Lost a Tooth? Why should You Consider a Dental Implant in Leeds?

If you have lost a tooth then you’ll probably want to replace it in the best way you can, but for many people cost will be a factor. Bearing this in mind you may have looked at having a dental implant in Leeds and disregarded the idea due to the length of time required to complete treatment, and the total cost. It’s true that dental implants are slightly more expensive than the alternative methods of replacing lost teeth, but they’re much better and if you’re interested in taking a long-term view of your oral health then they are worthy of investigation. Although they may cost a little more upfront, dental implants can last for years and years, so in the longer term you could end up paying less and will know you have chosen the best option for your dental health.

Dental Implant LeedsReasons for Considering Dental Implants

There are lots of different reasons as to why it’s worth considering a dental implant in Leeds, and top of that list is the effect a dental implant has on the your jawbone. We know we’ve mentioned it before, but dental implants are the best way of making sure you don’t lose too much jawbone. Your natural teeth have quite long roots that extend into your jawbone. One reason for this is that they help to hold the tooth firmly in place, as they also have ligaments that are attached to the tooth socket.

Another reason is that they help to transmit chewing and biting forces to the bone surrounding the root, ensuring it keeps renewing old bone cells so it remains healthy and strong. When you have a natural tooth extracted then your dentist in Leeds will also extract the tooth roots, removing this stimulation. Other methods of tooth replacements such as bridges or partial dentures don’t do anything to replace the tooth roots, but in contrast the post of a dental implant is inserted quite a way into the jawbone, replicating a natural tooth root and providing the stimulation needed to keep your jawbone healthy and strong.

Alternative methods for replacing lost teeth won’t feel quite as good as dental implants, as these will look and function exactly the same way as a natural tooth, and can be flossed and brushed as normal. If you are sensitive about the way your teeth look then dental implants will help restore your self-confidence. Leeds City Dentalcare has treated many patients and Dr David Brown and all the dentists here have seen first-hand the results that can be achieved through having a well-placed dental implant. The success rate of dental implants is extremely high, and is typically at least 95%, although this does depend on you looking after your implant once the surgery is completed. A well looked after implant could last for 20 years or even your lifetime, so you can see it is extremely economical in the long term.

If you are considering dental implants then it’s best to have them placed sooner rather than later as your jawbone will begin to reabsorb soon after your natural teeth are extracted. Although it can be replaced through having a dental bone graft, it’s obviously better to try to avoid any additional procedures. Early treatment means you can begin benefiting from having dental implants in Leeds as soon as possible.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Could Tooth Decay Protect Against Head and Neck Cancers?

Perhaps, according to the results of a recent study, but this does come as something of a surprise as poor oral health is usually linked with other health problems. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria building up in the mouth and feasting on the remains of food. As they do so they produce lactic acid which softens the tooth enamel, eventually leading to decay. It appears some of the bacteria associated with tooth decay could protect against some cancers, but your dentist in Leeds would like to point out that it’s very important not to stop brushing and flossing.

Dentist LeedsWhat the study seems to show is that the shift in microbial flora in the mouth can affect health. This means it’s best to avoid doing things that would shift this balance such as smoking and using antimicrobial mouthwashes and other products to excess. Rather it’s better to concentrate on having the very best oral hygiene you can have through brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, and to make sure you maintain a healthy diet.

The study was based on data collected from 399 patients who had been diagnosed with head and neck cancers, and who were compared with another 221 control participants who hadn’t been diagnosed with any type of cancer. The results showed that people with more tooth decay were less likely to develop cancers of the head and neck, even when other risk factors were taken into account. According to the data obtained from the study, researchers found that people with cavities were approximately 32% less likely to develop cancer. The researchers in the study have pointed out that perhaps it’s best to think of dental caries as being some sort of collateral damage, and to look at ways of reducing the risk of dental decay while still preserving the beneficial effects of the lactic acid produced by bacteria in the mouth.

It’s thought this protective effect is due to the immune response prompted by the presence of these bacteria, and which helps to suppress tumour formation. In contrast the bacteria involved in gum disease prompt a different kind of immune response which can increase the risk of cancer. It’s obvious much more research is needed and this study only provides an insight into the potential benefits provided by these bacteria and the immune response.

