Dr. David S Brown

Why are Dental Hygiene Appointments so Important?

All of our staff here at Leeds City Dentalcare put a lot of emphasis on preventative dental treatments, as we’d much rather help you keep your teeth and gums healthy than have to treat any dental diseases. A major part of preventative dental care involves making an appointment to see one of our dental hygienists at regular intervals, preferably at the same time as your dental checkup. Dental hygiene appointments are about much more than simply cleaning your teeth, and all the hygienists are highly trained and are able to assess the condition of your mouth.

Your Hygienist Will Check to See If You Have Any Early Signs of Gum Disease

They’ll be checking the state of your teeth and gums to make sure they don’t show any early signs of disease. You can also expect them to check whether or not you have any pockets around your gums, and the depths of these will be measured with a tiny dental probe. This part is extremely important, as pocketing around your teeth can indicate the presence of gum disease or periodontal disease. Healthy teeth should have pockets of less than 3 mm in depth, and they shouldn’t really bleed when probed.

They’ll Also Scale and Polish Your Teeth

Having your teeth professionally cleaned is an important part of your hygiene visit as it helps to remove all the hard deposits of calculus or tartar that build up on your teeth in between visits. This process is called scaling, and once it is completed then they’ll polish your teeth to help remove stains. It is a really good way of helping to freshen up your smile, and you may notice your teeth looking a bit whiter afterwards, and your breath will almost certainly be a little fresher. This part of the treatment also reflects how well you’re looking after your teeth and gums. For example if you have very little hard deposits on your teeth and you’re gum tissues are healthy and firm, and are nice pale pink, then you may be recommended to return in six months’ time. If your gums show signs of disease or if you had significant deposits on your teeth then you may be recommended to see our hygienist at more frequent intervals. This may also apply if you have any other medical conditions such as diabetes that may affect your oral health, or if you are currently pregnant.

Ask Your Hygienist about the Best Way to Clean Your Teeth

Education can be an important part of your visit to our Leeds surgery, as your dental hygienist is definitely the best person to ask about how to brush and floss more effectively. They can demonstrate different techniques to you to help improve your oral health. They may also recommend certain products such as fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen your teeth. If you find it difficult to floss then we do recommend you discuss this with our dental hygienist, as they will almost certainly be able to suggest different methods of flossing, or alternative tools such as interdental brushes or maybe a WaterPik to help make the job much easier and more effective.

Your dental hygiene appointment at Leeds City Dentalcare is about far more than just having your teeth professionally cleaned, and can help set you on the path to better oral health.

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.

Planning Ahead for Your Wedding Day Smile

If you are planning to get married this year that it’s quite possible you might have thought about ways to improve your smile. Your wedding day is probably the day when you’ll be most photographed in your life, and you’ll want to look your best to help make those memories as perfect as possible. However it is important to plan ahead as certain treatments may take a little more time than others, and you don’t want to leave everything to the final few weeks before your big day, or do anything to add to those last-minute nerves. A smile makeover may consist of just one procedure, or you may want to incorporate several different treatments to get a more perfect smile. The first thing to do is to make an appointment with Dr David Brown or another dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare to discuss your smile and how you’d like to improve it. The treatments that may be recommended might be pretty basic, or they might be more involved. They could include:

Professional cleaning. This is the most basic treatment possible, as it’s already likely that youhave your teeth professionally cleaned every time you visit our Leeds surgery, probably at the same time as you have your dental checkup. This may be enough for some people, as professional cleaning helps to remove surface staining and freshens up breath. Professional cleaning takes just an hour to complete.
Teeth whitening is an extremely popular treatment for grooms and brides to be. You can whiten your teeth by several shades within a relatively short space of time. Teeth Whitening treatment can be completed within a couple of weeks or even less, depending on the method used.
Dental bonding can be used to mend small chips or other imperfections in your teeth and uses a composite resin material. The beauty of this treatment is that it can be completed in one visit to Leeds City Dentalcare, and it really can make quite a difference to your smile.
Dental veneers are thin slips of porcelain that are bonded onto the outer surfaces of your teeth and can be used to modify a number of imperfections, or to close up or narrow gaps in between your teeth. This treatment is more complicated and does require several visits to our dental surgery in Leeds. You’ll probably need to allow quite a lot of time to have this treatment completed, especially if you want to have your teeth bleached. You’ll need to have your teeth bleached first before having dental veneers.
Orthodontic treatment can be used to straighten up your smile, and Leeds City Dentalcare uses a couple of different systems to help straighten up teeth. Both these systems are virtually invisible, but it’s highly likely treatment will take several months to complete. Afterwards you may want to perfect your smile a little further through the use of dental bonding, veneers or maybe just teeth whitening.
Dental implants are an ideal treatment if you have any teeth missing. This treatment can take quite a few months to complete as it does require a small surgical procedure to insert a post into your jawbone, which then needs to be left to heal for several months.

