Could Cosmetic Dentistry Help Improve Your Career Prospects?

A recent study carried out by Oral-B showed participants thought people with a healthy and attractive smile were more likely to be successful in life compared to those with less appealing teeth. The survey showed that these participants thought people with an attractive smile were more likely to be higher earners compared to those with unhealthy looking teeth. The results of this survey are hardly a surprise as numerous studies have shown the increasing value placed on having a healthy, white and attractive smile. It’s been shown that people think this can improve career prospects, and can even increase the chances of finding the love of your life.

It’s tempting to disregard such studies as it can be uncomfortable to think that someone’s chances of happiness and career success are linked to the way they look. However most of us make up our minds about another person within just a few minutes of meeting them, so first impressions do matter. In addition most people feel more confident and more able to express themselves, and to smile and talk with others when they know their teeth look good. Luckily there are lots of things you can do to help improve the look of your teeth if you’re not particularly happy with their appearance, and many of these treatments are really quite affordable.

Even Minor Alterations to Your Teeth Can Make a Huge Difference

For instance teeth whitening is something that is within the reach of just about everyone and choosing to whiten your teeth professionally by dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare will give you the best and safest results. Nowadays more and more people are opting for a natural looking smile, and you should really be aiming for a colour that isn’t any whiter than the whites of your eyes. This is quite different even compared to just a few years ago when many were looking for the brightest and whitest Hollywood style smile regardless of whether or not it suited their looks and skin tone.

If some of your teeth are crooked then you may want to think about having orthodontic treatment which can not only help to straighten your teeth, but also improve oral health. This is well worth considering if you find you struggle to clean all of your teeth due to them being too crooked or overcrowded. If you’re generally happy with the appearance of your teeth, then you could use dental veneers to straighten them, and it’s a great treatment to use in combination with teeth whitening. Dental veneers are relatively conservative as only a tiny amount of the front surface of the tooth needs to be removed in order to make room for the dental veneer. It’s best to use our home teeth whitening prior to having your dental veneers as this will ensure they can be accurately matched to your newly bleached teeth.

Not everyone wants to have dental veneers, and another option is to simply have some of your teeth bonded. This is a very quick and effective treatment that uses composite resin material to reshape teeth that may be slightly out of alignment, or which may have small defects.

None of these options will break the bank but could make a huge difference to your smile. If you are interested, it’s best to make an appointment to see Dr David Brown or another of our dentists to discuss the different options for cosmetic dentistry in Leeds.

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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Dental Experts Have Suggested Fillings Are Unnecessary for Children

Recent research carried out at the University of Manchester has shown rather worryingly that 40% of five-year-olds in Britain have tooth decay, and a 10% have already had a dental filling. Now it’s being suggested by some dental experts that fillings are unnecessary as a child’s primary teeth will fall out anyway, provided of course that the decay isn’t causing any pain or disruption to daily life. It’s believed that subjecting a child to having a filling could be an unnecessary procedure if they don’t have any symptoms as a result of the tooth decay. The same research shows that just 6% of parents would consider having their child’s tooth filled, and that most would prefer their dentist to monitor the situation to make sure the decay doesn’t progress any further, and to ensure their child isn’t suffering any pain or discomfort.

There aren’t any hard and fast guidelines on treating children with tooth decay as every case is different, and Dr David Brown or whoever is treating your child will make this decision based on the particular circumstances. It is a tricky decision to make, as even though these primary teeth will eventually be lost and replaced with adult teeth, there is a reason why these primary teeth are so necessary.

Primary Teeth Have a Vital Role to Play in Your Child’s Development

These teeth perform a vital role in helping your child to learn to speak normally so they can easily make themselves understood, and they help them to eat a balanced and varied diet which is essential for good nutrition. While having a good diet is vital at any age, it’s especially important that a growing child receives all the necessary nutrients to develop normally. In addition it will help them learn to enjoy a greater number of foods, while in contrast suffering from dental pain due to tooth decay could make them avoid certain foods that are very nutritious but which are harder to chew. Another important reason for helping primary teeth to last as long as possible is that they help maintain the correct spaces for the adult teeth, allowing them to develop normally, increasing the chances that your child will end up with teeth that meet together correctly and that don’t require significant orthodontic treatment.

