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Posts Tagged ‘tooth decay’

How Liverpool Dental Spa can detect tooth decay this Christmas

Wednesday, December 20th, 2017

Tooth decay is one of the most common preventable ailments out there. The best thing to do if you suspect that you may have a cavity or more extensive decay is see your dentist. As with many health issues, the longer you leave decay, the worse it becomes.

How we detect tooth decay

We check for signs of dental decay as part of routine check-ups and examinations. During your appointment, your dentist will use advanced magnifying techniques and powerful lighting to look deep into the mouth to check for the earliest signs of decay. The sooner these are spotted, the higher the chance of a successful outcome. Cavities can be very difficult to spot in the early stages and our dentists use the latest detection techniques to increase the chances of spotting potential warning signs at the earliest possible opportunity.

We strongly recommend coming in for a routine check-up every 6-9 months. Regular appointments help to reduce the risk of decay and gum disease and enable us to treat any developing issues as quickly as possible.

Treatment for decay

If you have signs of decay, for example, you’ve been suffering with toothache, your tooth feels weak when you bite down or your teeth have been more sensitive than usual of late, we urge you to book an appointment as early as possible. When you come in for your check, we will have a good look at your teeth and discuss treatment options with you. If you have got a cavity, we usually recommend placing a filling to prevent bacteria from spreading and protect the tooth. Fillings are usually made from composite and resins, and they help to strengthen the tooth and reduce the risk of further infection. The procedure to fill a tooth can usually be completed within an hour and the tooth will be numbed first to prevent pain.

Three Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay in Liverpool

Tuesday, September 12th, 2017

Tooth decay is one of the most common preventable illnesses in the UK. At Liverpool Dental Spa, we’re all about prevention, so here are our top 3 tips to help you prevent tooth decay:

  1. Learn to brush properly: it’s so important to do a good job when you clean your teeth. Brushing your teeth doesn’t involve waving a brush around and hoping for the best. Make sure you cover every individual tooth, set a timer to ensure you brush for at least 2 minutes and reach right into the corners of the mouth. We also strongly recommend flossing and inter-dental brushing, as this enables you to clean the cracks between the teeth.
  2. Use fluoride toothpaste: fluoride is a mineral, which has oral health benefits. Fluoride is found in tap water, but it also added to toothpaste. It helps to reduce the risk of decay by strengthening the tooth enamel.
  3. Book a dental check: sometimes, when you have a cavity, it can take time for it to cause problems and this is why regular check-ups are so important. If you see your dentist every 6-9 months, there’s a good chance that your dentist will spot any warning signs before they become more severe. Frequent check-ups can also lower your risk of gum disease and keep your smile looking bright and beautiful for longer. We also recommend annual trips to the hygienist.

If you have any questions about tooth decay or you’d like more tips to help you keep your teeth free from cavities, call us today. Our dental team will be more than happy to help!

Four Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay in Liverpool

Friday, July 28th, 2017

At Liverpool Dental Spa, we’re keen to give our patients the best chance to prevent dental issues. Tooth decay is very common, but it is almost always preventable. Here are 4 easy ways you can protect your teeth from cavities this summer:

  1. Book a dental check: if you haven’t been to the dentist yet this year, now is a good time to pick up the phone and book an appointment. Even if you haven’t had any pain or any other problems, it’s important to see your dentist on a regular basis. Dentists are trained to identify early warning signs, and the sooner we can act the lower the chance of cavities forming or infections developing.
  2. Get to grips with dental hygiene: if you don’t spend at least 2 minutes cleaning your teeth every morning and evening, it’s time to improve your dental hygiene regime. Set a timer, cover every tooth, and devote an equal amount of time to each quadrant of the mouth. Brushing helps to reduce the risk of plaque formation, which will protect both your teeth and gums. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel.
  3. Invest in an electric toothbrush: electric toothbrushes are proven to remove bacteria and food debris more effectively than manual brushing. You don’t have to spend a fortune. Electric toothbrushes are available from around £15 and once you’ve bought the brush, you only have to replace the head every 3-4 months.
  4. Reduce your sugar intake: sugar is a major cause of cavities. If you eat sweet foods or flavoured drinks on a regular basis, there’s a chance that you could be exceeding your recommended daily sugar intake. Use an app to keep track of what you eat and always read food labels.

Did you know we treat Tooth Decay in the heart of Liverpool?

Wednesday, May 24th, 2017

Dental decay is one of the most common preventable illnesses among children and adults in the UK. If you have cavities, we are here to help. We provide first-class standards of treatment in the heart of Liverpool.

What causes decay?

