Archive for February, 2012

Fighting tooth decay, join the battle in Chepstow with the Help of Clifton Dental

Tooth decay is the dental condition in which the outer layers of your teeth become worn away by the acid that can be found in your mouth. Extensive tooth decay may require fillings and may even result in a painful abscess in the tooth. Preventing tooth decay with good oral hygiene is one that Clifton Dental of Bristol believes is one of main points to address in Chepstow.

Dental plaque is made up from bacteria and food debris. When carbohydrates are consumed, bacteria in plaque converts it into acid, this acid then slowly erodes the surface of the teeth, wearing down the enamel. When tooth enamel is lost, toothache may be experienced as the neuronal cells become vulnerable and then teeth are now exposed to the elements and other substances.

The ways in which you can protect your teeth from tooth decay are by reducing the amount of starchy and sugary foods you consume. This should reduce the bacteria’s ability to produce harmful acids and thus prevent tooth decay. In addition, proper brushing of the teeth and tongue should reduce the amount of bacteria and plaque that resides in your mouth in the first place. Finally, keep attending regular check-ups with your local dentist as they will be able to spot any early signs of tooth decay.

February 28, 2012 at 9:40 am | general dentistry | No comment

Clifton Dental talks you through the disorder known as sleep apnea in Bath

Sleep apnea is the night-time phantom that causes many nocturnal deaths and auto-mobile accidents. It is caused by the frequent relaxation of tissues in the throat whilst unconscious and manifests in pauses of breath. Snoring may cause sleep apnea. The vibrations in the throat that accompany snoring have been known to damage the tissue there, making it more difficult to relax during sleep. As a night-time disease, sleep apnea is incredibly hard to diagnose- there is very little chance to identify the symptoms and as such, many people are unaware of the risks they face every night.

The risk of developing high blood pressure is greatly elevated in patients who suffer from sleep apnea, this is caused by the infrequent rhythm of respiration. When there are pauses in breathing, oxygen levels in the body decrease and cause the blood vessels to constrict in order to return blood to the vital organs.

The strain these breaks in breathing put on the heart can ultimately cause a heart attack, it can be caused be an increase in thoracic pressure or the lack of oxygen reaching the muscles in the heart. Sudden and aggressive rises in systolic pressure can cause ruptures or clotting in the blood vessels that return oxygen to the heart. Finally, a decrease in concentrations of oxygen in the body can cause a stroke when the brain is starved of oxygen. Strokes may not always be fatal but can cause extensive nerve and tissue damage and even loss of brain function. With support from Clifton Dental of Bristol,

February 25, 2012 at 9:38 am | dental disorders | No comment

How to avoid gum disease in Swindon, advice from Clifton Dental

Periodontal (gum) disease occurs when an infection attacks the gums and the surrounding area causing them to become inflamed, bleed and recede.

Harmful bacteria which collect in the gums, due to a build up of tartar on the surface of the teeth, are the main cause of gum disease.

The disease can cause discolouration of the gums from a coral pink to a violent shade of red and results in the inflammation of the smooth gingival tissue. Discovering that your gums begin to bleed when you are brushing your teeth is a certain sign that you have acquired a `form of the disease, whether it be a mild or more severe. Moreover, if you notice that your gum line has begun to recede, you must immediately get advice through Clifton Dental with your local dentist in Bristol.

Diagnosis of periodontal disease will then require treatment, whether the simple process of your dentist removing the diseased gum tissue and the infectious bacteria, or a more serious surgical procedure to remove diseased pockets from the gums. Unfortunately, removing diseased pockets may result in a loss of tissue and over exposed teeth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping a regular dental health routine is the best way to prevent the onset of gum disease. Good oral hygiene includes cleaning your teeth properly, twice a day, refraining from smoking, eating a diet low in sugar, flossing at least once a day and ensuring you attend regular check-ups with your local dentist.

February 21, 2012 at 9:37 am | gum disease | No comment

Clifton Dental can help with Zoom tooth whitening in Swindon

Zoom is a tooth whitening technology that lightens discoloured enamel and dentine. Teeth become discoloured due to many reasons. For example, drinking coffee or red wine, and smoking cigarettes will greatly increase the speed at which your teeth begin to discolour and tarnish. However, with Zoom you will be able to remove these stains and regain your beautiful smile.

The active ingredient in Zoom gel is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen as it is broken down and this oxygen enters the enamel and dentine and begins to bleach any coloured stains it comes across. Zoom uses a light to activate hydrogen peroxide and helps the penetration of the surface of the tooth. Zoom whitening is unique as very few technologies involve the enhancement of the gel through LED products.