Preventative Dental Care Is a Far Better Option

There’s little doubt that it can be upsetting for both parent and child to learn that a filling is necessary, so it’s definitely better to practice preventative dental care. This is something that Leeds City Dentalcare can help with, as it is recommended that all children visit our dentist in Leeds before the age of one, or soon after they have their first tooth. You’ll find our dental team is a valuable source of information on how to look after these teeth and how to lessen the risk of cavities. We can show you how to brush and floss these first teeth, and can also give you advice on diet and which foods need to be enjoyed in moderation. For instance fruit juice may seem like a healthy drink but it can be laden with sugar and is best diluted with plain water or simply kept as an occasional treat. Foods that are high in acids and sugars will help to erode the hard layer of tooth enamel that protects your child’s teeth. This makes it much easier for bacteria to attack the teeth and to cause cavities.

If we do notice any sign of enamel erosion that may indicate a cavity is trying to develop, we can monitor the situation and provide advice on helping to prevent this dental erosion from progressing. And also give guidance for preventive and cosmetic dentistry in Leeds. With proper dental care we hope to make sure your child has a healthy smile 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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More Consistent Food Labelling Could Help Improve Oral Health

The British Dental Health Foundation has welcomed the news that food labelling will become more consistent and hopes this will help improve oral health in Britain. The whole idea behind the new labelling system is to enable people to make healthy and informed choices about the food they eat. The system will be coded like traffic-lights and will show nutritional information including the number of calories, fat, salt, saturated fat and sugar content. This will enable people to easily compare similar foods. Major retailers including the big four supermarkets and food manufacturers are to use the consistent labelling system on their packaging.

Poor diet choices are a huge problem for the NHS and are estimated to cost billions of pounds annually. In addition a poor diet can negatively impact oral health. In the past, dentist in Leeds have criticized the amount of hidden sugars in foods, as sugar can be used as a cheap way of bulking out a product. However the chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, has commented that it’s the frequency of sugar consumption that’s of real concern, as more and more people have moved away from the traditional three square meals to a regime of constantly snacking throughout the day. Many of these snacks can contain high levels of sugar.

Why Do Even So-Called ‘Healthy Foods ‘Contain Hidden Sugars?

It’s hoped the public will become more aware of hidden sugars which are often listed under names such as fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose, and cutting down on these substances will help both general and oral hygiene. One of the problems is that manufacturers can add sugar to a product as it helps to disguise a bland taste. This means some products that we tend to consider and being healthy, such as yogurt and cereal, and even fruit flavoured water can contain quite high amounts of sugar. Adding sugar to food can also give it a longer shelf life, especially in the case of foods such as breakfast cereals, tinned vegetables and fruits and bread. This makes it all too easy to eat more sugar than you realise.

Leads City Dentalcare definitely advocates of following a healthy diet that is low in sugar as part of a preventative dental care regime. Preventative dental care is about implementing a great dental care regime at home, combined with a good, healthy diet. This doesn’t mean cutting out everything containing sugar, but rather eating it in moderation, and being sensible about the frequency of snacks in between meals, and of course reading the labels. Patients are encouraged to visit Dr David Brown or another dentist at our Leeds surgery biannually or as often as recommended, and to book an appointment with a hygienist at the same time.

The problems caused by eating an unhealthy diet that contains too much sugar can be far-reaching. It can increase the risk of Type II diabetes, a condition that in turn can affect the whole body, including oral health. Eating too much sugar can also increase the risk of obesity, in turn raising the likelihood of developing heart disease, yet another condition that has been linked with poor oral health.

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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Would You Love a Fresher Look for summer? Ask Us about Dermal Fillers and Botox

It can be hard to look in the mirror sometimes and see a stranger looking back as the years begin to catch up. This can be especially true during the summer months when the light is brighter and harsher. So what can you do if you’d like a fresher look but don’t want to do anything as drastic as undergo the knife? The answer could well lie in the use of dermal fillers and Botox, and both these treatments are available at Leeds City Dentalcare. They offer the perfect compromise between doing nothing and the far more drastic option of plastic surgery. When skilfully done by one of our dentists at our Leeds surgery, Botox or dermal fillers, or maybe a combination of both can help to rejuvenate your looks without making you look dramatically different. You’ll simply end up looking fresher, more relaxed and more approachable.

How do Dermal Fillers and Botox Work?

Botox can have a bit of a reputation for giving some people a somewhat frozen look, but it is something that almost certainly has happened when the product is overused or badly applied. Our dentists only use a tiny fraction of the maximum recommended dosage to merely relax the facial muscles and this is applied in a series of small injections using very fine needles. The overall result should be that you look well rested, and relaxing the muscles around the eyes may even result in them opening up a little more. Botox won’t necessarily erase all your wrinkles but can help to soften them.

