“I have wanted my teeth whitening for a long time, took the plunge this February and can’t believe how white my teeth have gone. Now I’m able to smile with confidence. Brilliant treatment, worth every penny.”
Mrs. J, Leicester
Monthly Archives: February 2014
The Enemy That Lurks Within
Are you aware that your mouth is a breeding ground for a cunning predator? Not only that, it is also a barometer for other health issues too that you are probably blissfully unaware can be detected in this way.
Anything with the word ‘routine or review’ attached to it makes us want to avoid it at all costs as something deep inside us screams out ‘it’s not necessary, my teeth are fine and I only went 6 months ago’. So when we realise it’s time for a Dentist visit we often consider the delaying tactic first instead of the bonus ‘health check’ it really is!
Perhaps something on our self-help check list sounds familiar:
- Gums that are red, puffy or swollen, or tender
- Gums that bleed during brushing
- Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
- Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
- Constant bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
The critical indicator
Bleeding gums happen for a reason and indicate the early stages of gingivitis or more serious periodontal disease. The first is easily treated but periodontal disease does require the intervention of a dental professional as the bacteria and plaque will have hardened and become too stubborn to remove just by brushing. Leaving the condition untreated can result in the loss of a tooth, as the gums are no longer healthy enough to hold the tooth or teeth in place.
Inflammation is considered to be a critical indicator of other health related issues too such as heart disease, respiratory disorders, diabetic complications and may even cause premature birth as it raises the levels of the chemicals that bring on labour! So going for a ‘routine’ dental visit isn’t quite as pointless as it may at first seem, apart from which, it is also the only place currently where a full oral cancer screening will take place. So if you said yes to anything on our Self- help check list – take action – by seeking help from a Dental professional who will take care of your issues giving you healthy, fresh breathe confidence.
Don’t Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Valentines With Our Top Tips
1. Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day to banish bad breath. While you’re brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, brush your tongue – especially the back of the tongue. Brushing your tongue will remove smelly bacteria that cause bad breath. One study found that by brushing the tongue, volunteers reduced their perception of bad breath by 70%. You can also buy inexpensive tongue scrapers at most pharmacies.
2. Floss once a day for fresh breath. Flossing is a must. Flossing gets out hidden food particles and removes plaque, a coating of bacteria that forms around the tooth. Flossing also helps prevent periodontal disease another common cause of bad breath.
3. Gargle with mouthwash. An antimicrobial mouthwash is important if you have a problem with excess plaque.
4. Don’t let your mouth get dry. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water (eight glasses a day are recommended). Limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as both contribute to dehydration, as well as sugary and acidic juices that can also contribute to the problem.
5. Be careful what you eat. Certain foods, particularly garlic and onions, are notorious for creating bad breath. Some foods though actually help your breath to stay fresh such as apples, mint, celery and parsley.
6. Chew gum. Chewing gum will help with bad breath because the chewing action results in more saliva being produced. Some gums use xylitol as a sugar substitute that actually works to prevent bacteria from replicating in the mouth.
7. Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products. If you ever needed another reason to quit, here’s an easy one: smoking contributes to bad breath. Tobacco tends to dry out your mouth and can leave an unpleasant smell that lingers even after brushing your teeth.
If you’re concerned and would like to learn about what’s causing your bad breath, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Given your full medical and dental history along with an oral examination, your dentist should be able to identify the culprit. The causes of bad breath are numerous and include certain foods, alcohol or cigarettes, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease diabetes, dry mouth, sinus or throat infections, lung infections or abscesses, kidney/liver/ gastrointestinal diseases.
Whoopi Goldberg talks about Gum Disease. It can Kill You!
The moral of the story- the sooner you see a dentist to resolve any dental issues the better. It’s our experience at our Leicester dentist that people always feel better after they come in to see us after putting it off for so long. After finally taking the step to book an appointment they know exactly where they stand and what treatment options are available. The not knowing the state of health with your mouth is always worse.
Get Kissable at Smile Essential Dentist in Leicester
This February at Smile Essential dentist we have been celebrating the month of Valentines by offering you a 14% saving on two of our most popular cosmetic treatments.
Tooth whitening is a common cosmetic procedure used to dramatically improve the colour of your teeth to a lighter shade. We use Enlighten tooth whitening as it guarantees you will get great results. Tooth whitening is a relatively straight forward procedure and with the right care package you can have whiter teeth for life.
Dermal Fillers have been used for sometime to improve the appearance of lips. We use only the highest quality product to give you a more desirable look. Juvederm dermal filler contains hyaluronic acid which is found naturally in the skin but decreases with age. This is why lips can sometimes lose volume over time or you may start to notice you have lost definition around the lips and your lipstick starts to bleed. Dermal filler can be used in multiple ways to add volume or definition.
This offer is open to new and existing patients. Simply call 0116 2891317 to find out more or to schedule your free no-obligation consultation.
Offer ends Friday 28th February 2014
