Did you know tooth decay is one of the most common diseases, and is only beaten by the common cold? Most people will require at least one filling during their lifetime, but is it possible to prevent it?

There are various strategies you can take to try to prevent tooth decay, and this is something that we can help you with at Leeds City Dentalcare. Not everyone has the same risk of developing tooth decay, but this can change over time. It can be influenced by a number of different factors such as the number of bad bacteria in the mouth, whether or not sufficient saliva is produced, and dietary habits.

Healthy habits that help prevent tooth decay include having a nutritionally sound diet, producing sufficient amounts of saliva, and quite possibly the use of dental sealants to seal the chewing surfaces of back teeth, and the use of topical fluoride or antibacterial agents in the form of a mouthwash if required.

Strategies to Help Keep Your Teeth Free from Decay

Maintaining a healthy diet will help considerably, as your teeth will receive all the nutrients they require to stay healthy and strong, and will be less likely to be exposed to harmful foods. Sweet and sticky foods will tend to stick to the teeth for long periods of time and this can greatly increase the chance of tooth decay. The reason for this is that it will provide plenty of food for the harmful bacteria in your mouth, and these will reward you by producing acids that will attack your teeth, softening the tooth enamel. Your mouth becomes more acidic for up to an hour after eating, and this is one of the reasons why it’s important not to snack too frequently on unhealthy foods.

Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day without fail will also help tremendously. It’s all too easy to underestimate the need to floss every day, but it is essential as the contact areas in between your teeth are prone towards developing decay. This is due to the fact that they trap food, allowing the harmful bacteria in your mouth to thrive. You need to floss right down to and just below the gum line, and if you find this difficult it’s worth asking Dr. David Brown or any of the dental staff at our Leeds surgery for help and advice. You’d be surprised how much easier it can be with just a few simple tips and a quick demonstration.

Children and teenagers, and anyone who doesn’t have any cavities in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, may be able to have dental sealants applied. Sealants are excellent at helping to prevent decay in these vulnerable chewing surfaces, but can only be applied to teeth that do not have any fillings.

Visiting Leeds City Dentalcare for regular checks and a scale and polish will allow our dentist in Leeds to pick up the very early signs of decay before they even cause you any nasty symptoms. Preventative dental care is something that we take very seriously as we would far rather keep your teeth healthy and free from fillings for as long as possible.

You’re probably already well aware of the need to look after your teeth on a daily basis through brushing and flossing, and the need to visit Leeds City Dentalcare regularly for checkups and cleanings. But nutrition is also an important part of having great teeth and is essential right throughout your life.

Nutrition during Pregnancy

It’s important for the mother to have good nutrition as the baby teeth begin forming just six weeks into pregnancy, and they begin mineralising between the third and fourth months. The mother’s diet must contain all the essential nutrients, but especially protein, calcium and phosphorus. A nutritionally deficient diet could cause defects in the tooth development and may affect the salivary flow and composition. It’s been shown that being deficient in protein and taking in too few calories, and being deficient in vitamins A, C, D and iodine can all affect the development of teeth. This development can also be affected by an excess of fluoride and of vitamin D. Dr. David Brown or any of the dentist in Leeds can offer mothers-to-be dental care and advice.

Nutrition for Children and Teenagers

Children’s teeth will continue to develop right throughout childhood and into their early teens when the permanent teeth erupt. It’s essential they have a healthy diet, as all the tissues in the body are constantly growing and need essential nutrients to support new growth and development. Having a healthy diet will ensure the teeth mineralise sufficiently and that growth of teeth and bones is correct. At this stage in their life the teeth are also affected by an excess intake of sugars, particularly as so many are hidden in everyday foods and drinks. Children’s permanent back teeth can be protected against decay through the use of dental sealants, and this is something we can provide here at Leeds City Dentalcare.

Nutrition during Adulthood

Adults may have finished growing but it’s still important to have a good diet so the body is able to maintain itself, especially in respect of connective tissues and bones. Adults are more at risk of developing periodontal disease (gum disease) and certain prescription medications can increase this risk by prompting dry mouth, where not enough saliva is produced to keep the mouth clean in between twice-daily brushing. Most adults are recommended to visit our Leeds surgery every six months for a check-up and a scale and polish.