As we age the skin naturally loses some of its collagen and fat and begins to look less youthful. Dermal fillers help to replace some of this fullness through plumping up the skin, creating a firmer and smoother appearance. This treatment is very successful in helping to reduce wrinkles around the lips and nose, and can also help to reduce crow’s feet.

Both of these treatments are only temporary, but should last quite a few months before they need topping up. It is a great way to regain some of the fullness and plumpness that is naturally present in younger skin and the results can be a huge boost to self-confidence. It’s the perfect treatment if you’ve got a special event coming up that you’d like to look your very best for. The beauty of having this treatment done at Leeds City Dentalcare is that you’ll get top-notch treatment from highly skilled dentist in Leeds who knows exactly where to place the Botox and dermal fillers. They are able to achieve maximum effects using minimal amounts.

Botox is more than Just a Beauty Treatment

Although Botox is commonly associated with reducing wrinkles it is quite a versatile substance and is often used to treat other ailments. It can be particularly effective at reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines and headaches and other associated symptoms. The reason it’s so successful is that Botox can help to reduce sensitivity through allowing the muscles to relax. If you do suffer from severe headaches and are looking for something that might help reduce these symptoms then it’s well worth contacting Dr David Brown or another of our dentists to see if Botox might help. They’ll also be able to tell you exactly what’s involved with this treatment, and what you can expect to achieve through having Botox injections.

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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Eating Disorders and their Effect on Dental Health

It’s estimated that more than 1 million people in the UK have some sort of eating disorder, and although it can affect anyone at any age it’s most prevalent amongst the 14 to 25 age group. It’s something that’s more likely to affect women and girls as they are up to 10 times more likely to have an eating disorder compared to men or boys. Unfortunately it can be very difficult for people with an eating disorder to discuss it with others, but it can have a hugely detrimental effect on health, including oral health.

Oral Health Changes Caused by Eating Disorders

People with eating disorders are likely to be nutritionally deficient, and without the proper nutrients the gums and soft tissues are likely to bleed more easily and will be less able to heal properly. Eating disorders can also affect the saliva glands as they are more likely to become swollen, and sufferers may experience a condition called dry mouth or xerostomia.

Those who are bulimic and who throw up at frequent intervals are likely to notice changes in their teeth quite quickly. If the strong stomach acids are repeatedly flowing over the teeth then acid erosion will quickly occur, causing tooth enamel to be permanently lost. It is likely the teeth will change shape and may become shorter as they begin to look more worn. The biting edges are likely to become a lot sharper and thinner and may break off or crumble. Teeth can also look darker or almost discoloured and the reason for this is that more of the dentine layer will be exposed. This contains the natural tooth colour and is normally covered by quite a thick layer of enamel, especially in younger people which is the reason why their teeth tend to appear whiter than those of someone older.

If you have an eating disorder then it’s quite likely it will be noticed by our dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare, but you can rest assured you’ll receive sympathetic treatment. Dr David Brown or any of our dentists will do everything possible to help you try to maintain and improve your oral health. We can offer treatment for the effects of acid corrosion on your teeth, as well as practical advice on how to deal with the effects of having an eating disorder.

Looking After Your Teeth

It’s really important to be meticulous about your oral health care when you’re in the grips of this kind of disorder, but if you do throw up its best to rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda immediately afterwards as this will help to neutralise the effects of the stomach acid. Wait a while before brushing your teeth as this will allow the pH levels in your mouth to return to normal, hopefully enabling your tooth enamel to re-harden slightly as it re-mineralises.

If throwing up has affected your saliva glands and you find yourself frequently suffering from dry mouth then we can also offer some practical advice to help you deal with this side effect. For instance there are various over-the-counter saliva substitutes that can help keep your mouth more moist and comfortable and which will help to lessen the effects on your teeth. You’ll also find it will help to make sure you drink plenty of plain water so you remain well hydrated. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking a sugar-free sweet will help to stimulate the flow of saliva. Saliva is important as it helps to keep the pH levels within your mouth fairly neutral, something that is vital if your teeth are continuingly being exposed to stomach acid.

Are looking for a preventive and cosmetic dentistry in Leeds? Although we cannot cure eating disorders, we can work with you to help minimise the effects while you hopefully receive help from healthcare professionals to resolve this issue.

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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Dental Care for Teenagers in Leeds City DentalCare

If you have children then you probably spent a considerable amount of time making sure they cleaned their teeth properly when they were little, and attempting to get them to floss on a daily basis. However once they are teenagers it can become a little more difficult to keep an eye on their dental health, even though this age can bring about a whole new set of oral hygiene issues. So what can you do to make sure your teen has a healthy smile right into adulthood?