One thing to mention about all these treatments, with the exception of the professional cleaning, is that they do need to be carried out on a healthy mouth. If you haven’t visited a dentist for a while then now would be a great time to make an appointment to see one of our dentists in Leeds City Dentalcare, ensuring your smile looks beautifully healthy on the day.

Dr. David S Brown

Leeds City Dentalcare Would Love to See Your Baby before Their First Birthday

If you have a very young baby then we’d love to see them in our Leeds surgery by their first birthday, and preferably as soon as they get that first tooth. Some parents and caregivers are under the mistaken impression that baby teeth are not very important when in fact they have a vital role to play. Primary teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth and help to ensure they come through in the correct positions. In addition these baby teeth are essential in helping your child to learn to speak properly. Having teeth makes it much easier to eat a balanced diet, so it’ll be easier to ensure they are well-nourished and that their bodies have everything necessary to grow properly. Sometimes the last primary teeth don’t fall out until approximately the age of 12, so it is important to make sure these baby teeth remain free from disease.

Getting Them Used to Visiting the Dentist Early

There’s another good reason for bringing them into our Leeds surgery while they are still very young, as it will help get them used to visiting the dentist in Leeds on a regular basis. They’ll realise that dental visits are nothing to be afraid of, and will simply see them as being a normal part of life. In addition great dental care early on will help minimise the risk of any diseases such as gum disease or tooth decay, so your child is less likely to need any treatment other than a check-up.

Don’t Let Your Child Fall Prey to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

One of the problems that can develop in young children is something called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. This usually occurs when a baby is put to sleep with a night-time bottle that contains some sort of sugary substance, and generally develops between the ages of one year and 18 months. It can also arise if a child is regularly given a sweetened dummy to suck. It’s a disease that can progress very rapidly and it can be quite upsetting for both the parent or caregiver, and the child.

Bringing your child to visit us before the age of one will give us a chance to diagnose any problems such as tooth decay, and to check that their teeth are developing normally. Leeds City Dentalcare can also give you lots of advice on how best to look after your baby’s teeth. We can show you techniques on how to clean them properly through using a proper child sized toothbrush, and will advise you on whether or not it’s a good idea to use fluoride toothpaste. We may recommend you don’t use fluoride toothpaste until your child is aged two or older and is able to spit out the excess. In any case you only need a tiny smear of toothpaste to clean your baby’s teeth. It is essential to do this task for them until they’re about seven years of age, and even when you think they’re capable of doing it themselves it’s a good idea to supervise them. You may want to let them brush their teeth in the morning, but to make sure you brush them in the evenings just before bedtime.

Hopefully bringing your child to Leeds City Dentalcare before they have had their first birthday will put them on the road to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Dr. David S Brown

Dental Care for Older People in Leeds

We like to see all our patients on a regular basis, regardless of age, but it is worth being aware of the fact that dental care needs can change as we age. Older people may be at risk of an increased number of oral health problems. These can include:

Dry mouth which is a condition that results from reduced saliva flow. It’s something that can result from treatments for cancer, and it’s a common side effect from numerous medications. It can also be due to certain diseases such as diabetes or Sjogren’s syndrome.
Gum disease is a risk at any age, but this can increase in older people due to certain factors. It can be caused by poor fitting dental appliances such as dentures or bridges, and can be made worse by having a poor diet. People with certain diseases including cancer, anaemia and diabetes are more at risk.
Root decay can occur as the gums recede and are exposed to the acids in the mouth. Gum recession often results due to gum disease, or thorugh overenthusiastic tooth brushing.
Tooth loss can be more frequent in older people due to the increased risk of gum disease, root decay and dry mouth.
Thrush can occur due to an impaired immune system which can trigger an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans that causes thrush.
Darker teeth are just a natural part of aging, and are caused by the enamel layer on the teeth becoming thinner, exposing more of the dentine underneath. The dentine contains the natural colour of the tooth. Teeth can also become darker simply due to a lifetime of consuming tea, coffee and red wine and other darker coloured foods such as curries.