Decay is caused by harmful oral bacteria, which release acids that weaken and wear away the protective enamel surface of the tooth. Once the surface is thin, there is a risk of holes (cavities) forming and bacteria can penetrate the tooth. Decay is often associated with poor oral hygiene, but your diet also plays a very important role. If you eat a lot of sugary or acidic foods, your risk of developing cavities will be high.

Treating tooth decay

If you have toothache, your teeth are sensitive or it hurts when you bite down, you may have a cavity. The most common treatment for cavities is a filling. The aim of the procedure is to fill the cavity to make the tooth stronger and prevent infection from spreading to other parts of the tooth. Fillings are usually made from dental composite; this is known as a white filling.

If your tooth is infected, and the infection has reached the pulp chamber, which contains the nerves and blood vessels, you may be advised to have root canal treatment.

Preventing tooth decay

The best way to look at oral health is to embrace the notion that prevention is better than cure. The best ways to prevent tooth decay are to:

  • Stick to a good daily oral hygiene regime
  • See your dentist every 6-9 months
  • Moderate your intake of sugar
  • Avoid snacking between meals

Call us today to find out more about tooth decay treatment and prevention in Liverpool city centre.

How do you Take Care of a Broken Tooth?

Monday, May 15th, 2017

If you have a broken tooth, don’t despair! We have a range of treatment options available to restore your tooth and put a smile back on your face.

What causes broken teeth?

Your teeth are incredibly strong, but they’re not unbreakable. General wear and tear, accidents and injuries can all take their toll. You may also find that your teeth are more susceptible to damage if you have weak teeth as a result of poor oral hygiene or you’ve sustained dental injuries in the past.

Mending broken teeth

If you think you might have broken a tooth or you’ve started experiencing increased sensitivity or dental pain, give us a call and we will arrange an appointment for you as soon as possible. When you come and see us, your dentist will examine your mouth, and they may do an X-ray if they suspect that the tooth is fractured.

If the tooth is chipped, we can often repair it with a filling or a procedure called composite bonding. Bonding uses dental composite, a tooth-coloured material, to patch up and reshape the teeth. The process takes an hour, there’s no pain involved, no injections and no drilling, and your smile will look perfect again.

If the tooth is broken, we may recommend fitting a new crown. Crowns are restorations, which are used to strengthen the teeth when they are either damaged or decayed. A crown is also known as a cap because it is placed over the top of the tooth. Before you have a crown, your tooth will be prepared; this involves removing any decayed tissue and shaping the tooth ready for crowning. We will create a mould of the tooth, and this will be used to create your bespoke crown. We can make crowns from precious metals or ceramics. Ceramic crowns are very popular because they provide very natural looking aesthetics.

If you’ve got a broken tooth, call us today and we’ll have you on the mend in no time!

Five Foods That You Don’t Realise Damage Your Teeth

Friday, March 24th, 2017

We all know that cakes, biscuits and sweets are bad for our teeth, but what about those so-called healthy alternatives? Here are five foods that you may not realise will damage your teeth:

  1. Popcorn: popcorn is an incredibly popular snack at the moment, and there are many different brands and flavours to choose from. Often marketed as a healthy lower-calorie alternative to crisps, popcorn may contain less fat and sugar, but it’s still bad for your teeth. Popcorn gets stuck in your teeth, which increases the risk of plaque formation and the kernels can also cause damage to your teeth. They’re very hard, and if you accidentally bite down on one, you could break or chip a tooth.
  2. Fruit juice: if you’re drinking fruit juice, you may think that you’re making a really healthy choice. In some cases, juices can be really good for you, as they’re packed with vitamins. However, if you buy juices from a café or supermarket, they often contain a lot of added sugar. They’re also very acidic, which puts your enamel at risk. If you are buying juice, check the sugar content, and dilute each serving.
  3. Salad dressing: salad is one of the champions of the healthy eating world, but once you start adding things to it, it can soon become less healthy. Salad dressings may contain sugar and salt, and some can also have high fat content; however, the main problem for your teeth is the acidity. Acids erode the enamel, which increases your risk of decay and sensitivity.
  4. Smoothies: fruit smoothies are supposed to be brilliant for you, but this may not always be the case. Like juices, if you buy ready-made smoothies, they’re often laden with sugar. If you love smoothies, try making them at home instead.
  5. Dried fruit: dried fruit is often thought of a healthy snack option, but it can be misleading. Fruits contain natural sugars, but often, more sugar is added to bags of dried fruit. Eating whole, natural pieces of fruit is usually much better for you.

If you have any questions about tooth-friendly foods, or you’re worried that your diet may be letting your dental health down, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our dentists will be happy to answer questions, and give you some healthy eating tips.