Make Sure They Attend Our Leeds Surgery Regularly for Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups are important for all ages, and Dr David Brown or whoever your child sees here at Leeds City Dental care will want to make sure your teenager’s teeth are developing normally. We can also check to make sure they are cleaning their teeth properly, and are always available to offer advice and help on how to improve brushing and flossing techniques.

Dental Sealants

Once they have all their adult teeth it’s likely that our surgery will recommend dental sealants be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth provided they don’t yet have any cavities. These are an excellent preventative measure as they protect these vulnerable surfaces against decay. Dental sealants do need replacing every so often, and this is another thing that will be assessed at every check-up.

Orthodontic Treatment

This is also the time for orthodontic care and if necessary our dentists can recommend the best type of brace for your teenager. Although traditional braces are still popular, many systems now use clear brace brackets or ceramic brackets that are far less easy to spot and invisible or removable braces can also be a good choice. These are clear plastic aligners that can be removed for brushing and flossing and when eating, and which are very easy to keep clean.

Sports Mouth Guards

If your teenager is keen on playing sports then you’ll probably want to continue encouraging this healthy habit. However sports can sometimes be rough on teeth and a sports mouthguard is designed to cover the upper teeth, protecting them against damage. It doesn’t cost very much to have a custom made mouthguard and it could save a lot of tears and money further down the line.

Smoking

Unfortunately this is also a time when some teenagers will take up smoking and this habit can be hard to discourage, and even harder to break a few years later. As well as being bad for general health, smoking is also pretty awful for oral health. It can take to help to stress the fact that it yellows teeth and leads to bad breath.

Oral Piercings

This is also a time when some teenagers think about getting an oral piercing as a way of expressing their individuality. While it certainly does this, any kind of jewellery in the mouth can lead to problems. The constant presence of a barbell or hoop is likely to chip or crack the teeth or can irritate the gum tissue leading to gum recession. The actual process of piecing the tongue or soft tissues can also be hazardous as it creates an open wound in the mouth that can be prone to infection.

Eating Disorders

This can have a serious effect on oral health, as bulimia will continuously expose the teeth to strong stomach acids. If your teenager does have this disorder then it’s highly likely that your dentist in Leeds will be one of the first to notice during regular check-ups as it doesn’t take long for acid erosion to occur. Although our dentist in Leeds may be able to treat acid erosion and any signs of cavities, they cannot treat the actual eating disorder, and it is important to get specialist help in order to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Dr. David S Brown

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

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What are CEREC Restorations, and How Could They Help Me?

We find quite a lot of our patients here in Leeds have heard about CEREC, but are still a little unsure as to exactly how the system works, and how it could benefit them. CEREC is a CAD/CAM restoration that is made while you wait, right here in our Leeds surgery. Imagine not having to wait a couple of weeks before receiving your crown or inlay, but instead being able to have your tooth prepared and restored in just one single visit to Leeds City Dentalcare.

Our Leeds surgery is proud to have been the first practice in the UK to install this equipment which is truly cutting edge technology. Dr David Brown or another of our dentists is able to prepare your tooth for the restoration before it is scanned using a very small infrared camera. This information is then sent to a computer so your restoration can be custom designed for you using software that enables dentist in Leeds to see a virtual visualisation of the finished restoration.

Once the restoration design has been perfected then it is sent directly to the milling machine which is situated in our practice. We will have selected a solid cube of porcelain in a shade that closely matches your natural tooth, and this solid cube is then milled into the exact shape. The huge advantage of using this kind of computerised technology is its sheer accuracy, as you’ll receive a restoration that truly gives a precision fit. Once the restoration has been milled then the next step is to finish it. This is done by shading or staining the restoration and glazing or polishing it to resemble your natural tooth. Once our dentist is happy with the final result then it will be bonded to your natural tooth, strengthening and restoring it.

Suitable for Crowns, Inlays and Onlays

CEREC restorations are suitable for crowns, inlays and onlays. They are especially good for inlays and onlays that are used to restore teeth that have suffered a significant amount of decay or damage, but which don’t require a full crown. The reason for this is that inlays and onlays require very precisemargins in order to completely seal out the bacteria, and precision-made CEREC restorations are perfect for this. This is something that is also important for crowns, but the margins on a crown tend to be more straightforward, and it is easier to get a good seal. CEREC restorations are also very strong, and once bonded into place will help strengthen the remaining tooth structure.