Older Adults

The challenges faced by older adults can also affect their oral health as this generation are more likely to be on prescription medications that increase the risk of cavities and gum disease through creating dry mouth. Older adults can often find that appetite declines, and this can affect nutritional health. This issue can be made worse if any or all of the teeth are missing, and it can make it difficult to eat many foods that are important for a healthy diet.

Leeds City Dentalcare is able to offer preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Leeds for the whole family, from before a child is born right up until old age. This preventative dental care can help teeth last a lifetime, while teeth that are missing can be replaced with dental implants or other restorations such as bridges.

Why Treat Receding Gums?

It is important to treat receding gums as this condition can be caused by some underlying infection, and it could be that you require treatment from Leeds City Dentalcare for gum disease. Treating receding gums will help halt the progression of the disease, and is something that can be done in several different ways, depending on the severity of the infection.

Receding gums can also look less than attractive, so halting the recession is definitely preferable as it will help you to maintain a gum line that is more aesthetically pleasing. Gums that fit tightly around the teeth and which are healthy are easier to keep clean as you are less likely to get plaque and other debris stuck in the pockets that may form around the teeth. Healthy gums have pockets of between0 mm and 3 mm.

Treating receding gums is very important as it will help stop the decline of gum tissue. If your gums are diseased then it’s highly likely that the bacterial infection will eventually attack the ligaments responsible for holding your teeth firmly in position in the socket. If these ligaments are lost then your teeth are likely to become loose.

Receding gums can also expose the root of the tooth and this is covered in a layer of material called cementum. This is much softer than tooth enamel and is far more easily worn away, leaving the tooth at risk of developing decay.

Treatment for Receding Gums

If your gum recession is relatively mild then it might be possible to treat it with a simple scale and polish, but it’s probably more likely that your gums will require deep cleaning. This is a routine procedure that’s also called scaling and planing. The purpose of the treatment is to remove the plaque and tartar that have built up on the tooth and on any areas of exposed root. The area just below the gum line is then smoothed as this makes it far more difficult for the plaque bacteria to gain a foothold. This will help your gums to heal and will hopefully shrink the size of any gum pockets. This treatment is suitable for gum pockets have the depth of up to 5 mm.

If your gums have been more extensively damaged then you may require periodontal surgery for gum surgery. This can include measures to reduce the depth of the pockets and to clean out areas containing bacteria. There are various ways the lost gum tissue can be regenerated, as well as the bone and ligaments holding your teeth in place. It’s even possible to have gum tissue grafted onto affected areas, and this is generally grafted from another section in your mouth.

Preventing Gum Recession

Obviously it’s better to try and prevent gum recession, and this is one of the reasons why we recommend patients visit our Leeds surgery at regular intervals. Dentist Leeds will be able to assess your gums to make sure there are no signs of disease, and anything we do find is likely to be in the very early stages, enabling us to treat it before it can cause extensive damage. You can also help yourself by making sure you look after your teeth and gums at home, and by brushing them using a soft bristle toothbrush. Healthy gums also need a healthy diet, as they need certain nutrients for healing and maintenance. If you smoke it is best to quit as this increases your chances of getting gum disease. If you have any other conditions such as teeth grinding that may affect your gums then it’s well worth seeing Dr. David Brown or another of our dentists for advice on how to correct this problem.

Have you looked in the mirror recently and thought your teeth looked longer than before? If so then you may have gum recession. This is where the gum tissues around your teeth begin to pull back or to pull away so that more of the crown of the tooth is exposed. Eventually this recession may expose the root of the tooth. This recession can create pockets around the base of the tooth as the gum tissue become loose, and you may notice dark triangles appearing in between the teeth in areas that were previously filled with gum tissue.

Gum recession is something that can take place very gradually, and one of the first signs that it is occurring can be noticing your teeth seem extra sensitive whenever you eat or drink hot and cold foods, and this is a common symptom amongst patients at Leeds City Dentalcare.

What are the Common Causes of Gum Recession?