Great oral hygiene is important at any age, but especially in older people. If any of the above factors do apply to you then these are things you can discuss with Dr David Brown or another of our dentists Leeds at our Leeds surgery as there may be various things we can do to help.

For instance the symptoms of dry mouth may be able to be alleviated through using saliva substitutes, but there are several other things you can try as well including drinking more water, and sucking on boiled sweets or using sugar-free gum to help stimulate the flow of saliva. If it’s being caused by a certain medication then you may want to make an appointment to visit your GP in Leeds to see if there’s a different medication you might be able to try. However we do want to stress that you should never stop taking prescription medications without first consulting your doctor.

Even though gum disease may be more of a risk in older people, it doesn’t necessarily have to become a reality. Twice-daily brushing and flossing once a day combined with regular visits to Leeds City Dentalcare for check-ups and cleanings will help keep your gums in the best possible health. If you have any other diseases such as diabetes then we may want to see you more frequently so we can keep a close eye on your oral health as this condition can affect your gums. This risk can be minimised through controlling blood sugar levels as much as possible.

Your dental appointment at Leeds City Dentalcare is an excellent chance to discuss any oral health concerns you may have with our dental team. In addition to examining your teeth and gums, our dentists will also give you a thorough oral examination and will check all the soft tissues in your mouth. If you wear dentures or any other kind of dental appliance then these will be checked during the appointment, as we need to make sure they still function properly and that they don’t rub or cause any sore spots in your mouth.

Dr. David S Brown

Getting a Custom-Made Mouthguard for Sports

If you or your child likes to play a lot of sports then it could be well worth investing in a custom-made mouthguard from Leeds City Dentalcare. Although you can buy mouthguards quite cheaply over-the-counter or online, there are several major advantages to having one custom-made. A ‘one size fits all’ mouthguard will not offer significant protection for the teeth and lips, and is likely to be extremely uncomfortable to wear. It’s important that a mouthguard is comfortable to wear as otherwise it’s less likely to be used. In comparison a mouthguard designed by Dr David Brown or another of our dentists in Leeds here at our Leeds surgery will have been made to take into account a number of different factors. If it’s being made for a child whose teeth are still erupting and whose jaw may still be growing then this will all be taken into consideration during its design.

Custom-made mouthguards are constructed using an impression of the mouth which will be taken at our Leeds surgery. This is then sent to our dental laboratory where the impression will be cast up in dental plaster and used to construct a mouthguard that fits precisely over the teeth, and which is comfortable to wear and won’t restrict breathing. A properly made mouthguard should offer excellent protection, should be tear resistant, odourless and tasteless, and it shouldn’t be bulky but should be comfortable to wear and have good retention. It will be constructed with sufficient thickness in critical areas to give good protection to the teeth. Mouthguards can be made out of one layer of material or they may be constructed from several layers of material depending on the sport involved. With proper care a good quality mouthguard may last several years. They are easy to care for but they should be:

Rinsed thoroughly before and after each use
Cleaned after use in cold, soapy water or with a mouthwash before being thoroughly rinsed
Stored in a study container that has vents
Kept away from sunlight or very hot water
Regularly checked for any signs of wear and tear

But Are They Really Necessary?

If you’ve been playing sports for a long time and have never suffered any significant physical injuries then you may question whether or not it’s necessary to get a custom-made sports mouthguards from Leeds City Dentalcare. The answer is definitely yes, as according to the British Orthodontic Society, between 13% and 39% of all dental injuries are sports related, and approximately 25% of children in the UK will injure and possibly lose a front tooth at some stage during their sporting career at school. If you have private dental insurance then you might find they won’t pay out if a sports injury occurs while not wearing a proper mouthguard.

Sports Mouthguards and Braces

Children who wear fixed braces are recommended to wear a mouthguard over their brace to avoid suffering any lacerations to the mouth from the brace. In this instance a fixed brace can offer quite a lot of protection and support to the teeth, so the whole purpose of a sports mouthguard is to protect the oral tissues or soft tissues of the mouth from the hard parts of the brace.