So if CEREC is so good how come Leeds City Dentalcare doesn’t use it for all dental restorations? The answer is simple, as although this system is excellent there are still times when it’s better to have a restoration hand crafted in our dental laboratory. Sometimes a human eye is better than a computer and can simply produce something that looks more aesthetically pleasing and which fits in a lot better with your existing teeth. This is especially true for teeth that are right in the front of your mouth; if you look closely you’ll see your front teeth contain many different shades, and that some parts are more translucent than others. These subtle nuances simply cannot be easily replicated with a machine made restoration. Machines can’t completely replace humans, at least for now.

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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Fed Up with Your Old Amalgam Fillings? Why Not Ask about White Fillings?

Many of our patients here at Leeds City Dentalcare still have older style amalgam fillings, and while there’s nothing wrong with this material as it is perfectly functional and very cost effective, it doesn’t always look so good. One of the problems with amalgam is that it is quite a dark silver colour and it can create darker areas in the mouth making it obvious that you have had some teeth filled. We certainly don’t suggest that patients have fillings replaced purely for the sake of it, but fillings don’t last forever and amalgam is no exception. Eventually the edges of your amalgam fillings will begin to crumble and leak, and this is your cue to get them replaced before they allow bacteria to enter the tooth, increasing the risk of decay. At this stage it could well be worth your while considering more modern and cosmetically pleasing composite resin white fillings in Leeds.

Advantages of Choosing White Fillings

In the past you would probably have been recommended to have amalgam fillings to replace larger areas of decay in your back teeth. This was entirely the right decision as composite used to be quite a fragile material that would’ve been unable to withstand the pressure of chewing and biting on foods and was only really suitable for using in the front of the mouth or in other areas that were highly visible. However modern materials are designed to be much stronger, and can be extremely good for the health of your teeth. Composite fillings only require the minimum amount of tooth material to be removed, and unlike amalgam will not expand and contract when exposed to hot or cold foods. This is a huge advantage as this expansion and contraction has the potential to eventually cause small fractures in your teeth.

In addition composite fillings can be closely matched to your natural tooth colour, and can look incredibly natural as the dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare can construct your filling using several different colours to get the exact shade. When the time comes, it’s surprising what a difference it can make to have older style amalgam fillings replaced as it’s a great way to brighten up your smile.

Mini Makeovers Using Teeth Whitening with White Fillings

If you’re generally happy with the appearance of your teeth but simply want to refresh your looks then a cost-effective way of doing so is to combine white fillings with teeth whitening. This is a quick and easy way to really lift your smile. Leeds City Dentalcare can supply you with custom-made whitening trays so you can safely whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home over the course of a couple of weeks or so. Once you’re happy with your tooth shade then you can return to our Leeds surgery for your white fillings. It is best to do it this way around as Dr David Brown or whoever is replacing your fillings will be able to closely match the composite to the shade of your newly whitened teeth.

Most fillings need replacing every few years or so, and the state of your fillings is something that will check every time you visit our cosmetic dentistry in Leeds for a check-up and professional cleaning. It is essential to make sure they are kept in good condition and that they don’t leak or haven’t cracked or crumbled. One of the first signs that this might have happened is noticing your teeth feel more sensitive than normal to hot and cold foods.

Dr. David S Brown

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

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The Links between Your Dental Health and General Health

Leeds City Dentalcare places great emphasis on preventative dental care. This is not only due to the fact that it can make your natural teeth last longer, but also because of the links between dental health and general health. There have been numerous research studies carried out into these links, and it’s surprising just how many general health conditions are now associated with dental health and dentist Leeds could be the first to spot something is wrong. Our surgery has put together a list of the top general health conditions, and the way they could affect your dental health.

Diabetes has one of the most well documented links with oral health, in particular gum disease. If you notice your gums bleed when you brush or floss then it’s time to make an appointment to come and see Dr David Brown or another of our dentists for diagnosis and treatment. Ignoring these signs can increase the risk of diabetes, and may make this condition worse for people who have already being diagnosed as diabetic.

Anaemia is something that can be diagnosed by your dentist, as if your tongue is particularly pale that it could be an indication that you are deficient in iron. This condition affects 20% of women so it’s much more prevalent than you might think.

Coeliac disease is often accompanied by mouth sores or mouth ulcers. If you have persistent mouth ulcers then it is well worth making an appointment with our Leeds surgery to try to determine the exact reason, especially as undiagnosed coeliac disease can negatively affect your teeth and bones.