• Receding gums are often a sign of some underlying problem, in particular gum disease. Healthy gums are pink in colour, and should feel firm when you touch them. They may look slightly stippled like the surface of an orange. Unhealthy gums will look slightly swollen, and may appear to be a darker colour than before due to bacterial infection. This infection can destroy the gum tissue, the ligaments holding your teeth in place, and even the surrounding bone.
• Gum recession may simply be down to your genetics, as some people are unfortunate enough to be more susceptible towards developing gum disease than others. If you have a family history of gum disease or tooth loss, in spite of good dental care, then it may be worth your while contacting Dr. David Brown or another of our dentists in Leeds for advice.
• Brushing your teeth too aggressively can eventually wear away the gum tissue, and it may cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. You don’t need to brush your teeth very hard to remove the soft layer of dental plaque that builds up over the course of each day.
• Poor dental care can also result in gum recession, as failing to remove dental plaque each day will allow it to harden into a substance called calculus or tartar. This is very hard and can only be removed by having your teeth professionally scaled by your dentist in Leeds.
• Women may be more susceptible towards receding gums due to hormonal changes that take place throughout the course of a lifetime. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, the menopause and during pregnancy can increase the sensitivity of the gums towards plaque bacteria, and may also increase the body’s reaction towards infection, which will increase the amount of inflammation. Much of the destruction caused by gum disease is due to inflammation.
• Smokers are more likely to get gum disease and smoking increases the risk of dental plaque building up on the teeth and gums. Smoking also makes it harder for the body to fight off any infections such as gum disease.
• Teeth grinding or clenching your teeth can also affect the gums as it places additional pressure on the gum tissues.
• If your teeth are wonky and don’t meet together evenly than this can create additional pressure on certain teeth, causing the gums to recede.

Leeds City Dental care offers treatment for gum disease and for other conditions that can create gum recession. If you think your gums may be receding than it’s worth booking a dental check-up at our Leeds surgery so we can work out a treatment plan to help stop the recession and return your gums to health.

Many people will develop some degree of gum disease during their lifetime, but some are more at risk than others, especially at certain points in life. Gum disease is an infectious condition that affects the gums, and the early stages are called gingivitis (the gingiva is the gum membrane or tissue covering the root area of the tooth). If the early signs of gingivitis are missed or ignored there is the possibility that it will develop into periodontal disease.

The word periodontium refers to gums and all the supporting structures, including the gingiva, the sulcus which is the point at which the tooth meets the gum, the surface of the tooth root, the connective tissue holding the tooth in place, and the alveolar bone which is the bone that supports the tooth sockets and the teeth. Periodontitis can destroy these structures, resulting in the loss of teeth.

Periodontal disease tends to affect people over the age of thirty five, but it can develop in anyone, which is why Leeds City Dentalcare is so keen on preventative dental care. People who are more at risk of developing this condition include:

• Tobacco users or smokers
• People who have a poor diet
• Women during puberty, the menopause and pregnancy
• Some people are more genetically disposed towards developing gum disease
• Certain illnesses, in particular systemic illnesses (illnesses that affect the whole body) increase the risk
• Certain medications prescribed to treat some conditions increase the likelihood of gum disease

Anyone who smokes is more at risk as smoking affects the gums and the alveolar bone. Smokers are more likely to have receding gums, and smoking can mask some of the early symptoms of the disease as the gums may not bleed when brushed.

The gums need a certain level of nutrients in order to stay healthy, as vitamins and minerals aid healing and help the body to fight off infections such as gum disease. Someone who does not eat well, or who is malnourished is more at risk of developing gum disease.

The hormonal changes experienced by women at certain periods during their lifetime can increase their risk. This is because these changes can increase the sensitivity of the gum tissue towards plaque bacteria (bacteria that cause gum disease), and can increase the body’s reaction, leading to more inflammation in the gums. This inflammation is the body’s way of trying to fight off infection, but can be very destructive.

Systemic illnesses such as diabetes increase the risk of periodontal disease, and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Diabetes causes the blood vessels to narrow so they cannot transport nutrients to the gums so easily. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the amount of glucose in the saliva, providing additional food for plaque bacteria.

Some prescription medications influence the production of saliva, making the mouth drier. Dry mouth increases the risk of gum disease as saliva helps to keep the mouth clean and free from disease.

