You may have noticed the increasing number of adverts for the treatment of tooth sensitivity and tooth erosion. Why is this? The answer is simple; our diets and habits.
 

DIET

In general, our diet has become far more acidic over the years. For example, you may be surprised to learn that certain fruits have a very high acid content that can dissolve healthy tooth enamel. Citrus fruits are especially acidic. Fizzy drinks are also very acidic. Did you know that a typical cola drink could dissolve your entire tooth overnight? Shocking, yet these drinks are a normal dietary item. Not only this, but the non diet varieties contain up to 4 large tablespoons of sugar!
 

HABITS

Did you know that over 80% of the population grinds their teeth at night? Teeth grinding will lead to loss of tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. In conjunction with an acidic diet, this is a recipe for disaster! It is not unusual to see tooth wear that would normally be seen in an elderly person in a twenty or thirty year old. If you have tooth wear or sensitive teeth, then please read on.
 

WHAT TO DO

1. Reduce the acid content in your diet immediately. 
2. Chew sugar free gum after eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks. 
3. Do NOT brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods or drinks.
4. Use dedicated pastes and gels as prescribed by your dentist to reduce tooth sensitivity and protect teeth.
5. These pastes and gels should be used TOPICALLY. This means applying them directly to the teeth with your finger tip and allowing direct contact overnight.
6. Do NOT rinse with water or mouthwash after applying the topical paste. This will simply wash the paste away.
7. See your dentist immediately if you develop sensitive teeth or notice your teeth chipping, becoming more translucent at the tips or becoming flat.
 

PREVENTION

Prevention is far better than cure. By spotting the signs early, advanced tooth wear or sensitivity can be prevented. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are concerned with any of the issues mentioned.

Dental emergencies can be a worrying event especially if you are unable to see your dentist immediately. We have a few tips in the event of a dental emergency which will help until you can visit your dentist.
 

BROKEN TEETH

In the event of a broken tooth or teeth, it is important to keep the area clean. It is wise to gently clean the area and remove any debris. The use of a mouthwash such as Corsodyl can also help to keep the area clean and free from bacteria. There are some temporary filling material products available at large chemists such as Boots which can also be helpful. If the teeth are very sensitive, rubbing in sensitive tooth paste such as Colgate Pro Relief or Sensodyne Rapid Response is recommended.
 

GUM SWELLING

Swollen gums are a sign of infection. It is very important to keep the mouth as clean as possible with gentle tooth brushing and using mouthwashes such as Corsodyl or warm salt water. Anti biotics are usually required in the case of an infection which can only be prescribed by your dentist.
 

TOOTH ACHE

Tooth pain such as throbbing, tenderness on biting, a dull ache and sensitivity are common descriptions for tooth ache. There may be different reasons for the pain. If medically allowed, the use of anti inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can help or paracetamol if you are unable to use ibuprofen. These medications should only be used in the short term.
 

WISDOM TOOTH PAIN

Pain from wisdom teeth is usually due to inflammation or infection of the surrounding gum. This is called 'pericoronitis'. It is very important to keep the area as clean as possible using gentle tooth brushing and mouthwashes such ac Corsodyl, Colgate Peroxyl or simply warm salt water. Due to the difficult access of wisdom teeth, a small headed tooth brush will be required.
 

LOST FILLING

If a dental filling falls out such as an amalgam (metal) filling or a white (composite) filling, clean the area gently. The use of a temporary filling material can help. Avoid biting any thing too hard or crunchy on the area and avoid the extremes of hot and cold as the are may be sensitive. 

The main advice is to see your dentist as soon as possible. We have a policy of seeing emergency patients on the day, so feel free to call us in the event of a dental emergency. Our emergency telephone number is 020 7731 1162.

You may have seen the television adverts and large posters from Corsodyl mouthwash. These are quite striking and straight to the point. If there was blood coming out of your eye you would not ignore this. It should not be any different for bleeding gums. Bleeding gums is evidence of gum disease and a sign that something is not right. Healthy gums do NOT bleed. So what should you do?

1. See your dentist or hygienist as soon as you can. Only they will be able to diagnose the problems with the gums and advise accordingly.

2. In the meantime, it is important to keep brushing your teeth and gums effectively. This could involve using an electric tooth brush. A minimum of 2 minutes is required for effective cleaning.

3. Cleaning in between the teeth is crucial. This can be achieved with special inter dental brushes, sticks, floss and flossettes.

4. The use of mouthwash such as Corsodyl can help as a short term cure. It will reduce the level of dental plaque present and aid healing. However, long term use will cause staining of the teeth.

5. Newer devices such as the Waterpik, Philips Airfloss can also be use a useful adjunct to treatment.

The health of the gums is of paramount importance to not only oral health but also general health. This is why we offer DIRECT access to our dental hygienist. This will be available every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and even selected Saturdays. We strongly believe in prevention of disease. By maintaining you gum health, you have a lower risk of developing dental disease. It is as simple as that. So do not wait. If you have bleeding gums, bad breath, mobile teeth, gum recession, staining, build up of calculus or you simply have not seen a dental hygienist recently then contact us today.

