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Archive for the ‘tooth decay’ Category

Give Your Teeth Their Healthiest Christmas Yet!

Monday, December 12th, 2016

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year for most of us, but when it comes to your dental health, there are risks. During the festive period, we tend to relax our diets and indulge on all kinds of traditional treats. This Christmas, spare a thought for your teeth and gums, and give them the healthiest Christmas yet. All you need to do is bear these simple tips in mind:

Book a routine check-up: if you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 6-12 months, now is an ideal tie to make an appointment before Christmas. Nobody wants to spend the festive period missing out on the fun because they’ve got toothache. When you see your dentist, they will carry out a series of checks to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. If there are problems, they can be treated. If you have signs of decay and gum disease, for example, leaving them can result in serious damage.

Avoid snacking: it’s tempting to graze all day at Christmas time when there are bowls of nuts and crisps scattered around, and family-size tubs of chocolate on offer. Snacking doesn’t just ruin main meals. It also increases your risk of dental disease. When you eat, bacteria release acids that attack your enamel, making it soft. It takes time for the enamel to reharden. If you’re snacking, this means that your enamel never has chance to recover, and there’s a real risk of cavities forming. Try and stick to eating at mealtimes.

Eat in moderation: it’s understandable to go a bit crazy at Christmas time, but try and moderate your intake of sugary foods and drinks. There are plenty of savoury delights that you can enjoy instead. One simple way of reducing your sugar intake is to swap fizzy drinks for sugar-free versions. Fizzy drinks are acidic, so if you are drinking diet versions, use a straw, and drink a glass of water or milk afterwards.

Keep up with your normal oral hygiene regime: at Christmas time, we tend to go into holiday mode and slack off a little. It’s fine to enjoy a lie-in, but don’t relax your oral hygiene regime. It’s essential to clean your teeth twice a day every day for at least two minutes each time.

Tags: Christmas Dentistry, dental health, oral health, routine check-up
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No More Tooth Decay Troubles With our Hygiene Treatments

Thursday, February 26th, 2015

Tooth decay affects thousands of children and adults in the UK every year, but it is preventable and our amazing hygiene treatments can help to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and cavity-free.

Regular check-ups are essential, but we also recommend seeing a hygienist to give the teeth and gums a deep clean and ensure your smile looks healthy and bright. You can now book appointments directly with our friendly, experienced hygienists.

What do hygienists do?

Hygienists are experts in dental hygiene and they offer a range of treatments designed to treat and prevent dental diseases, including decay and gum disease.

Hygienists offer preventative treatments such as scale and polish, an intensive cleaning treatment designed to remove traces of bacteria and plaque and polish the teeth to give them a radiant glow. We also offer fluoride varnish and fissure sealant treatment. We often recommend fissure sealant and fluoride varnish treatment for children as a means of reducing the risk of decay. Both procedures are quick, simple and painless and they can really make a difference.

Do I need to see a hygienist if I have healthy teeth?

Seeing a hygienist has benefits for all patients including those who have a clean bill of oral health, as they provide preventative services to ensure that the teeth and gums remain healthy and strong. If you have symptoms of decay or gum disease, we may advise you to see a hygienist more frequently as part of your treatment plan.

If you’d like to book an appointment with our hygienists or you’d simply like to find out more about the treatments and their benefits, call us today.

Tags: Dental hygienist clean Liverpool, oral hygiene liverpool, tooth decay treatment liverpool, treating tooth decay liverpool
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Treating Tooth Decay in the Heart of Liverpool

Monday, December 22nd, 2014

If you’re suffering with toothache, get a shooting pain every time you sip on a hot chocolate or your tooth feels weak when you’re eating, you may have tooth decay. Christmas is all about enjoying the finer things in life, so the last thing you want is to be battling tooth pain and steering clear of tempting snacks. If you’re in pain or are due a check-up, call now and make an appointment before Christmas.

Treating tooth decay

Tooth decay causes cavities to form in the protective coating of the teeth. Once the enamel has been penetrated, the risk of further damage is increased and treatment is advised. The most common treatment for a cavity is a filling. Fillings are designed to protect the teeth by filling in cavities and reducing the risk of bacteria travelling through the tooth.