If you think you may be more at risk then it is worth talking to Dr David Brown or another of our dentist in Leeds. They will be able to advise you as to whether or not you need additional check-ups and cleanings. They can also show you the best way to look after your teeth and gums at home, so you can help avoid the risk of gum disease.

Everyone’s risk of developing tooth decay will be slightly different and can depend on a number of factors. If you’re already a regular patient at Leeds City Dental care then it is likely to be something that Dr David Brown or another of our dentists has already identified and discussed with you. There are various signs they will be looking out for that may indicate you are at increased risk, and these include:

• Having had a cavity within the last three years
• Having decay that is visible to the naked eye
• Having decay that can only be detected through dental x-rays
• Having early signs of lesions in the contact areas between your teeth

Risk Factors associated with Tooth Decay

There are also quite a few risk factors associated with tooth decay. One is having visible signs of dental plaque. This is a biofilm that forms over the surface of the teeth, especially when they haven’t been cleaned properly for a while. If there’s sufficient plaque to be visible then it’s present in a large quantity, and as plaque bacteria produce acid, the mouth will be more acidic and more at risk of tooth decay as the acid attack the tooth enamel, softening it and making it more vulnerable.

Another well-known risk factor is having a dry mouth that is caused by inadequate saliva flow. Saliva is extremely helpful in helping to protect the teeth against tooth decay as it has the ability to neutralise acids and helps to wash away plaque bacteria and particles of leftover food. It’s something that can be caused by medications, or it may be due to another disease such as diabetes.

People who like to snack frequently, especially on acidic foods or foods that are high in sugars or refined carbohydrates are more at risk of tooth decay. This is because constant snacking lowers the pH levels in the mouth. This is due to the acids produced by plaque bacteria that use leftover food as an energy source.

Wearing dental appliances increases the risk of tooth decay as these devices tend to restrict the flow of saliva, hindering its ability to wash away food and plaque. Dental appliances can easily trap plaque and food debris.

Having deep pits and fissures in the chewing surfaces of your back teeth will also increase the risk of decay. This is one reason why Leeds City Dentalcare recommends that teenagers have their adult back teeth protected with dental sealants as soon as they erupt. Some of these fissures and grooves can be extremely deep and very difficult to clean.

Additional risk factors can include having anorexia or bulimia or having acid reflux, as all these conditions can increase acidity in the mouth.

Restoring the Odds in Your Favour

If you are at increased risk of tooth decay then there are lots of things you can do to help decrease the chances of cavities. Regular dental care and cosmetic dentistry in Leeds surgery is essential, as are professional teeth cleanings. These help to remove hardened plaque bacteria from your teeth so they cannot continue creating acidic conditions in your mouth. Regular dental care at home is also very important. Making sure you brush your teeth diligently and that you floss in between each tooth will help considerably, as the contact areas in between the teeth are particularly prone towards decay. Our dentist in Leeds will recommend additional fluoride treatments if necessary as these can help to harden the tooth enamel.

Most people are concerned about having bad breath, and tongue cleaners are marketed as a way of helping to freshen up breath through removing excess debris and bacteria that can build up on the tongue. But are they really necessary? Apparently some dental experts think they’re not, and are not convinced that using one will help improve breath.

What Is the Theory behind Using a Tongue Cleaner?

The tongue does have lots of tiny little ridges and bumps which can create the ideal environment for bacteria and leftover particles of food. Tongue cleaners are small plastic devices that can be dragged gently across the surface of the tongue to help remove much of this debris. However the same effects may be achieved through using a toothbrush once you have finished brushing your teeth. It is something that is down to personal preference, and using a tongue cleaner or scraper will not do any harm, provided of course you don’t use it too roughly, and may help your tongue look less furry. So what can you do if you think you may have bad breath?

If You Are Concerned About Bad Breath Then Visit Your Dentist in Leeds

If you are concerned your breath may be less than fresh then you may be overdue for a check-up, and it’s worth booking an appointment with our dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare to find out if your halitosis is due to a dental problem. There are a number of different things that can cause bad breath.

The most common reason is simply down to something you have eaten, and if this is the case then your bad breath will be fairly temporary. When you eat certain foods than they are absorbed into your bloodstream and are eventually exhaled through the lungs, causing halitosis. In this case there is simply nothing else to do but to wait it out and try to mask the effects through using sugar-free mints and chewing gum.