Eating disorders can have a detrimental effect on dental health, and it’s not uncommon for dentists to pick up on the early symptoms of these disorders. Anorexia often means that sufferers are malnourished and this is something that can lead to a condition called dry mouth which is where insufficient saliva is produced, or which can cause bleeding gums. Bulimia can cause huge damage to the teeth as the acid from the stomach attacks the tooth enamel causing erosion and dental decay.

Heart disease has been linked with periodontal disease or advanced gum disease, and the reason for this is that the open wounds created by gum disease allow plaque bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Gum disease is an inflammatory condition, and it’s thought these plaque bacteria are able to create inflammation in arteries, contributing towards heart disease.

Acid reflux is another very common problem which can damage the teeth due to the acids entering the mouth. It is also though that gastroesophageal reflux disease could increase the risk of oesophageal cancer due to the fact that it erodes the oesophagus.

Alzheimer’s disease has also been linked to gum disease, as it’s been found patients with this condition have more bacteria related to gum disease in their brains. The theory is that these bacteria could cause inflammation in the brain resulting in damage.

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that often causes dry mouth. This is where the mouth is unable to produce sufficient saliva to keep it clean and comfortable. If you think you may have dry mouth then it’s well worth talking to the dental team at Leeds City Dentalcare regarding cosmetic dentistry in Leeds as we have lots of suggestions on how to cope with this condition but that will not only help you feel more comfortable, but which will also help protect your dental health.

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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Say Cheese for a Healthy Smile

Most people who visit Leeds City Dentalcare are well aware of the need to eat dairy products for strong bones, and that this food group is a vital for overall health. However until now there’s been very little research into how dairy products could affect dental health. A new study that was recently published has shown that consuming dairy products such as cheese could help protect teeth against cavities.

The study focused on children aged between 12 and 15 and assessed the pH levels of their dental plaque before and after they had consumed dairy products. The higher the pH level in the mouth the less chance there is of acid erosion, something that can increase the risk of dental cavities. In general a pH level below 5.5 could indicate a risk for dental erosion. In this study the participants were told to drink milk, or to eat sugar-free yogurt, or cheese, and it was found that those who had milk or sugar-free yogurt didn’t see any significant change in the pH level in their mouth. In comparison the group assigned cheddar cheese showed a significant increase in pH levels, something that seems to suggest that eating cheese could be far more beneficial for helping to prevent cavities.

It’s thought this increase in pH levels after eating cheese could be due to increased saliva production due to the action of chewing the cheese. In addition cheese is more likely to stick to the tooth enamel, and could act as a buffer protecting the teeth from acid. The tradition of finishing up a meal with cheese is looking like an increasingly sensible option for dental health.

Tooth decay is caused by the action of acid released by bacteria in the sticky layer of dental plaque that adheres to the teeth and gums. An increase in acidity can damage the tooth enamel as it causes certain vital minerals such as calcium and phosphorus to be leached out of the softened enamel, increasing the risk of decay. These bacteria produce acid in response to certain sugary or carbohydrate rich foods that provide them with a source of energy.

What Makes Cheese Good for Oral Health?

Cheese contains certain components including calcium, protein and phosphorus. It’s thought its protective effects on teeth may arise from its ability to stimulate the flow of saliva which in turn inhibits the production and action of plaque bacteria. Calcium and inorganic phosphate help to reduce the effects of demineralisation on the tooth enamel and help to enhance the effects of re-mineralisation. Apparently some cheeses are better than others for helping to protect teeth, in particular aged cheddar, mozzarella and Swiss cheese.

Although cheese may be good for oral hygiene, it’s always the question of everything in moderation, and eating a balanced diet is very important. While eating a small piece of cheese at the end of the meal might be good news for your teeth, it wouldn’t be terribly healthy to eat too much as cheese is renowned for being high in fat.

Already Have Acid Erosion? Leeds City Dentalcare Can Help

If your teeth already show signs of acid erosion and there are various things you can do to help halt the damage in its tracks. Dr David Brown or any of our dentist in Leeds at our dental practice likely to recommend you use good quality fluoride toothpaste, and that you spit out the excess rather than rinse once you finish brushing. The reason for this is that it allows the fluoride to continue providing a protective effect for your tooth enamel, and fluoride toothpaste is an excellent delivery system for this important element as it will actually stick to your teeth. You may also want to use a fluoride mouthwash, but it can pay to wait half an hour or so after brushing before using this mouthwash as this will allow you to gain maximum benefit from the toothpaste.

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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