The filling procedure usually takes around 40-60 minutes. Before the tooth is filled, it will be numbed using local anaesthetic and the cavity will be cleaned and completely cleared of decayed tissue. When the cavity is clean, bonding material will be placed on the tooth tissue and dental composite will then be poured into the hole. Your dentist will shape the composite to fill the hole perfectly and the composite will then be hardened using a curing light. Once the filling has set, any final trimming will be done to make sure of a perfect fit.

If decay has spread through the tooth and reached the pulp tissue (the living tissue of the tooth), root canal treatment may be advised. This procedure helps to stem the spread of infection and strengthen the tooth. Often, it is used as an alternative to extracting the tooth.

How to prevent tooth decay

Tooth decay is extremely common, but it is preventable and following these simple steps will stand you in good stead to keep cavities at bay this Christmas time:

brush the teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time
use fluoride toothpaste
take care with your diet and eat sugary and acidic foods in moderation
don’t brush too firmly
wait an hour after eating before brushing your teeth
chew sugar-free gum after eating
see your dentist for regular check-ups
floss daily

Tags: tooth decay, tooth decay Liverpool, tooth decay treatment liverpool, treating tooth decay liverpool
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Detecting Dental Decay in the Centre of Liverpool

Monday, December 8th, 2014

Sometimes, decay can go unnoticed until it starts to cause problems like sensitivity and toothache. We use advanced techniques and thorough examinations to detect decay at an early stage. This means that we can provide treatment as quickly as possible and ensure that you’re pain-free and don’t have to face the prospect of more complex treatment in the future.

What causes dental decay?

Dental decay is caused by harmful bacteria that join together with saliva and food debris to create a sticky substance called plaque. When you eat, plaque acids are produced by the bacteria, and these attack the tooth enamel. Once the enamel is weak, there is a real risk of cavities forming. Once a cavity has formed, the tooth may feel weak, you may suffer from sensitivity and toothache and there is a risk of the infection spreading to the rest of the tooth.

Risk factors for decay include poor oral hygiene and a diet rich in sugary and acidic foods.

How do we detect decay?

Whenever you have a routine check-up, your dentist will examine your mouth and check your teeth carefully for signs of dental decay, which include holes in the tooth surface. Sometimes, the holes are visible to the naked eye, while in other cases, they can only be detected using a light source and magnifying instrument.

What are the treatment options for decay?

The most common treatment for cavities is a filling. Fillings are used to fill the cavity and make the tooth stronger. They also help to prevent dental pain and reduce the risk of bacteria spreading to the pulp tissue. In cases where decay has already spread to the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels, root canal treatment may be recommended.

Tags: dental decay liverpool, tooth decay Liverpool, tooth decay treatment liverpool, treating tooth decay liverpool
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Treating Tooth Decay in the Heart of Liverpool

Thursday, November 6th, 2014

Tooth decay is one of the most common preventable illnesses in the UK and at Liverpool Dental Spa we are determined to defeat decay for good. We offer preventative treatment, we are always here to offer advice and we have excellent treatments available for cavities.

What causes decay?

Dental decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth, which combines with food debris to create plaque. Plaque is also the main risk factor for gum disease. It is a sticky film-like substance, which sticks to the tooth surfaces and the gum line. When you eat, bacteria in the plaque release acids known as plaque acids. These acids erode the enamel and irritate the gums. When acids attack the enamel, it becomes weak and holes can eventually form. These are called cavities.

The risk of decay is increased by poor oral hygiene and a diet that contains a lot of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

Preventing tooth decay

We offer highly effective preventative dental treatments for children to reduce the risk of cavities and protect the enamel. These include fluoride varnish and sealant treatment. We also offer advice about oral hygiene and diet for adults and we strongly recommend regular dental check-ups and sessions with our amazing dental hygienists.

Diet plays a really important role when it comes to oral health and we advise our patients to avoid eating a lot of sugary and acidic products, especially between meals, and to wait an hour before brushing after eating. If you get hungry between meals, we recommend healthy snacks such as raw vegetables, wholegrain crackers or natural yoghurt, rather than sugary treats like chocolate bars and sweets.

