dentists prefer to apply dental sealants because this is when the permanent molars tend to erupt in patients’ mouths. The sealant can then be reapplied at the age of twelve when the second molars have come through.
It is a painless process and cheap to boot so it is well worth considering it as part of the spectrum of looking after your child’s teeth. It can be rather difficult to get your children to brush their teeth and so dental sealants can just be that extra bit of insurance against decay. But it should not be viewed as a substitute for bushing which should still be carried out with dedication, not least because the risk of gum disease still remains.
Take your child to see your Merseyside dentist and ask about dental sealants and how they might be of use. Any extra measure to protect your offspring’s teeth is one that is worth taking so that they can have a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene.
Bootle dentists help patients get rid of plaque and stop gum disease
Sunday, May 1st, 2011
When most people think of plaque they see it as primarily something to be avoided so that teeth remain healthy. But in fact, plaque can pose a danger to your gums as well. There are certain practices that you should make an integral part of your routine in order to stop your gums from being harmed by any plaque that might build up.
Plaque is not something that can be avoided as such because it is formed every time you eat or drink any food or liquid. Certain substances cause a great deal more plaque than others, such as food with a great deal of sugar in, as well as those containing a lot of starch too. But the important thing is to get rid of plaque from your mouth once you have eaten.
Of course brushing is of paramount importance here. The motion of the bristles against teeth dislodges plaque and the tooth paste helps to strengthen your natural defence: enamel. But it is vital that flossing is not neglected. Plaque does not only build up on the surfaces of your teeth, it can also find a home between teeth too and flossing is the best way to remove it from there.
If plaque is left on the gum line of teeth it can lead to gum disease which is a leading cause of tooth loss, more so than actual dental decay itself. If you are noticing that your gums are becoming rather sensitive or are reddening rather than the shade of pink that indicates health, you should contact your Bootle dentist. Gum disease is usually a pretty simple matter to sort out but it should be dealt with sooner rather than later.