This Is Not a Reason to Stop Brushing and Flossing!

The results of this study are definitely not a reason to let your oral hygiene lapse, as failing to brush and floss properly would not only increase your risk of tooth decay, but also of gum disease. While your dentist in Leeds may be able to fill small cavities with composite resin fillings, dealing with gum disease is quite a different matter and has the potential to be far more serious.

Gum disease is a destructive condition that affects not only the gum tissue but also all the other structures supporting your teeth which include the jawbone and the ligaments attached to your teeth, and your tooth sockets. Untreated gum disease can gradually destroy these ligaments and can lead to bone loss. These are both much trickier to treat in comparison with tooth decay, and could lead to you having lengthy appointments at Leeds City Dentalcare with Dr David Brown or another dentist in our practice.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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The Party Season Is Just around the Corner, so Could Cosmetic Dentistry in Leeds Help Brighten Your Smile?

The end of 2013 is the fast coming into sight and with it the endless round of parties to celebrate this time of year. Shopping for a new outfit is always good fun, but are you also shopping around for a new smile? It’s not too late, and cosmetic dentistry in Leeds could still help brighten your smile in time to celebrate the end of the year. If you’re interested in having a smile makeover, then it’s well worth looking appointment with Dr David Brown or with any of our dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare to find out exactly how we could help you. Some of the treatments are relatively quick and can be completed in just a few short weeks while others may take a little longer.

Cosmetic Dentistry LeedsTeeth Whitening
One of the easiest ways to boost your smile is to simply have your teeth whitened. This is one of our most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, and it’s also extremely affordable and safe. We use the Nite WhiteTM tooth whitening system as it’s extremely gentle and will help to bleach out the stains on your teeth restoring them to their natural colour. It’s something that you can do in the comfort of your own home so you’re always in control of the bleaching process. You should see results within just a few days, although you may need to carry on treatment for a couple of weeks to get the type of colour you desire. It is always important to make sure you don’t over bleach your teeth as you could end up damaging them, and they won’t end up a nice bright white. Our dentist in Leeds will have discussed with you the type of results you can reasonably achieve while still maintaining a healthy smile.

Dental Veneers
If you’re looking for something a little more, then you may want to consider having some of your teeth veneered. Dental veneers can be completed in approximately 3 visits to Leeds City Dental care, and they are ideal for hiding small imperfections in your teeth such as cracks and stains or minor chips. They’re also a great way of modifying teeth that are too small, or which might be slightly rotated or sticking out.

Composite Fillings
Perhaps you generally happy with the colour and shape of your teeth, but would like a bit of a boost to your smile. In this case it might be worth seeing if any of your fillings need renewing, especially if they’re right at the front of the mouth and have become stained. Renewing old fillings can make quite a difference, and at the same time you’re protecting your dental health as old fillings can leak, letting in bacteria that could create decay.

Even a Scale and Polish Can Make a Difference
If your teeth are generally in great condition, then even something as simple as having a hygiene appointment can make a difference. Having your teeth scaled and polished can give your smile a boost, lifting old stains and brightening your smile. For some people that will be all that’s required, and again this is something that will protect your oral health as oral hygiene appointments are important for keeping your teeth and gums in top condition.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Ask Your Dentist in Leeds about the Connection between Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Is the Connection?

The connection between these two diseases has been known about for quite some time, as advanced gum disease or periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis are both chronic inflammatory conditions. However the exact mechanisms connecting the two weren’t exactly known.

Dentist LeedsRecent research has uncovered how a bacterium known to cause periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, can worsen rheumatoid arthritis and can lead to it progressing more quickly and with more severity. The bacterium could increase cartilage and bone destruction. Apparently this is down to the fact that the bacterium produces a unique enzyme, which then increases the likelihood of a collagen induced arthritis that is apparently quite similar rheumatoid arthritis. This collagen induced arthritis produces proteins that are recognised by the body as being intrusive. In response, the body will launch an immune attack, leading to chronic inflammation which in turn will cause the destruction of bone and cartilage.

