Could a New Type of Toothbrush Eventually Reduce the Need for Dental Implants in Leeds?

Scientists have produced a new type of toothbrush using a 3-D printer, and it’s been claimed that it is capable of thoroughly brushing your teeth in less than 6 seconds. It utilises the same type of technology used to fit braces, and each toothbrush is individually created to exactly fit your mouth. The appliance looks almost like a mouthguard and contains lots of interdental bristles that are angled to reach along your gum line.

Dental Implants LeedsYou then have to use special techniques to bite and grind against the appliance for approximately 6 seconds. The makers claim this is sufficient to clean your teeth, and that’s it is equal to 3 minutes of brushing time with a manual toothbrush. They also claim that it will help ensure the whole mouth is cleaned, as many people to miss certain areas of their mouth when brushing. It even has little slots for floss threading as it’s been claimed you can floss your teeth and clean your tongue all at the same time as brushing your teeth. This brush does rely on users following very specific techniques and movements. Like all the alternative methods of tooth cleaning, if these are not followed then this brush is likely to be no more effective than something a lot cheaper.

Not surprisingly some experts are sceptical and point out that more research is needed, and that good technique is everything. This brush is not cheap either as it costs approximately £250 for a toothbrush that is supposed to last a year. The manufacturers do point out that subsequent brushes will be much cheaper, but it’s still a huge outlay when you consider a good manual brush can be purchased for just a few pounds.

Preventative Dental Care Is Important to Us

Dr David Brown and all the dentists at Leeds City Dentalcare take preventative dental care very seriously, and we always encourage patients to ask questions about how they can improve their daily brushing and flossing techniques. If you’d prefer not to spend so much on a toothbrush then we can show you how to brush properly to get the most out of your manual or electric toothbrush. We know lots of people also hate flossing, but there are lots of things that can be done to make this task easier and more effective, just ask your dentist in Leeds for a practical demonstration. We can’t show you techniques that will clean your teeth thoroughly in just a few seconds, but we can show you how to make sure you clean all the surfaces of your teeth in just a couple of minutes.

It is important that you take the time to brush your teeth and floss each day, as otherwise you are at risk of developing gum disease. This common condition is often responsible for tooth loss, and is one of the main reasons why dental implants in Leeds are so popular. We’d prefer to help you retain your natural teeth for as long as possible, and preferably for your whole lifetime.

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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Leeds Dentists Worried Over Tooth Decay in the Under Fives

A recent report has found that more than a quarter of children under the age of five have tooth decay, and most of these have cavities in an average of between three and four teeth. These figures come even though oral health care has improved over the last few years. The study was carried out by Public Health England, and surveyed 133,000 children. Even though these figures sound shocking, overall the levels of tooth decay have declined, and the proportion of children with untreated decay has fallen.

Dentist LeedsIf you have young children then you are encouraged to bring them to visit a dentist in Leeds, so we can check to see that their teeth are developing normally and that they do not have any issues with dental decay. Some parents do underestimate the importance of milk or baby teeth, and think that because they are replaced in just a few years there is no real need to take care of them. This could not be further from the truth, as these milk teeth are every bit as important, and deserve just as much care as adult teeth. In addition it is much better to get children into the habit of looking after their teeth as soon as possible, rather than neglecting oral health until their adult teeth have erupted.

Your child’s milk teeth are essential for making sure:

  • Your child can eat a varied diet without the pain and discomfort caused by rotting or decayed teeth
  • They can learn to speak clearly, so they can easily communicate with others
  • Their adult teeth erupt normally, as milk teeth hold open the correct amount of space for the adult teeth

We know it can sometimes be a bit of a battle to clean young children’s teeth, but is so important to persevere. You do need to clean your children’s teeth for them until they are aged six or seven, and even then it is worth making sure they are supervised and that they clean their teeth thoroughly.

