Just like tooth decay, the main cause of gum disease is the substance known as plaque. You can’t avoid plaque forming in your mouth, as eating and drinking almost anything will produce it. But there are foods and drinks which cause more of it to occur and, of course, you ought to be doing to your best to remove it as soon as it does form so that it cannot damage your mouth.

If plaque is left on the gum line of teeth then it can cause the gums to become inflamed. This is what’s called gingivitis and it is the most common and basic form of disease which can afflict the gums. Symptoms include greater sensitivity and visible redness to gums which ought to be a healthy shade of pink to look at. Gingivitis is pretty easy to deal with and usually requires little more than a tightening up of your oral care routine. Perhaps you will be advised to start flossing or brushing in a different way.

Gingivitis in uncomfortable and inconvenient but the real reason to sort it out is so that it can’t progress into periodontitis, where the inflammation spreads to the bones which hold your teeth in place. Talk to your Wirral dentist if you need any more information about the causes, symptoms and treatments of gum disease.

When it comes to children’s teeth, preventing tooth decay is at the very top of the tree of importance. Poor oral health in children can lead to underperformance in school as well as many social and confidence problems because of teasing. It is therefore crucial that your child’s teeth are well looked after and healthy and that they develop good oral hygiene problems early in life.

As pedodontists generally care for children in their early formative years, they deal mainly with primary, or baby, teeth. Even though these are lost at about the age of six or seven they can still have huge impact on the way the adult teeth develop. As well as prevention, they also deal with problems associated with sucking thumbs and dummies as well as any emergency issues that may arise with the dental health of young children. Ask your Toxteth dentist for more information about pedodontists or if you have any query about the health of your child’s teeth

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.

It is important to try and avoid these foods as much as possible to have healthy teeth. This is especially true for children whose developing teeth are at a greater risk. Of course it is very hard to avoid eating these foods all the time and we all like to treat our kids or ourselves every once in a while. It is just important to remember that by cleaning your teeth after eating, or even just by rinsing with water you can reduce the risk of tooth decay.

There are foods that are still snacks or treats that are better for your teeth. Raisins and grapes make delicious sweet snacks but cause far less damage to your teeth. Although fruits contain natural sugars they are less damaging than the sugars in sweets. Drinking milk or any other calcium rich products is good for both your teeth and bones. However, the reality is that all foods will eventually cause some damage to your teeth if you do not clean them properly. The importance of brushing and flossing cannot be overstressed by Merseyside dentists, and with an effective hygiene routine, you can enjoy the occasional treat without worrying too much about the damage it is causing.

Firstly, remember that your dental health is in your own hands. With effective cleaning you can help to prevent painful tooth decay and nasty gum disease. Your dentist will be there to support you and check on your progress but ultimately it is up to you to keep your teeth as clean as possible.

This can be achieved by better tooth brushing. Dentists recommend that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day (after lunch as well if it is feasible but this is often not the case) for three minutes. Use a soft bristled brush unless instructed otherwise by your dentist as this removes more plaque from the surface of your teeth. Try to use a brush with a small head as it has a greater degree of mobility in the mouth. Finally, hold the brush at a forty-five degree angle to the gums so that they are also cleaned simultaneously and never press too hard as you can damage the gum tissue.

As well as correct brushing it is advised by dentists that you floss daily also. Flossing removes bacteria and plaque from hard to reach places, which can often be the first places where decay begins. Flossing cleans between the teeth and round their base removing pockets of bacteria and trapped food particles. Your dentist can demonstrate the proper technique.

Lastly, although it is up to you to keep your teeth clean, it is very important that you see your dentist every six-months so he can assess your progress.

Dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, fungal infections and taste impairment are all associated with diabetes and its effects on the health of your mouth. If you are a diabetic, it is important to let your dentist know when you were diagnosed and any medication you may be taking.

If you are a diabetic the chances of suffering from a serious problem of tooth decay or disease are greatly heightened so you must contact your Everton dentist if you notice anything unusual about your teeth. This could include bleeding gums, swollen or tender gum tissue, persistent bad breath or bad taste or any change in your bite.

It is also important, even more so than for none sufferers, that you make regular visits to the dentist to check for the first signs of dental problems. Dentists recommend that everybody should see a dentist every six months but if you have diabetes it may need to be more often. In addition, it is important to keep up a very strict routine of oral hygiene, brushing and flossing correctly for the suggested time each day and making sure your teeth are free from plaque and tartar.

Dental crowns can also be used when the integrity of a tooth has been undermined by tooth decay. If a significant proportion of the tooth has been destroyed by decay, the tooth may be so weak it can be at risk of cracking or breaking off all together. To sure up the tooth and prevent further damage, a crown will be place over the tooth and cemented in place. A similar process is needed when a patient has undergone a root canal procedure. Not only will the crown protect the tooth, but it can also preserve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth as a whole.

As dental technology has progressed over the last twenty years, dental crowns have become stronger and more realistic. The crowns of the past were often poorly made and unrealistic in appearance. With modern methods, crowns can be designed and manufactured with help of 3D imaging, digital x-rays and computer aided manufacture to look completely lifelike and fit incredibly well.

Crowns are slightly thicker than veneers and so require a portion of the existing tooth to be ground away so that they can be fitted. This will take place under anaesthetic to minimise the discomfort experienced by the patient. The crown will then be cemented into place on top of the existing tooth.

If properly cared for and maintained with good oral hygiene a well fitted crown should last between ten and fifteen years. A dental crown can cost anything between £250 and £2,000 depending on which tooth it is and the extent of treatment necessary. If you think you may require a dental crown, consult your Bootle dentist at your next dental check up. They will be able to offer advice on the best course of action.