Researchers have also investigated other bacterium responsible for causing gum disease, but learned they could not create the same effects. It’s thought these initial findings may show the link between the two diseases, although obviously much more research is needed. It also hoped that these findings will lead to new ways of treating and hopefully preventing rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies have shown that people with periodontal disease have an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, and people with rheumatoid arthritis are two times more likely to have periodontal disease. Other studies have shown that bacterial infection in the mouth precedes the development of rheumatoid arthritis, and that this oral bacterium could well be the culprit for the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and the inflammatory responses associated with this disease.

Your Dentist in Leeds Can Help Lessen the Risk of Periodontal Disease

Both of these diseases are obviously things that people will want to avoid, and the easiest way to lessen your risk of developing periodontal disease is simply to visit Leeds City Dentalcare at regular intervals. Dr David Brown or another dentist in Leeds will be able to assess your gum health, and if required will work out a suitable treatment plan. Provided it is caught early enough, then the signs of gum disease can easily be reversed, but if it isn’t detected early enough than the disease will turn into chronic periodontal disease.

This is much trickier to treat and it might not be possible to cure it completely. In addition chronic periodontal disease can also cause the gums to recede, and it can cause bone loss in the jaw. Gum disease is incredibly common but can be prevented through having excellent dental care both at home and in our surgery. Even if you haven’t visited the dentist for a while, we’ll work with you to help return your gums to health, and will show you the best way of looking after them at home.

If you already have gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, then treating your gum or periodontal disease could help to alleviate some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In the past researchers found that eliminating the bacterial infection and inflammation in the gums could help relieve some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Interested in Orthodontics in Leeds? Ask Us Which System Would Suit You Best

Are you interested in looking at ways of straightening your teeth? Many more adults are embarking on orthodontics in Leeds, and it’s becoming increasingly common to wear braces. Nowadays braces can be virtually undetectable, and some can even straighten teeth effectively within just a few short months. It all depends on your level of malocclusion (bite problems) and the kind of results you want to achieve. For instance some people with quite crooked teeth will want to use a system that straightens all the teeth in the mouth, while others will not need something so substantial. Some people also choose to use orthodontics in conjunction with other treatments such as dental bonding or veneers, and will be looking to achieve perfect results from having orthodontics in Leeds.

Dentist LeedsLeads City Dentalcare offers several different types of orthodontics systems so we’ll be able to help you select the brace that best fits your needs. A lot of people will choose the ever popular Invisalign system, as this uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gently move the teeth into their new positions. This system can work on quite complex bite issues and will be suitable for most people. Treatment is often completed within a year and the system is extremely discreet.

However it’s not always necessary, and in this case Dr David Brown or another of our dentist may recommend a slightly different system that aims to give more cosmetically oriented results. For instance the Inman Aligner concentrates on moving the teeth that are visible when smiling, and for many people this will be enough. The system can produce results within three or four months depending on your case. A lot of people choose to use it in conjunction with other cosmetic dental treatments, and will often use veneers to give the finishing touch. This system can be highly advantageous if your teeth are only slightly rotated or out of alignment, and if you prefer to get results more quickly. This means you could have your new smile within six months or even more quickly, something that could be ideal if you are planning ahead for a special event.

We offer yet another system called Fastbraces which is a fixed appliance designed to give quick results. This works differently from most orthodontic systems as it moves the tooth and the tooth root at the same time. Most orthodontic systems move the tooth first before moving the root. This enables Fastbraces to deliver results more quickly, and often with less tooth sensitivity and discomfort. It is able to do this through the use of a specially patented bracket and shaped wire that begins to reposition the tooth right from the start of treatment.