Treatment for decay

The most common treatment for a cavity is a filling. Fillings are used to fill the cavity, making the tooth stronger and reducing the risk of harmful bacteria spreading through the tooth. We recommend white fillings, which match the shade of the rest of the tooth. These fillings are made from dental composite. The procedure takes around an hour and we use local anaesthetic to numb the tooth to make sure you feel comfortable throughout treatment.

Tags: oral hygiene liverpool, tooth decay Liverpool, tooth decay treatment liverpool, treating tooth decay liverpool
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We Look After Children’s Teeth In The City Of Liverpool

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

The health of a child’s teeth is often intrinsically linked to the straightness, appearance and health of their adult teeth. It is therefore very important that you maintain the health of your child’s teeth and gums, even from the day they are born.

Looking after baby’s teeth

It may seem odd taking care of the oral health of a baby, who has no teeth, but the gums of a baby can carry bacteria that in turn may affect the teeth below the gums. By gently washing the gums of your baby with a soft cloth you may be able to remove an oral plaque that could lead to dental problems when the milk teeth come through. Providing the milk teeth with a healthy gum line to come through is also paramount to lifelong good dental health.

Taking care of your toddler’s teeth

Once your child’s milk tooth begins to appear your daily dental health routine will have to progress to the next level: toothbrushes. A small amount of child’s toothpaste on a small brush is all that is required to maintain the health of your child’s teeth. Brush the teeth that have come through and gently brush the gums around them. Take your time and always use a soft bristled brush, as their gums are likely to be tender. It is important to take care of your young child’s teeth, as, if decay occurs and teeth fall out, the adult teeth beneath have no guideline to come through with and so may erupt crooked.

Taking care of your adolescent’s teeth

If some decay has occurred in childhood and teeth have fallen out prematurely this may have affected the development of the adult teeth. In teenage years this means one thing: braces. Braces come in a range of shapes, sizes and formats, with some fixed to the front or back of the teeth, whilst others are completely removable. Straight teeth not also improve the aesthetic of a smile and in turn the confidence of your teen, but they also mean fewer spaces for bacteria to hide and so healthier teeth for the future. For a dental check-up for your children give us a call today at Liverpool Dental Spa.

Tags: Childern's oral health, Children's dentistry, Children's dentistry City of Liverpool, liverpool
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Dealing with bad breath in the city of Liverpool

Thursday, October 24th, 2013

Bad breath isn’t just an annoying fact of life and could in fact be an indication of oral health problems.

What dental health problems could cause my bad breath?

Tooth decay is one of the main causes of bad breath. Decay occurs when plaque is allowed to build up on the teeth, which results in small holes called cavities. These cavities, if left untreated, can quickly grow, resulted in even larger holes. A rotten tooth will most definitely smell and your bad breath could be an indication that decay has developed in your mouth.

However, problems with the gums could also be a culprit and the decay that broke your tooth could also be damaging your gums after spreading their infection. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, with symptoms such as bleeding gums and early indication of the problem. If gingivitis is left without dental treatment it then can progress into periodontitis, which can greatly damage the gums, causing the tissue to come away from the teeth, creating a build up of pus and even damaging the jaw bone. If your breath is especially smelly and you have noticed pockets opening up around the base of your teeth this could be the culprit and you should visit the dentist immediately for treatment.

Other, less serious/scary reasons for bad breath

Bacteria collecting on the tongue, even after you’ve brushed your teeth can also cause bad breath. 80%of bad breath is caused by the large amount of bacteria on the back of your tongue. Bacteria here is often ignored and not included in the day-to-day oral health routine. A simple plastic tongue scraper can remove a large part of that plaque, freeing the mouth from bad breath causing bacteria. This in turn can improve the health of your mouth, as less bacteria is able to move from your tongue to your teeth, so less bacteria is able to affect the health of your teeth. For more help and information about dealing with bad breath contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa.

Tags: bad breath, bad breath Liverpool, City of Liverpool, oral hygiene
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What Happens During Root Canal Surgery In Liverpool?

Thursday, July 11th, 2013

Even the words ‘root canal treatment’ can conjure up horrible images and feelings of anxiety, but root canal treatment is nothing to be afraid if; it is a very common procedure, which is used to save a tooth that has been infected. You may be advised to have root canal treatment if an infection in your tooth has reached the pulp chamber; this is where the living tissue is found.

Why would I need root canal treatment?