There are various things you can do to help make the task more interesting so it eventually becomes a habit that is deeply ingrained. For example make sure you buy them child oriented dental products, such as themed toothbrushes and toothpaste that is especially made for children. Electric or battery toothbrushes make tooth cleaning more fun, and have the added advantage of having timers that enable your child to time themselves as those two minutes are easy to overestimate. If they use a manual toothbrush then invest in a timer that can be kept in the bathroom; you can even get fun shaped timers, for example in the shape of a tooth, to help encourage them to use it. Flossing is another important part of the routine, and once again make sure you buy floss they are able to easily use, and which doesn’t feel uncomfortable or too thick.

Of course, regular dental visits with Dr David Brown or another dentist in Leeds are essential. Leeds City Dentalcare is used to treating younger patients, and will do everything possible to put your child at their ease as we want to encourage them to visit a dentist regularly right throughout their life. You’ll also find we can give you lots of useful information and help on caring for your child’s teeth, keeping their smile healthy right into adulthood.

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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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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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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Is an Electric Toothbrush Any Better Than a Manual Brush?

Are you looking for advice from a dentist in Leeds about keeping your mouth healthy? Brushing your teeth can often seem like a chore, so anything that makes the job easier has to be worth considering. Many people swear by their electric toothbrushes, but are they really any better than manual toothbrushes? There’s little doubt that these high-tech brushes are growing in popularity, and they can be extremely useful for some people. As to whether or not they’re necessary, that’s a bit of a different matter.

Dentist LeedsManual toothbrushes can be every bit as effective as electric toothbrushes, and it’s all a question of how often they are used, and brushing technique. If you have excellent technique and are vigilant about flossing then you’ll do just fine with a manual toothbrush. However electric toothbrushes can be extremely useful for anyone with limited manual dexterity, for example people with arthritis or for anyone who has some other problem that limits the use of their hands.

In addition electric toothbrushes can include a number of quite useful features, one of which is a built-in timer. You need to brush your teeth for approximately 2 minutes each day, but it’s all too easy to overestimate how long you’ve actually been brushing for. An electric toothbrush takes the guesswork out of this, but on the other hand it’s just as easy to put a small clock or timer in the bathroom.

The heads of electric toothbrushes also tend to be quite a bit smaller than conventional brushes, and this can make it a lot easier to reach right to the back of your mouth. If you prefer using a manual toothbrush, to make sure its head is small enough to reach all the areas in your mouth, or you may even want to think about buying a child sized toothbrush. Whichever approach you prefer to use, it’s important to make sure your technique is the very best they can be, and this is where Leeds City Dentalcare can really help. Just ask Dr David Brown, your friendly dentist in Leeds, or any of our dental team for advice and perhaps a practical demonstration on how to brush and floss as this is something we’ll be more than happy to discuss with you. Another thing to bear in mind is that it’s important to replace your toothbrush regularly, regardless of whether it’s manual or electric.

Caring For Your Toothbrush

Most people will need to replace their toothbrushes once every two or three months, but some people might need to do this more frequently so if you notice the bristles splayed or worn then it’s time to get a new one. Caring for your toothbrush will make sure it remains hygienic throughout its lifetime, so make sure you rinse it thoroughly under clean running water once you finished brushing to remove any excess toothpaste and food particles. It’s best to place it in an upright position to dry, and make sure that air can circulate freely around it and that it isn’t touching anyone else’s toothbrush. It goes without saying that it’s best to keep your brush for your own use only, as otherwise you will be sharing bacteria with other people.

Lastly, the habit of using a toothbrush is nothing new as it dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time the cost of the brush was so expensive that whole families would share the same toothbrush. Luckily nowadays a decent toothbrush can be purchased extremely cheaply.

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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Advantages of visiting a preventive dentist in Leeds

We realise it’s tempting to put off regular check-ups with Dr David Brown, your dentist in Leeds, especially if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with your teeth. However there are lots of advantages in having regular check-ups and hygiene appointments at Leeds City Dental care, and in the longer term it could save you money and time.

Dentist LeedsCommon Dental Diseases are Preventable
Common diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease are easily preventable through proper dental care, and whenever you visit our Leeds surgery you’ll be provided with a full assessment of your current dental health, including recommendations on how to improve it.