The best way to find out which system is right for your needs is to simply book a consultation at Leeds City Dentalcare. One dentist in Leeds will be able to fully assess your smile, and will discuss the pros and cons of each different system with you. If you’re still sitting on the fence about whether or not to have orthodontics in Leeds, then it’s worth remembering that it’s also better for your oral health. You’ll find your newly straightened teeth are much easier to keep clean and healthy.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Visiting Your Dentist in Leeds Could Lessen Your Risk of Mouth Cancer

Most of us are all too well aware of the need to visit our dentist in Leeds at regular intervals, and many simply assume this is to make sure our teeth and gums are healthy. While this is one important aspect of your regular checkup at Leeds City Dentalcare, Dr David Brown or another dentist will also carry out an oral cancer screening as standard. Oral cancer is quite rare, but a lot of people are simply unaware of the risks, and the fact that early intervention could help save lives.

Dentist LeedsThe annual report on Cancer Waiting Times for 2012 to 2013 was recently released and showed that 1,252 patients who were suspected of having some sort of head or neck cancer had to wait longer than three weeks to be seen by a specialist, and this delay could increase the invasiveness of treatment, and its effectiveness.

Between April 2012 and March 2013, cancer specialists in the UK saw more than 1 million patients. Some 96.1% of those suspected of having head and neck cancers were seen within two weeks of referral, a slight decline on the figures for 2010 to 2011 when 96.3% of patients were seen within two weeks. Even though these figures seem pretty impressive, more than 50,000 patients were not seen during this time frame. Obviously anyone suspected of having cancer will want to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. The chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE has pointed out that most people with mouth cancer are seen when the disease is relatively well advanced, and when time is of the essence.

Head and neck cancers are becoming more prevalent, and the British Dental Health Foundation is asking that patients be seen within a two-week referral period, as without early detection and treatment the survival rate for mouth cancer is just 50%. In comparison if the disease is caught early enough then survival rates over five years can increase up to a much more respectable 90%.

November Is Mouth Cancer Action Month

Each November the British Dental Health Foundation organises the Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign to help raise awareness of this disease. Risk factors for the disease include drinking alcohol to excess, smoking, having a poor diet, or having the human papilloma virus. In 2010 more people died from mouth cancer than from both testicular and cervical cancer, and early detection is essential.

Regular check-ups will help your dentist in Leeds to see if anything is amiss, they’ll be looking out for signs of thickened areas of tissue in the mouth, areas that look white or red in colour, or any unusual lumps or swellings. Other common signs include having mouth ulcers that fail to heal within three weeks. Even though regular checks help a lot it is still well worth being aware of these early signs and keeping an eye out for anything that you think might be unusual. If you do think something isn’t quite right and then we’d always urge you to contact the dental team at Leeds City Dentalcare for advice. It’s most likely that any changes are due to something else, but it always pays to be on the safe side.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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What is Endodontics?

In addition to dental implants in Leeds, Leeds City Dental Care offers endodontic treatment to patients whose teeth are compromised. Endodontic treatment is better known as root canal therapy or treatment, and is something that many people will have already had carried out on one or more of their teeth. The actual word is derived from the Greek word eno, which means within, and the Greek word odous, which means tooth. Endodontic therapy may be used by Dr David Brown to remove the infection from a tooth, and it also helps to prevent the tooth from becoming re-infected. The actual treatment is centred on removing the pulp of the tooth, which is right in the middle of the tooth.

Dentist LeedsEven though endodontics is often referred to as having a root canal, this term is not strictly correct. Every tooth has root canals, and some teeth can have more than one. The root canals contain all the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth, as well as some other types of cells.

What Happens When the Pulp is Injured or Diseased?

If the pulp becomes injured or diseased then it is not able to heal itself, and it will die. This is something that can occur as a result of bacteria entering the tooth through a cavity or through a crack in the tooth. If the infection isn’t treated then it will spread to the bone, and will eventually attack the ligaments holding the teeth in place. The final result could be the loss of the tooth. If you do have toothache, or feel as if the tooth is throbbing or that it is painful to bite down on, then it is best to make an appointment to see one of our Leeds dentists for diagnosis and treatment, as early intervention could help to save your tooth.

What is involved with Endodontic Treatment?