Once whitened, teeth should always stay lighter than they were before. However with the help of Clifton Dental of Bristol who serves Swindon will tell you that it is essential you take care of your teeth in order to prevent any further discolouration. Brushing your teeth properly is important, as is reducing the amount of coffee and red wine you drink, as these are a culprit of tarnishing. Finally, occasional use of a whitening gel by Enlighten whitening is recommended as this will ensure your teeth remain light and beautiful.

February 19, 2012 at 9:44 am | teeth whitening | No comment

Learn more from Clifton Dental about root canal treatment in Weston-super-mare

Root canals are a routine procedure aimed to help patients suffering from the painful condition of an abscessed tooth. A root canal is surgery that targets the infection at the root of the tooth, a deep-seated infection that has either been caused by severe tooth decay or some form of tooth trauma.

The root canal system is made up of the dental pulp and spans the length of the crown of the tooth to the very bottom of the root. The dental pulp is soft tissue that contains small blood vessels and bundles of nerves. When bacteria enter the pulp they instantly begin to multiply and the chemicals they produce are released from the end of the root through a small hole that is used by the blood vessels and nerves to enter the tooth. This process cannot be stopped as the passage is free from obstacles, allowing the bacteria to move freely, resulting in badly inflamed gingival tissue around the decaying or traumatised tooth.

Root canal surgery involves draining the infection from inside the root, then filling and sealing the root canal system with either a filling or a crown. In many cases, your dentist in Weston-super-mare will also prescribe you with a supply of antibiotics, just to make sure the infection has been exterminated.

Local anaesthetic is usually used in all root canal surgery so you should not experience any pain. Root canals are in fact very similar to the placement of normal dental fillings, the experience should not be any more traumatic than that. Normally, a decaying or damaged tooth can live for another ten years after root canal treatment. All of the facts about this treatment can be found through Clifton Dental of Bristol , so ask your dentist.

February 17, 2012 at 9:35 am | endodontics | No comment

Oral cancer and how to spot it in Bristol with Clifton Dental

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world today, and although oral cancer isn’t one of the most common forms of the disease, it is one of the most easily recognised and diagnosed. This is all thanks to your local dentist. The dental practitioners at your local clinic have all been trained to recognise the symptoms of oral cancer. With an early diagnosis, oral cancer can be treated and prevented from spreading around the body.

Patches of white, red or a mixture of the both on your tongue or in the floor of your mouth suggest early stages of oral cancer. Additional symptoms include: sores, earache, loose or lost teeth, extensive bleeding or a lump in your neck.

The people at risk from developing oral cancer tend to be individuals who smoke, consume large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis and who eat high levels of processed foods as these all contain carcinogens that can cause a cancerous tumour to develop.

Treatment for oral cancer begins with a biopsy of your tumour in order to find out the stage of your cancer. Through surgery, the bulk of the tumour will be removed from the oral cavity, following which, additional therapies may begin. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and anti-cancer drugs are all used to try and combat this deadly disease.

As with all cancers, early diagnosis is key. The sooner your dentist notices a symptom of oral cancer, the sooner he can arrange treatment for you. It is therefore absolutely essential that one learns all they can through Clifton Dental and maintain regular dental check-ups with their local dentist in Bristol.

February 14, 2012 at 9:33 am | oral cancer | No comment

With Clifton Dental discover the benefits of Porcelain veneers in Chepstow

Dental veneers are thin porcelain slips that can be slipped over the surface of the teeth to disguise imperfections and stop any damage from occurring in the future. In recent years, veneers have become increasingly popular due to their many benefits for oral health.

Veneers can be made from porcelain and can be attached to the surface of your teeth by your local dentist in Chepstow.

Veneers can hide many sins such as: stained or discoloured teeth, cracks and crooked teeth. Often referred to as ‘instant orthodontics’, veneers can straighten crooked teeth much in the same way as traditional braces do, but with much quicker results.

Before your veneers are fitted, your dentist will prepare your original teeth through shaping and shaving off a layer of your tooth as this allows room for the veneer to be put into place. An impression of your teeth must then be take so that the laboratory has a mould from which to produce your veneers. Cleaning and etching of the veneers must be performed by your dentist before they can be cemented down in place over your natural teeth.

Veneers last for 5 to 10 years and eventually will need to be replacing. However, if you brush your teeth twice a day, attend regular check-ups with your dentist and follow a healthy diet, your veneers should be stable, secure and offer you protection for many years. You can get all the information you need about this procedure from Clifton Dental of Bristol.

