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.
As I’m sure you’re all aware there are a number of food types that aren’t very good for your teeth. Any food that is high in sugar or starch can encourage the growth of bacteria and help plaque to develop. Starchy foods combine with the plaque to release acid that causes dental decay. Foods that contain lots of sugar are also usually quite sticky which means they coat the teeth speeding up the process of tooth decay.
Dental care is quite straight forward if you follow a few simple rules given to you by your Toxteth dentist. Although each patient is different and our teeth do differ, there are certain bits of advice that are almost universal.
Diabetes affects thousands of people in the UK each year and if you are one of them you may know that diabetes can affect your nerves, kidneys and heart but you may not have been told how it can affect your teeth. Diabetes can have very negative effects on your oral health because it lowers your resistance to infection and also slows recovery time.
Dental injuries like chipped, cracked or broken teeth can be very painful. They can also be very troublesome to repair. The dentist will first try to fix the damage using composite dental bonding, which is usually made form tooth-coloured resin. However, if the damage is too severe, dental bonding may not be enough to preserve the functionality of the tooth. To prevent further damage and even loss of the tooth the dentist may have to secure it using a dental
When tooth decay has attacked a tooth to the extent that it is dead or dying, it may be necessary to undergo a procedure called root canal treatment. This is a procedure that involves removing the decaying pulp from the center of the tooth in an effort to stop painful infections, which may spread eventually to other healthy teeth. Root canals can also be used to help treat tooth abscesses and infections likely to cause an abscess.
A missing tooth can leave an embarrassing gap in your smile that can be the source of self confidence issues. After all, smiling is one of the most important communication methods we have. A
If you have small cavities, or a minimal amount of tooth decay, it will be to your advantage to visit your Toxteth dentist and ask for air abration treatment. As you may be aware, air abration is used to remove decayed tissue from the cavity. In conventional dentistry, this would be achieved by using a drill.
In order to enjoy healthy teeth and gums, it is important to establish excellent dental hygiene practices. Taking care of your teeth should begin at an early age and should continue from then on. Consider these tips from your Bootle dentist:
Although most people would think that tooth decay is the main reason for tooth loss, it is actually gum disease. In fact, this oral condition is quite common that 3 in 4 adults in the United Kingdom suffer from gum disease. It is important that periodontal or gum disease is treated early by your Birkenhead dentists to prevent its progression.