Part of your regular check-up will include an examination for mouth cancer, a preventative dental care measure that could potentially save your life. We will also want to take dental x-rays at regular intervals, as these enable early detection of any lesions or cavities that are not visible to the naked eye. Most people will only require x-rays every couple of years or so, and modern x-rays only emit a tiny amount of

Radiation, so they are extremely safe.
Early detection of dental diseases ensures that treatment is quicker and much more effective, as for example undetected gum disease can eventually progress into a chronic condition that requires regular treatment; in comparison the early signs of gum disease are easily cured, and preventative dental care will help ensure they do not return.

Ask Our Experienced Staff for Help and Advice
If you have any dental issues, then we do urge you to discuss these with our staff as you’ll find they are more than willing to help you. We can also give you practical help in improving your oral hygiene by demonstrating the correct way to brush and floss, as we are aware many people find this tricky.

Nervous? Don’t Let That Put You off visiting our Surgery
We know many people feel apprehensive over dental visits, and that some actively avoid dentists in Leeds until they are in pain. Don’t let this happen to you, as Leeds City Dentalcare has lots of experience in treating nervous patients, and we can help you conquer your fears so you can receive essential dental treatment. Just ask our kind and friendly staff for advice and help. You’ll find there are lots of things we can do to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Just remember that your first visit to our dental surgery is only for an examination, and there’s nothing to fear as we won’t provide any treatment at this stage. Once we’ve assessed your dental health then we’ll discuss with you how to proceed and will work out something that you feel comfortable with.

Preventative dental care is hugely important, and is definitely something that we place a great deal of emphasis on. Our dentist in Leeds and dental team are already well aware of how oral health affects general health, and of the connection between dental health and many debilitating or even life-threatening diseases. Preventative dental care checks only take an hour or so every six months which is a very small amount of time out of anyone’s schedule. We open at 8 AM four days out of five each week, and we stay open till 6 PM on Thursdays, making it easy for most people to fit in a dental appointment before or after work.

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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Get your oral cancer screening with your dentist in Leeds

A Canadian dentist is finding out whether DNA can be extracted from teeth, as he purchased John Lennon’s molar back in 2011 for the sum of £19,500 at auction. The tooth which was acquired in the mid-60s was originally thought to be too fragile for DNA sequencing, but recent advances in genetics has led the dentist to believe that DNA could be extracted, and could eventually be converted into stem cells.

Dentist LeedsMany people will find this idea somewhat gruesome, and it seems something that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon, even though the tooth has already been couriered to a lab in the US for initial testing. Apparently he’s been told that experts are confident they’ll be able to extract at least part of John Lennon’s DNA, and even if they can’t get the entire sequence there are ways to fill in the missing parts. However other cloning experts are sceptical, but even they concede it might be possible at some point in the future as efforts to clone organisms such as bacteria have already been successful, although the ethics of doing so would be highly dubious. At this point in time we are still a long way off being able to grow a single tooth from stem cells, let alone an entire human.

Part of the tooth was brought to the UK last year as it has been made into a necklace. The necklace toured 16 dental practices as part of National Mouth Cancer Month which takes place each November, and this seems to be a far more worthwhile use of the tooth.

It is estimated that around 60,000 people in the UK will be diagnosed with mouth cancer during the next 10 years, and without early detection half of these people will die. However early detection and prompt treatment increases these survival rates to 90%, and it’s something that Leeds City Dentalcare, your friendly dentist in Leeds, can help with. Last time you visited Dr David Brown for a check-up you might’ve noticed that he looked at all your oral tissues such as the inside of your cheeks and lips, and all around and underneath your tongue. This simple screening only takes a minute or two and is something that all the dentists in Leeds are qualified to do.

One of the problems with mouth cancer is that a lot of people are still completely unaware of this disease, and even if they have heard of it, they are unaware of how deadly it can be. These statistics are something the British Dental Health Foundation is working hard to improve on. Being aware of the risk factors that can contribute towards the development of this disease, and the early symptoms is well worthwhile. Regular check-ups are only part of the equation, as you can help yourself by carrying out monthly checks. This is a simple process of checking the inside of your mouth for any tissues that look irregular or unusual. If you’re prone to mouth ulcers and develop one that takes more than a couple of weeks to heal then you might want to seek advice. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

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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