Bad breath can also be caused by poor oral hygiene. Failure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day will allow bacteria to congregate around your teeth and gums, and on your tongue. Small particles of food will remain trapped in between your teeth and will gradually begin to rot, and when combined with the bacteria will create sulphurous compounds that really don’t smell too good.

If your halitosis is caused by simple inattention to hygiene than it’s worth taking action to put it right. Having your teeth professionally cleaned at our cosmetic dentistry Leeds will help remove much of the bacteria, providing the foundation for good oral care at home. If you already brush your teeth regularly then ask our dental team or Dr David Brown for tips and advice on how to improve your technique. It’s all too easy to become complacent when you brush your teeth, and to miss out areas allowing the bacteria to begin building up. We know a lot of our patients hate flossing, but we can show you different ways to floss, or can advise you on different tools to try.

Failure to improve your oral health will put you at risk of developing far more serious conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay. It’s far easier and cheaper to look after the teeth you have than to have to pay to replace them.

Adverts for mouthwash are everywhere, promising fresher breath and a healthier smile. But do you really need to use mouthwash after brushing your teeth thoroughly or is it all simply hype? A recent ad for a famous brand of mouthwash was condemned by the Advertising Standards Agency for making a claim that could be considered misleading as the company involved couldn’t substantiate the claims made. However a recent clinical study found that mouthwash might slightly reduce the risk of developing gum disease, but dental experts are quite sceptical and think using mouthwash regularly will only reduce the risk of developing oral diseases by a very small amount, and that the most important thing is to brush twice a day and to floss once a day. Using mouthwash could also create complacency, as some people may believe that it is a replacement for brushing.

It is true that using mouthwash can help freshen up your breath, but the effects will only be temporary and could be helping to mask some underlying problem. Bad breath can be caused by dental decay or gum disease in Leeds so if you think you may be offending others then it’s probably time to make an appointment for a check-up at our Leeds surgery. Bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene, as failing to brush and floss thoroughly will allow small particles of food remaining in your mouth to gradually rot and decay, causing noxious odours. Occasionally halitosis may be due to some other medical reason, so it is important to visit dentist in Leeds to rule out any dental related cause.

Sometimes It May Be Beneficial to Use Mouthwash

If Dr David Brown or any of the dentists here at Leeds City Dentalcare believe you may benefit from using the mouthwash then we will definitely tell you. There are times when using a mouthwash may be beneficial, such as after oral surgery or if you are currently undergoing treatment for gum disease or other dental diseases. In this case we will probably recommend you use a good-quality antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash. It may also be beneficial to use a mouthwash containing fluoride if your teeth are particularly prone towards dental erosion. If you have any other diseases such as dry mouth then using mouthwash could make it more comfortable.

Mouthwash Isn’t a Modern Invention

Apparently we have been worrying about having bad breath for many years, as people have made rinses from a number of different substances including betel leaves and even from myrrh that has been rather unappealingly dissolved in white wine. In the 19th century the surgeon Sir Joseph Lister invented his famous mouthwash that was originally developed as an antiseptic for use during surgery.

Modern mouthwashes can contain a number of different ingredients, and most contain alcohol and artificial colourings and sweeteners. If you do want to use a mouthwash then it’s worth looking out for one that is alcohol free, especially if you have young children who could inadvertently think it’s something nice to drink. It’s also important to follow the instructions on the bottle and to refrain from swallowing it.

The latest statistics show that three million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, and this equates to 4.6% of the population. There is no doubt that it is a serious condition that can affect the whole body. It is also well-known for its negative impact on oral health, and a recent US study has found that the rate of tooth loss is greater in people with diabetes. The results of the study showed that diabetics were twice as likely to lose all of their teeth compared to those without the condition. Some 28% of diabetics had lost all their teeth compared to 14% of people without diabetes.

Tooth loss can be a real problem for older people, and is frequently down to long-term gum disease and untreated tooth decay. These conditions can affect anyone, but the study found that diabetics who had lost some of their teeth had lost an average of ten, compared to non-diabetics who had lost an average of seven. So what can you do if you have diabetes? Does it automatically mean you will go on to lose all your teeth?