February 11, 2012 at 9:29 am | dental veneers | No comment

Dental phobia, tips and tricks from a dentist in Bristol

Dental phobia is a very common condition that effects 1 in 4 people in Bristol. Different fears affect different individuals. Some people are terrified of the pain they may experience at the hands of their dentist, others feel an uncontrollable anxiety as soon as they think of the sounds and smells of a dental clinic. Regardless, dental phobia must be overcome as dental check-ups are a vital part of maintaining good oral health.

Fortunately, more and more dentists are becoming more aware of how to ease their patients dental phobia They are now trained in how to give a kind and gentle service that sets their patients at ease and encourages them to return for further treatment. Advances in dental technology have resulted in ‘the dental wand’, a computerised injection system that administers local anaesthetic,without a needle or any sharp pains.

If you are still anxious about visiting dentist, simply adopt one or two of the following strategies. Firstly, ask for a morning appointment, this way you will have no time to stress about the check-up and you will be able to get it over and done with. If you have any concerns about surgery you may need in the future, ask to book an appointment with your dentist for just a simple consultation. During this consultation, your dentist can talk you through the steps of treatment and you can even arrange to have a ‘stop signal’ if you wish, this is a sign that you may use to tell your dentist that you need a break for surgery. Finally, if you are still nervous, take a portable music device into the room with you, as listening to music will help you relax during the appointment.

February 7, 2012 at 9:57 am | dental phobia | No comment

Dental implants – ask a dentist in Swindon about dental implants

Dental implants are made from a combination of titanium rods and ceramic false teeth. The titanium rod fits into the jawbone of the patient, then the chosen form of false tooth is attached to the tip. One implant is able to provide an anchor for more than one false tooth, and in total, five or six implants is all that is need to replace all the teeth in the jawbone.

Your dentist may ask to take X-rays and CT scans before implants can be attached as a way to fully examine your mouth and the to determine the alignment of your teeth in the jaw. During the surgery, which is carried out under local anaesthetic, your dentist will drill a hole in your jawbone in which the titanium rod will be placed. Next, the tip of the implant is uncovered from beneath the gum line and the false tooth may then be either clipped or screwed onto the implant by your dentist.

Both immediate and delayed implantation is available to the people of Swindon. Immediate implants are fitted directly after a tooth extraction, the titanium rod fits into the socket of your original tooth. However, with delayed implants, after a tooth is surgically extracted, the jawbone is left to heal. After several months, once the damaged tissue has healed, your dentist will create a new hole into which they can fit the implant.

Swelling, painful gums and headaches are all common side-effects of dental implant surgery. Serious complications can include: neuronal damage in the tissue, infections in the gum tissue or jawbone and extensive or severe bleeding. Nonetheless, these complications are very uncommon and definitely should not result from surgery with an experienced dental practitioner.

February 3, 2012 at 9:55 am | dental implants | No comment

Learn correct techniques from Clifton Dental about brushing and flossing in Bristol

Brushing your teeth twice a day may seem like no big deal, no routine of importance. However, cleaning your teeth properly is one of the most beneficial ways to ensure good oral health In addition, flossing once a day can go a long way in removing stubborn plaque and bacteria, leading a to a cleaner and more healthy mouth.

Brushing your teeth should be a conscious effort, using a clean toothbrush with soft bristles and topped with fluoride toothpaste. Small, circular motions should be used to clean the teeth on both sides, ensure you cover the entire jawbone and pay attention to each row of teeth. Do not rub too aggressively as this may result in a loss of enamel or may cause damage to the surrounding tissues. The tongue should not be neglected either as this is where most of the harmful bacteria reside. You may use the back of your toothbrush to gently rub the surface of the tongue. Once again, do not be too abrasive, you do not want to cause damage to your mouth as you are tying to protect it from just that.

Around Bristol, Clifton Dental recommends flossing your teeth at least once a day. Toothbrushes cannot always reach certain areas in the mouth, such as in the gaps between the teeth, and this is where plaque and bacteria can collect, possibly causing gum disease or tooth decay. Dental floss can be brought from any chemists and can even be carried around during the day, in case you should wish to floss after every meal.

If you follow these simple, but important steps, your teeth should remain happy and healthy for a long time.

February 1, 2012 at 9:41 am | oral hygiene | No comment

 

 

Dr Gerrard's smile makeover photos have been selected to be featured on the cosmetic dentistry guide - an educational resource with information on teeth whitening, dental implants, dental veneers, invisalign and much more. He is also an expert on the Inman Aligner Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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