Top Five Biggest Risks for Your Teeth

Friday, February 3rd, 2017

Your teeth are made of sturdy stuff, but they’re not immune to disease, infection or damage. If you want to enjoy a bright and healthy smile for years to come, it’s important to take good care of your teeth and minimise the risk of dental problems. Here are five of the biggest risks for your teeth to bear in mind:

  1. Smoking: Smoking is harmful for almost every part of your body. Smoking stains the teeth and increases the risk of gum disease. It’s also the most significant risk factor for mouth cancer.
  2. Sugar: We all enjoy a sweet treat now and again, but excessive sugar consumption is one of the biggest threats to dental health today. When you eat sugary foods, bacteria feed, and this results in them producing harmful acids, which erode the tooth enamel. This puts you at risk of cavities, dental injuries, infections and gum disease.
  3. Snacking: You may think the most important consideration when it comes to your diet and dental health is the amount of sugar you eat, but the frequency with which you eat is actually even more important. This is because your enamel becomes weak when you eat. At this point it is vulnerable, and it takes time to recover. If you’re snacking all the time, your enamel never has a chance to recover, and there’s an elevated risk of cavities and sensitivity. If you are hungry between meals, stick to sugar-free snacks.
  4. Poor dental hygiene: If you neglect oral hygiene, you have a much higher risk of developing gum disease and dental decay. Every morning and night, devoting just two minutes to oral care will stand you in good stead to enjoy a healthy, attractive smile for the foreseeable future. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste, and setting an alarm to make sure you brush for long enough.
  5. Missing dental appointments: Research suggests that if you attend regular dental appointments, you can reduce your risk of developing cavities and gum disease by up to 60 percent. If you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 12 months, we strongly recommend booking a check-up. Call us today, and we’ll arrange an appointment for you.

If you have questions about oral health or you’d like some pointers, our dental team will be happy to help.

The Decay Detectors: How We Spot Problems Before They Take Root

Friday, January 20th, 2017

When it comes to dental decay, time is of the essence. The sooner we are able to spot and treat signs of decay, the lower the risk of serious damage. We take the role of preventing dental issues very seriously, and we use the latest technology and techniques to identify early warning signs long before symptoms become apparent.

Spotting the signs of decay

It can take time for symptoms of tooth decay to become noticeable, and this is why regular routine appointments are so important. Our dentists are trained to identify very early warning signs, and this enables them to act quickly. They can nip problems in the bud, long before they start to cause you issues.

During a routine check-up, we use powerful lighting and magnification techniques to get the possible view of your teeth and the soft tissue in your mouth. If we spot potential abnormalities, we can then discuss treatment options with you. It can be very difficult to spot tiny holes in the tooth surface, but if you have an expert eye, and the latest technology, this task becomes much easier.

We strongly recommend check-ups every 6-12 months for patients of all ages. However, if you do encounter problems between appointments, or you develop tooth pain, bleeding gums, or sensitivity, please contact us sooner. If you leave symptoms untreated, they’re likely to get worse.

If you’re keen to keep your dental health check, or you’d like to find out more about decay detection, call us and make an appointment today!

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

Detecting Decay in the Centre of Liverpool

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

Our mission is for our patients to have strong, healthy teeth and gums and beautiful, happy smiles and we focus on preventative dental care to achieve this goal. We offer a range of general and preventative oral health services, including decay detection, to boost oral health and keep nasty diseases at bay.

Detecting decay

Decay can often advance gradually and it can take some time for visible symptoms to become noticeable; this is why we use state of the art technology to identify potential changes and warning signs at a very early stage. The earlier we can intervene, the higher the chance of saving the tooth from infection and keeping it strong and free from decay.

We check for signs of decay during routine check-ups using a very powerful light source and magnifying instruments. If we do detect symptoms of decay, we can then administer treatment before the situation deteriorates and more intensive treatment is required.

Signs to look out for

The most common signs of tooth decay include sensitivity, tooth pain and a feeling of weakness when you use the tooth; it is sometimes possible to see a cavity in the tooth surface, but this is not always the case. If you have these symptoms, it’s advisable to se your dentist as soon as you can, rather than waiting for next scheduled check-up, as decay tends to progress and it’s best to catch it early. The most common treatment for minor decay is a filling.

Preventing tooth decay

Tooth decay is extremely common, but it is almost always preventable. By following these simple steps, you can drastically reduce your risk of developing cavities:

  • see your dentist for a check-up every 6 months
  • stick to a thorough daily oral hygiene regime, including brushing twice a day and flossing
  • avoid sugary and acidic foods, especially between meals
  • wait an hour before brushing after eating
  • see your dentist if you have sensitive teeth or toothache
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6 Dentistry Awards!

Winners for National UK Award

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team

Winners for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team
  • > 2008 Best Dental Practice

Finalists for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Practice
  • > 2008 Best Dental Team

Finalist & Highly Commended for

  • > 2007 Best Young Dentist Dr Marius McGovern