You may be advised to have root canal treatment if your tooth is damaged or infected and harmful bacteria have reached the pulp chamber; the pulp chamber contains the nerves and blood vessels and once it is infected, the tooth starts to die. If the infection is allowed to spread, the bacteria can cause damage to the surrounding bone and gum tissue and there may be no choice but to extract the tooth. Root canal treatment helps to prevent the infection from spreading, allowing the tooth to be saved. Sometimes, the symptoms of infection are hard to detect and this is why regular dental check-ups are so important.

What does root canal treatment involve?

Root canal treatment involves two key parts; the first part involves drilling into the tooth and removing the decayed tissue from the root canals. The tooth is anaesthetised prior to the procedure to prevent any pain. Once the root canals have been cleaned thoroughly and the root canals are completely free from decayed tissue, they are then filled using dental material; this is done to prevent infection from spreading.

It is common to have a new crown fitted after root canal treatment; a crown is a type of restoration, which helps to strengthen the tooth. Porcelain crowns are very popular because they produce a very natural look; the crown will be custom-mad to fit the tooth perfectly.

Root canal treatment is usually done over the course of two or three sessions. Why not contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa in the heart of Liverpool for more information.

Tags: City of Liverpool, Root canal treatment, Root canal treatment Liverpool, tooth infection
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Tooth Decay Detection For Patients In Liverpool

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Clichés are so familiar that we often dissociate them from the point they actually make. Yes, some seem a little out of touch, but others have become well-worn phrases because they carry something valuable within them. In dentistry, one such phrase is ‘prevention is better than cure’. Decay is one of the major roots of dental difficulty, and stopping it before it causes damage is paramount. Sadly, tooth sensitivity and other tell-tale signs only appear once the damage has already been done. What then is one to do? Never fear! We at Liverpool Dental Spa are always on hand to help!

Regular Check Ups

Take advantage of our regular six month check-ups at Liverpool Dental Spa, that way we can look out for those signs of decay that will evade even the most observant lay person. During check-ups we utilise intense magnification and specialist lighting so as to highlight even the teensiest hint of decay’s occurrence. Also, as you are already in a dental practice, we can then take immediate action and treat the problem. Minute holes in your teeth may be invisible to the naked eye, but, with our specialist tech, we can find them and then fill them in so as to prevent the development of decay and the later need for more extensive surgery.

Peace of mind

Looks can be deceiving; a seemingly healthy tooth may be decaying without your knowing. Tooth decay is also incredibly common, second only in fact to the common cold, so there is a large likelihood that it is going on without you knowing. Thankfully, piece of mind is readily available. Simply contact us at Liverpool Dental Spa for an expert examination.

Tags: liverpool, oral health, tooth decay, tooth decay Liverpool
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Guideline For Oral Extraction For Patients In Liverpool

Monday, December 17th, 2012

There are a number of reasons that might require you to get your tooth extracted. These reasons can be a problem wisdom tooth, tooth decay and the need for orthodontic spacing. The extractions of tooth are undertaken while the patient is sedated or is under the influence of local anaesthesia. This means the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure. Once the tooth has been taken out, the patient will be required to take certain precautionary steps to prevent the development of any infection.

After surgery care

People who get their tooth extracted should not eat hot food during the next 24 hours. Avoiding smoking and alcohol will also help. The patient should not try to move any clots that could have occurred within the gap. Rinsing the mouth should also be avoided during the first 24 hours, after which you can use a glass of warm salty water to gently rinse your mouth. After this you may maintain your regular oral hygiene on the unaffected areas of the mouth. Do not be alarmed in case you find small pieces of bone within the socket. This is absolutely normal. While pain killers can give you relief from pain, do not let the tablet to touch the area where the tooth has been extracted. If the pain is persistent even after few days have passed since the surgery, visit the dentist.

Sedation for oral surgery

While it is true that oral surgery can be a very stressful procedure, the team at Liverpool Dental Spa tries to make this experience as pain free as possible. This is one of the reasons why sedation is provided to all the patients who undergo this procedure. Sedation will remove the fear and pain you may experience, and will make the treatment free from stress and discomfort.

Tags: City of Liverpool, sedation methods, Tooth extraction, tooth extraction Liverpool
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