Dental Hygiene.

 

Usually it uncludes scaling and polishung treatmen. We have a lot of

reasons to do it regulary. 

 

EARLY GUMDISEASE SCREENING.

Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine

examination. Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the

tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.

What is periodontal disease?

Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth.

As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

Am I likely to suffer from gum disease?

Probably. Most people suffer from some form of gum disease, and it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your teeth for life.

What is the cause of gum disease?

All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing.

How will smoking affect my gums and teeth?

Smoking can also lead to gum disease. Patients who smoke are more likely to produce

bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking

causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums fail to heal. Smoking

causes people to have more dental plaque and for gum disease to progress more

rapidly than in non-smokers. Gum disease still remains the most common cause of

tooth loss in adults.

What happens if gum disease is not treated?

Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.

What do I do if I think I have gum disease?

The first thing to do is visit your dentist for a thorough check-up of your teeth and gums. The dentist can measure the ‘cuff’ of gum around each tooth to see if there is any sign that periodontal disease has started. X-rays may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment can be prescribed for you.

What treatments are needed?

Your dentist will usually give your teeth a thorough clean. You’ll also be shown

how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all surfaces of your teeth

thoroughly and effectively. This may take a number of sessions with the dentist.

Once I have had periodontal disease, can I get it again?

The periodontal diseases are never cured. But as long as you keep up the home

care you have been taught, any further loss of bone will be very slow and it

may stop altogether. However, you must make sure you remove plaque every day, and go for regular check ups by the dentist.

 

MOUTH CANCER SCREENING.

Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%, despite treatment, with about 1,700 deaths per year in the UK. This is because of late detection. Visit your dentist at once if you notice any abnormal problems or are not sure. Six-monthly dental checkups allow early detection!

Mouth Cancer Foundation.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation is a registered charity that raises awareness of mouth cancers and proviedes information and support to patients, carers and health professionals.

Giving Up Smoking.

It's not easy... So that's why this web site is here. Giving up smoking requires preparation, determination, and support. This site is here to help you with each of these. If you're thinking about giving up, have a look-in.

 

BAD BREATH.

Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent

bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat

your teeth and gums. However, strong foods like garlic and onions can add to the

problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain

illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions. Bits of food that get caught between

the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell.

So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.

The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay.

If you see your dentist regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also let the dentist look for and treat these problems.

 

EARLY DECAY DETECTION AND X-RAYS.

Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating. Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat.

Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth.

 

MOUTH GUARDS.
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.

It is important to wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. This includes: cricket, hockey and football – which can cause broken and damaged teeth; and American football, boxing and rugby – which can all cause broken or dislocated jaws. A mouthguard will help protect against these events.

If you take part in any of these contact sports please ask us about our range of custom made mouth guards.