Dr. David S Brown

What are CEREC Restorations?

You may already know about CEREC, or might have heard it mentioned when visiting Leeds City Dentalcare, but what exactly are these types of restorations and why are they so good? CEREC is a restoration that can be completed in just one visit to our Leeds surgery. This treatment can be used for crowns, veneers and inlays and onlays. It’s not something that is available everywhere, and it does use some pretty high-tech equipment. It is the perfect way to have a new porcelain restoration fitted really quickly, as normally these types of restorations take at least two weeks to complete.

How Does This Technology Work?

Your tooth will need to be prepared by Dr David Brown or another of our dentists here in our Leeds surgery in exactly the same way as it would for a normal restoration. Once your tooth is prepared the usual procedure would be to take an impression of your mouth, but in the case of CEREC restorations we simply take a digital image using a specialised camera. This image is converted into a computerised model which is used by our dentists in Leeds to design your restoration. The next step is to send this information to a milling machine which is right here in our Leeds surgery. Your new tooth is milled out of a single block of ceramic material, a process that can take up to half an hour to complete. The ceramic block is pre-shaded and will have been matched to your existing teeth. Once the milling machine has completed your new restoration then it will be finished and stained by our dentists before being polished or glazed to give a very natural looking false tooth. The final result is a precision made restoration that will exactly fit your prepared tooth, and which can then be cemented into place.

Advantages of Choosing a CEREC Restoration

The main advantage of choosing this type of restoration has to be its sheer speed. It is perfect if you need a replacement tooth in a hurry, especially as you’ll only need to visit our Leeds surgery the once. Another advantage is that you’ll only need to have one anaesthetic injection to complete the treatment, and you will not need to put up with temporary restorations that can sometimes fall out. CEREC restorations are excellent for certain cases, especially for inlays and onlays, or for crowns that are relatively near the back of the mouth.

When is it Better to Choose a Traditional Restoration?

There’s little doubt that CEREC restorations can be extremely good, but there are certain occasions when we may recommend patients go for more traditional restorations that require two or more weeks to complete. This might seem strange, especially given the fact that most people want to complete their dental treatment as quickly as possible, but traditional restorations can sometimes offer much more versatility. For example if you are having restorations on your front teeth you may be better off opting for traditional crowns or veneers. The reason for this lies in the way they are constructed. CEREC crowns and veneers are milled from a single block of material that only consists of one shade. In comparison a traditionally constructed crown or veneer will contain many different shades of porcelain that are able to replicate a natural tooth more fully. Each case is obviously different, and this is something we’ll discuss with you when you visit our Leeds surgery.

Dr. David S Brown

Dental Implants or a Dental Bridge? Which Is Best?

Losing a tooth is always upsetting, but luckily there are different options for replacing it, including a dental implant or a three unit fixed dental bridge. Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and both procedures are offered here at Leeds City Dentalcare.

Dental Implants at Leeds City Dentalcare

A dental implant functions a little like an artificial tooth root. Dr David Brown or another of our dentists will insert a titanium post into your jawbone during a small surgical procedure. After this it’s likely the implant will need several months to heal and integrate with the bone. This is a process called osseointegration whereby new bone cells will grow on and around the surface of the titanium post which has been specially treated to aid this process.

Advantages of Dental Implants

One of the advantages of choosing a dental implant is the fact that it does replicate a natural tooth root and can help preserve the bone in your jaw. It’s also a very good treatment as it doesn’t affect the teeth adjacent to the gap. This procedure can be long-lasting if cared for properly.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

The major disadvantage of having a dental implant is that the cost can be more expensive than having a dental bridge, even though in the longer term it may be more cost effective. A dental implant also requires more planning, and you’ll need to visit our Leeds surgery several times to complete the treatment. It can also be a longer procedure than having a dental bridge as the implant does require time to heal before a permanent tooth can be placed.

Fixed Bridges at Leeds City Dentalcare

A three unit fixed dental bridge involves having the teeth either side of the missing tooth ground down to make room for crowns. These crowns are then attached to a pontic which is a false tooth, and which replaces the missing tooth. A three unit bridge can be made out of several different materials, but the best results will be obtained through having an all ceramic bridge.

Advantages of Fixed Bridges

The advantage of having a fixed bridge is that it is treatment that can be completed in a relatively short space of time. It is less expensive than having a dental implant, and provides reasonably good aesthetic results.