We can be found on Fulham High Street, close to Putney Bridge underground Station. Fulham Road, New Kings Road and Fulham Palace Road all intersect Fulham High Street and it is readily accessible via numerous buses and there is even parking available at 40p per hour.

Dental Hygiene with Sparkling Results Every Time!

Introducing "Flash Pearl" at Progressive Dentistry, a new type of cleaning powder designed for gentle effective cleaning. This calcium based powder is sprayed on to the teeth to remove plaque and stains to give you a fresh-mouth feeling like never before. The powder reduces acidity in the mouth which can cause decay and bad breath as well as inhibiting new plaque from forming. 

Some more of the many advantages of using Flash Pearl cleaning powder are: 

1. Powerful cleaning.

2. Soft and gentle, no damage to teeth surface.

3. Quick, amazing results on staining. 

4. Sodium free natural taste, suitable for those with high blood pressure. 

If you would like a sparkling smile, please do not hesitate to contact to us to make an appointment with our dental hygienist. 

We can be found close to Putney Bridge underground station. The New Kings Road, Fulham Road and Fulham Palace Road all run off Fulham High Street and bus services are regular throughout the day.

My next article will focus on the alternative to white fillings, which are porcelain onlays and inlays. These are, on the whole, laboratory made restorations for the teeth. These are often required when extra strength is required to protect the underlying tooth that cannot be afforded by direct white fillings. There are many advantages to porcelain inlays and onlays.

1. They are biocompatible and therefore there is no issue with any toxic component. 

2. They have similar wear strengths to tooth enamel. 

3. They do not shrink. 

4. They do not take up moisture over time leading to material distortion. 

5. Porcelain does not change colour or stain. 

6. Porcelain can be used to restore heavily broken teeth, even those with only a third of the remaining underlying tooth available. 

7. Porcelain can be adhesively bonded to the underlying tooth, creating a super seal from bacteria. 

8. Porcelain inlays and onlays require less tooth preparation than conventional crowns. 

9. As they are made in the laboratory, the technician will be able to create all manner of contours and adaptations that would not be possible with a direct filling. 

10. Porcelain inlays and onlays look just like teeth! 

If you would like totally biocompatible porcelain restorations for your teeth, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0207 7311162 or e mail info@progressivedentistry.co.uk

Following on from my previous article regarding metal fillings, I will now provide 10 reasons why white fillings are superior to metal fillings: 

1. White fillings actually adhere to the tooth surface creating an excellent seal.

2. White fillings require less preparation of the tooth than metal fillings.

3. White fillings do not contain mercury.

4. They are easily repaired if damaged.

5. They can be used on front and back teeth.

6. The wear strength of the latest materials are far superior to previous generations and therefore similar to tooth enamel.

7. White fillings can be used to repair worn, chipped and fractured teeth in a procedure called cosmetic bonding.

8. They can be used as an intermediate restoration for complex cases. For example: tooth wear cases, temporary veneers and crowns.

9. White fillings can be used to cure sensitive teeth. 

10. White fillings look great and just like teeth! However, it is vital that white fillings are placed correctly. In 99% of cases, they must be placed under rubber dam. This is a special rubber sheet which isolates the tooth from moisture and bacteria. The technique must also be correct and follow a strict protocol. Failure to follow these guidelines will lead to failure. At Progressive Dentistry, I insist that we use the very best materials and techniques to ensure optimal results. Anything less will not do.

If you are considering replacing metal fillings with white fillings, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our telephone number is 020 7731 1162 or e mail us on info@progressivedentistry.co.uk

One of the most common questions we answer is whether metal fillings should be replaced. I have complied a list of 10 points about metal fillings and why I think they have had their day and alternative treatments should be sought:

1. Metal fillings contain up to 50% mercury.

2. Mercury is a toxin.

3. Mercury is continuously released from metal fillings via a vapour form.

4. Metal fillings do NOT stick to teeth, they are mechanically wedged in to place.

5. Metal fillings require the tooth to be cut deeper than white fillings as they rely upon an undercut in the tooth i.e wider base than top surface.

6. Metal fillings corrode over time leaving areas open to bacterial leakage.

7. Metal fillings cannot be repaired.

8. Metal fillings leach ions within the tooth to give a grey appearance.

9. Metal fillings cannot be placed next to gold crowns as this may lead to a galvanic effect and increase the corrosion rate.

10. Metal fillings look awful.

Modern replacements include composite resin fillings and porcelain inlay and onlay restorations. My next article will list points why these materials are superior than metal fillings.

Article written by Dr Nissit Patel

If you would like to know more about removing metal fillings, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 7731 1162 or e mail info@progressivedentistry.co.uk