Endodontic treatment is used to clean out everything that lies within the root canals, so the area is completely decontaminated. The process involves making an opening in the crown of the tooth, exposing the infected root canals. Your Leeds dentist will then use a series of specially shaped files to thoroughly clean out the canals, removing all the infected, decaying and dead tissue. The canals are thoroughly irrigated to make sure they are completely clean, before the area is sealed up. If you had a particularly severe infection then it is quite possible that your dentist may choose to temporarily seal up the root canals, just in case bacteria are still present. Once they are sure all the infection has completely cleared up then they will seal up the root canals permanently before restoring the tooth.

Once this process is completed then the tooth is effectively dead as the nerve has been removed. This means it can no longer cause any pain. Even though the tooth is dead, it is still fully functional, and should last for a number of years or even a lifetime. Without endodontic treatment, the tooth would have to be removed as this type of infection cannot clear up on its own. We do find that many patients visiting Leeds City Dentalcare, often to find out more about dental implants in Leeds, are initially nervous of having endodontic therapy and are pleasantly surprised at the reality. Treatment for most people should be no more unpleasant than having a filling, and is something that is carried out routinely.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Are You Flossing as Much as You Should?

Are you flossing every day, or is this something you only do when you can feel you have something stuck in between your teeth? If you fall into the ‘only floss when you have’ to category then you are missing out on an easy way to help keep your gums healthy and free from disease, and on reducing your risk of tooth decay. Our dentists at Leeds City Dentalcare are all too well aware that flossing can seem like a thankless task, but it is important, and not just for removing pieces of food that are big enough to feel uncomfortable.

Dentist LeedsNext time you feel like skipping the flossing, just stop and think about the fact that these areas account for approximately a third of all the surface area of your teeth, and there is simply no way your toothbrush can do a thorough job in these contact areas. It is tempting to think that if there doesn’t appear to be anything stuck then these areas must be clean, but that is far from the case. The contact areas are prime breeding grounds for plaque bacteria that gradually form a sticky layer over your teeth during the course of the day. By the end of the day, before you clean your teeth at bedtime, you might even be able to feel this layer simply by running your tongue over your teeth. Plaque bacteria can infect the gums, causing inflammation and irritation that can eventually lead to severe periodontal disease (gum disease), and which could even mean you lose teeth. When you consider that flossing only takes a few minutes to complete each day, it seems like a small price to pay.

Don’t Know How to Floss? Ask Us for a Quick Demo

Flossing is simple once you have the right technique, but perfecting it can take a bit of practise. If you are unsure of how to floss then Dr David Brown, a friendly dentist in Leeds, would be more than happy to show you how to do it, and can provide you with lots of tips and tricks to make the task easier. Your dental hygienist is also a great source of information, and can help suggest the right thickness of floss and the right type of floss for your needs. Most people make the mistake of trying to be too stingy with the dental floss, when you really need a length of approximately eighteen inches to do the job properly. The reason you need such a long piece is to make sure you have enough room to use a fresh section for each tooth, so that you are not simply moving debris and plaque from one tooth to the next. Experiment with ways of holding the floss so it is easy to slide it in between each tooth, as you need to be able to slide it right down to the gum, and just below the gum line to clean this area thoroughly.

If you really can’t get on with floss then there are other things you can try. Alternatives include interdental brushes, floss threaders, and water or air flossers. These can be ideal for anyone who isn’t able to move their fingers very freely, or who simply struggles with floss. They could also be good for anyone whose teeth are tightly packed in, making it near impossible to insert a piece of floss in between each tooth. The main thing is to ask our dentist in Leeds for help, as patient education is very important to us.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Pregnant Women Warned Their Periodontal Health Is Vital to the Health of the Baby

Every pregnant woman knows it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the health of their baby, but clinical recommendations from the European Federation of Periodontology, and the American Academy of Periodontology and encourage pregnant women to maintain their periodontal health as well. Research studies have shown that women with periodontal issues may be at increased risk of giving birth to a low birth weight baby, or that the baby may be premature.