Disadvantages of Fixed Bridges

The main disadvantage of having a fixed bridge is that it does require some material to be removed from the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Although the treatment is cheaper in the short term it lacks the longevity of dental implants. A fixed dental bridge will not do anything to help preserve the bone in the jaw.

Ultimately of course the choice is yours, but it’s something you can always discuss with any of our Leeds Dentist in our Leeds surgery. Dental implants are definitely a better long-term choice, but this treatment isn’t always suitable for everyone. Again this is something to discuss during your initial consultation with Dr David Brown or another of our dentists. We always recommend preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible, and the best way to do this is through having a dental implant that doesn’t have any impact on adjacent teeth.

Dr. David S Brown

Diet And the Role It Plays in Oral Health

While it’s important to see dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare at regular intervals for check-ups and professional cleanings, and to make sure you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly each day, your oral health can also be affected by your diet. A nutritionally sound diet will not only benefit your general health, but will also ensure teeth are formed correctly, and that oral health can be maintained.

Diet and Its Role in Tooth Decay

Most people will be well aware that eating too many sugary foods is bad for their teeth, but may not be quite sure why this is and how sugar and other foods may increase the risk of tooth decay. The reasons lie in the way tooth decay develops. The crown of the tooth which is the part that is exposed in the mouth is covered with a layer of protective enamel. Dental enamel is one of the hardest substances in nature, but in spite of this it is still susceptible to wear and tear. If you eat something sugary or something full of carbohydrates that’s likely to stick to the teeth, such as crisps, then the plaque bacteria naturally present in your mouth will begin to feed on the left overs.

Plaque bacteria create a sticky film you can sometimes feel on your teeth at the end of the day, and they produce acids as a by-product of feeding. These acids attack the tooth enamel causing minerals and other essential elements such as phosphate and calcium to be leached out of the tooth. This leads to the enamel becoming softer and more likely to be eroded away. Some of these minerals are redeposited back into the tooth surfaces once the pH levels in the mouth become less acidic, but some will be lost permanently. Repeated attacks by these acids will lead to greater levels of erosion. One of the first signs that this may be happening is noticing your teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold foods, something that patients as our Leeds surgery often complain about.

Small Modifications to Your Diet Can Help Lessen the Risk of Tooth Decay

Obviously cutting down on sugary foods will help, as will cutting down on the number of snacks in between meals. Every time you eat something your mouth will become more acidic and these acids will gradually erode away your tooth enamel. Sticking to regular meals, and ending the meal with something that isn’t so sweet, such as cheese or crunchy fruits and vegetables that have a high water content will help. It’ll also help if you avoid eating too many foods that are naturally acidic such as strawberries, tomatoes and citrus fruits. You may also want to drink plain water after a meal, or to rinse out your mouth with tap water as this will help to wash away any excess pieces of food, and will reduce the acidity in your mouth.

Fluoride and Its Role in Reducing Tooth Decay

While modifications to your diet can help, so can using good quality toothpaste containing fluoride. The effect of fluoride on teeth is topical as it helps to make the tooth enamel more resistant to acid erosion. It also helps to re-calcify tooth surfaces that have been softened during an acid attack. If you are more susceptible towards tooth decay then you may want to incorporate a fluoride mouthwash into your daily routine. These are all things you can discuss with Dr David Brown or any of our dental staff here in our Leeds surgery.

Dr. David S Brown

What are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are also called aphthous ulcers and are ulcers that can be very uncomfortable. They can occur on the tongue, right at the back of your mouth, or inside your cheeks. There are two different types of canker sores that we see at our Leeds surgery, which are:

Simple canker sores that occur two or three times a year and only last a week. This type is most commonly found in people aged between 10 and 20.
Complex canker sores can be more problematic. They are less common and tend to occur in people who have had them before.

Causes of Canker Sores

The exact reason as to why canker sores appear isn’t really known, but it’s thought to be partly due to stress, or possibly to the oral tissues becoming injured. Some people find that certain types of foods can trigger an attack, or can make existing canker sores worse. These include acidic fruits and vegetables such as oranges and lemons, tomatoes and pineapples. The problem can also arise if you have an ill-fitting dental appliance such as a denture or an orthodontic brace.