Ask Leeds City Dentalcare for Help and Advice

Living with diabetes does mean you need to take more care with your dental health, and Dr David Brown, or any of the dental staff at Leeds City Dentalcare will be more than willing to help and to offer advice on the best way to do this based on your personal situation and your current level of dental health.

Gum disease can be a particular problem, but preventative dental care can do a lot to help. You may need to come and see us more often for check-ups, and we may well recommend you visit the hygienist more frequently for a scale and polish. These are great preventative measures that will enable us to detect any sings of gum disease or tooth decay early on, when treatment can be far more effective and less invasive. If we do see any signs that you may be developing gum disease then we can act quickly to hopefully cure it or at least hold in in check.

Why is it Important to Avoid Gum Disease

Gum disease is the main reason teeth are lost, so avoiding this condition is important for everyone, but particularly for diabetics. There has been a lot of research into the connection between the two diseases, and although it isn’t fully understood just yet, it is thought to be due to the fact that both are inflammatory conditions.

Gum disease in Leeds creates inflammation in the gum tissues, which in turn causes the gums to begin bleeding, something that allows bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream the bacteria are able to create new sites of inflammation in the blood vessels that it is thought makes it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to higher levels of glucose in the saliva, which in turn provides food for the bacteria present in the mouth, allowing them to thrive and increasing the risk of infection and inflammation in the gum tissues. In addition diabetics are less able to heal, so it can be more difficult to treat gum disease effectively.

It is not really known if having gum disease increases the risk of diabetes, or vice versa, but it is clear that having good dental health is important for everyone, but especially for diabetics. If you are diabetic, or are at risk of developing diabetes then it is worth talking to dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare so we can put an appropriate treatment plan in place.

There are some interesting myths about dental care flying around, and we definitely hear about quite a few here at Leeds City Dentalcare so we just thought we put the record straight on a few of them.

White Teeth Are Healthier Than Discoloured Teeth

One really common myth is that white teeth are healthier than teeth that look yellow or discoloured. In fact tooth colour has nothing to do with their health, and teeth that are naturally yellow can be healthier than teeth that look naturally white. It’s all down to how well you look after your teeth, as regular dental care through check-ups with Dr David Brown or another of our dentists, combined with regular visits to our hygienist are essential. It’s also important to brush your teeth twice a day and to floss once a day.

Even so teeth naturally darken as you age, and although avoiding certain foods and drinks that are particularly highly coloured such as tea, coffee and red wine and curries or tomato-based sauces will help keep them whiter for longer, you may find you have perfectly healthy teeth that are darker than you’d like. Luckily a healthy mouth is likely to be the perfect candidate for teeth whitening, so if you’d prefer your teeth look whiter then why not ask Leeds City Dentalcare if this treatment will work well for you?

Avoiding Sweets, Cakes and Fizzy Drinks and Chocolate Will Keep My Teeth Healthy

While it’s true that these foods can be high in sugar, and if eaten in excess will be bad for your teeth and general health, there are also lots of other foods that are regarded as being healthy that can cause tooth decay. For instance dried fruit is considered to be very healthy, but it can be pretty high in sugar, and even worse has a tendency to stick to your teeth increasing the damage. Foods such as fruit juice and honey are high in natural sugars, and fruit juice can be quite acidic and may contribute towards tooth erosion. If you do want to enjoy any of these foods then it’s best to limit the amount you eat, to consume them as part of a meal and to make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day to remove any pieces that may be stuck in between your teeth.

There’s No Need to Brush Milk Teeth

Milk teeth may be replaced within a few short years but is still essential to look after them properly and to make sure they are brushed twice a day and flossed once a day. Milk teeth have several important functions as they help children learn to speak clearly and properly, and to eat a varied diet. They also ensure the adult teeth come through in the correct position so it’s important they aren’t lost too early. Getting children into the habit of cleaning their teeth properly early on in life will help set them on the path to look after their adult teeth properly, something that is vital if they are to enjoy lifelong oral health.

These are just a few of the common myths surrounding dental care. If you are ever unsure of any facts about oral health then please do ask our dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare for advice. No question is too small or too trivial!