Dentist LeedsPeriodontal disease is a chronic disease that is due to bacterial infection. It results in inflammation in the gums that attacks the gum tissue, and during the later stages of the disease the tissues supporting the teeth. If it’s untreated then it will eventually lead to tooth loss, but is also being associated with other systemic diseases, or diseases that affect the whole body, and which includes cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Signs to Look Out For

Common signs that you might be developing this disease include noticing your gums are red or tender, or that they have become swollen. People with periodontal disease which is also called gum disease, often find their gums bleed when they brush them, or that they have bad breath or that the gums are pulling away from the teeth. It’s important that everyone takes action over these signs, but especially anyone who is pregnant. If you think this may apply to you then try to book an appointment with friend dentist in Leeds, Dr David Brown, at Leeds City Dentalcare as soon as you can so we can give you a full evaluation, and can start on a suitable treatment plan.

Studies on Pregnant Women with Periodontal Disease

Several different studies have shown that pregnant women with periodontal disease could be more at risk of delivering their baby prematurely, or of having a baby with a low birth weight. Figures from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention show that babies with birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds could be at risk of developing long-term health problems. These problems could include learning disabilities, social growth, or delayed motor skills. Babies born more than three weeks before their due date could also face similar problems. In addition premature birth has been associated with other issues such as digestive problems, hearing or vision loss, and respiratory problems.

Looking After Your Dental Health during Pregnancy

If your pregnancy has recently been confirmed, then it’s a great idea to make an appointment for a full check-up with one of our dentists in Leeds and for a professional cleaning with one of our hygienists just so we can make sure you don’t have any dental issues. We can also help you maintain your oral health during your pregnancy, as the hormonal changes can increase the risk of a condition called pregnancy gingivitis which is a type of gum disease. If we think you may be more at risk of developing this condition then we might suggest you come in and see us more frequently, and that you have your teeth cleaned professionally at every visit. This will help us monitor your oral health, while professional cleaning will help remove plaque bacteria that could otherwise cause infection in your gums. With proper care, we can help ensure you have a healthy smile on your face once your baby is born.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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Tips for Getting Your Kids into a Good Dental Routine

Is it a struggle to get your kids to clean their teeth let alone floss them? It’s something that many parents face, but good dental care is extremely important. Leeds City Dentalcare, your dentist in Leeds, is very keen on preventative dentistry, as this can help keep your kids teeth in good condition right throughout childhood and well into adulthood. If you have young children then you need to brush their teeth for them until they’re about the age of six or seven, and even after this age you still may need to supervise them every so often to make sure they’re doing the job properly.

Dentist LeedsThere are lots of things you can do to try and make the whole process more interesting, including picking out child friendly toothbrushes, or getting them involved in the process of selecting their own. There are also lots of child oriented toothpastes on the market, and this might be a worthwhile investment if it helps get them into the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day. When they begin to brush their teeth on their own you might find it useful to brush your teeth alongside them so they can copy your technique, and it also helps to keep their interest. If you want to make sure they are brushing their teeth for long enough, then you could either invest in an electric toothbrush that has a built in timer, or you could put a small timer in the bathroom and set it for at least 2 minutes.

Dental Visits in Leeds

Dental visits can be another bone of contention, but you’ll find our surgery in Leeds is very child friendly, as we’re certainly interested in making sure your child feels comfortable and relaxed in the dental chair. Having a positive attitude right from the start will help make all the difference and will ensure your child doesn’t develop a fear of dentists. If you suffer from dental phobias or are apprehensive over dental visits then try to do your best not to transmit these fears and concerns to your child.

This is something that can be quite tricky to do if you experience a lot of dental anxiety, but it’s worth talking to Dr David Brown, a well-known dentist in Leeds, about your concerns as you’ll find we’re very used to treating nervous patients and there are lots of things we can do to help you feel more comfortable, and hopefully to make you feel more positive about visiting the dentist. If your partner is more positive about dental visits, then it might be worth discussing whether or not they should be the one to accompany them to our Leeds surgery.

You can rest assured that whoever your child sees will be extremely gentle with them, and regular dental checks help us to see if their teeth and jaws are developing normally. We can also make lots of suggestions on how to care for their teeth, so if there is anything you’re unsure about it’s well worth asking us for help. We can give you advice on how to protect their teeth against decay, and even if they still have their baby teeth it’s still important to look after these teeth as well as you can as they help ensure their adult teeth can develop normally.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

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