Sometimes complex canker sores may be due to some other underlying health problem such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease, or having a compromised immune system. They may also be due to nutritional problems such as having a folic acid or iron deficiency, or being deficient in zinc or vitamin B-12.

Patients at Leeds City Dentalcare often ask if canker sores are the same thing as cold sores, and the answer is no as they are quite different. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are very contagious. They also occur outside the mouth, usually on the lips or on the central portion of the face. In contrast canker sores occur on the inside of the mouth.

Common symptoms of canker sores include:

Noticing a burning or tingling sensation before the canker sore actually appears
Developing a painful or sore area inside your mouth
Developing sores that look white or grey in colour, and which may have a red border

Some people also feel feverish or sluggish, and their lymph nodes may swell up.

Getting Treatment for Canker Sores at Leads City Dentalcare

Most people find their canker sores will begin to clear up on their own after a few days, and will be completely gone within a week or two. However if you find your canker sores are persistent then you may want to make an appointment to see Dr David Brown or another dentist in Leeds surgery. We might be able to prescribe you something to help reduce the pain and irritation, and we may also prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash.

You should definitely call our dentist Leeds for advice if you think your canker sores look especially large or that they are spreading. Contact us if you notice your sores last longer than three weeks, or if you’re finding the pain intolerable in spite of taking over-the-counter painkillers. We’ll also want to see you if you develop a high fever during an attack, or if you find you have difficulty in drinking sufficient fluids.

Reducing the Frequency of Canker Sores

There isn’t any known cure for canker sores, and many people do find they reoccur. However there may be some things you can try to help reduce their frequency. These include:

Avoiding foods you think may trigger and attack such as spicy foods and acidic fruits and vegetables
Avoiding chewing gum
Using a soft bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth, and being sure toothbrush after meals and floss daily as this will help keep your teeth and gums free from food which might trigger an attack

Dr. David S Brown

The Connection Between Heart Disease and Gum Disease

Many people in Leeds may be concerned about keeping their heart healthy, and probably think the best way to do this is to keep fit, eat healthily and maybe visit their doctor at regular intervals. While all these things will undoubtedly help, so will visiting Leeds City Dentalcare at regular intervals for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Clinical Studies into the Link between Heart Disease and Gum Disease

There have been a number of clinical studies into the connection between heart disease and oral health, in particular gum disease. Although the link between the two conditions isn’t yet clear, it is intriguing. It’s been found that people with periodontal disease (the advanced form of gum disease) are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease. This may be due to the fact that gum disease is a bacterial infection. As it progresses it causes the gums to begin pulling away from the teeth, creating open wounds in the mouth.

These provide the perfect entry point for bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream. From there they are able to travel freely around the body, and can attach to the fatty deposits in the blood vessels around the heart, creating fatty plaques. This can increase the risk of blood clots, and therefore the risk of heart attacks. Another theory lies in the body’s own response against bacterial infection which is to create inflammation or swelling. It’s thought that as these bacteria travel through the bloodstream they could trigger this immune response, causing inflammation that may mean the blood cells begin to swell. As they swell the arteries could narrow, increasing the risk of clots developing.

It’s thought that common dental problems including the early signs of gum disease Leeds (gingivitis), missing teeth and cavities could be nearly as good at helping health experts to predict heart disease as checking cholesterol levels.

Protecting Your Heart through Excellent Dental Care

Protecting yourself against periodontal disease could be a valuable tool in helping to lower the risk of developing heart disease. An important part of this is to make sure your daily oral health regime is the very best it can be through twice-daily brushing, and flossing once a day. If you are unsure of whether or not you’re brushing and flossing correctly, then ask Dr David Brown or another dentist Leeds for advice. You’ll also find all our hygienists are more than willing to give you a demonstration on how to brush and floss correctly. Leeds City Dentalcare also recommends that patients visit us every six months or so for check-ups and professional cleanings. Having all the hardened plaque bacteria removed from your teeth will help lessen the risk of any infection and inflammation, keeping your gums in the peak of health.

If you do have any signs of gum disease, or have periodontal disease then it’s well worth taking action to try and clear up this condition or to at least keep it in check. Heart disease is obviously very serious and is not something to be taken lightly. If something as simple as improving your oral health can help lessen the risk of developing this condition than it has to be worthwhile. If you haven’t visited the dentist for a while and would like a regular check-up and cleaning then please give Leeds City Dentalcare a call to arrange an appointment.