A study has identified a possible link between mouth bacteria and meningitis. They suggested that regular brushing and flossing could help prevent the disease. The suggestion came after researchers in Zurich found a new bacterium in the blood of patients with meningitis. This bacterium is also found in patients with a type of heart disease called endocarditis. It is thought the bacterium could enter the bloodstream via bleeding gums. More research is required to confirm this but it reinforces the need for good oral hygiene.

It is a well-known fact that healthy gums are vital for a healthy mouth. It is also becoming more and more evident that having a healthy mouth is vital for overall health. For example, did you know that the following conditions may be caused or made worse by poor dental health:

1. Heart disease 
 

2. Stroke 
 

3. Diabetes 
 

4. Giving birth to a low birth weight or premature baby 
 

5. Respiratory disease 

Visiting the dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis will minimise the risk of gum disease and its associated problems. Dental hygiene requires dedicated attention. A simple 5-minute scale is not good enough. Thorough removal of plaque bacteria above and below the gum line is required. This should take at least 30 minutes and is longer for more advanced disease. Gum disease never goes away and must be stabilised for life. Developing a relationship with your dentist and dental hygienist, who understand your needs, will lead to healthy gums for life and a healthy body.

Mouth Cancer Action Month was launched last month at the House of Commons. The importance of early detection was highlighted as a key factor in survival rates. Mouth cancer currently kills more people than cervical and testicular cancer combined with over 1,800 recorded deaths in 2008. Recent high profile sufferers include Hollywood actor Micheal Douglas, former England captain Bryan Robson and BBC presenter Danny Baker. Between 1997 and 2007, the number of mouth cancer cases had risen by nearly 46 percent. During our initial comprehensive consultation, oral cancer screening is carried out on a routine basis and followed up upon every further examination. If you are concerned about mouth cancer, please contact us on 0207 7311162.

A report has revealed that nearly half of five year olds in Fulham and Hammersmith have tooth decay. The report, which was released by the Children's Oral Health Task Group, showed that 45 percent of five year olds in the borough have decay, a figure which is significantly higher than the London average, which currently stands at 33 percent. Nadeev Pooni, from the Central London NHS Trust, said that it is very important that parents take responsibility for their children's oral health and encourage them to adopt good habits from a very early age.

The Children's Oral Health Taskforce is a new group, which was formed with the aim of identifying and addressing causes of poor oral health. The report made a number of recommendations to try and improve standards of oral health among children, which included campaigning for a consultation on adding fluoride to the water supplies in the area. The most important method of prevention is to ensure regular dental examinations and hygiene treatment. Diet is also crucial and try to avoid sugary snacks and drinks during the day. It is best to keep these treats at mealtimes only. Children of registered parents are seen for an initial consultation free of charge. 

We provide only the best treatment and materials for children. We do not use amalgam metal fillings and have a very strong emphasis on prevention of disease.

We are very pleased to announce a walk in dental hygiene service every Tuesday with immediate effect. There is no need to make a dental appointment, please either walk in or call us to book your dental hygiene appointment. On your visit, an oral health assessment will be carried out by a dentist to ensure all the correct protocols are followed.

Your visit will include a full mouth cleaning and jet air polishing for a sparkling finish! If you have not seen a dental hygienist for a while, have stained, yellow teeth and feel the fur building up please call us today. Regular dental hygiene is one of the most crucial aspects of preventing dental disease and now there is no excuse. Of course, we advise that a full dental examination is carried out and after the assessment we will advise you accordingly.

Walk in dental hygiene every Tuesday, spread the word!

We are pleased to announce that Progressive Dentistry has fulfilled the strict criteria set by the Care Quality Commission to obtain registration. We are also fully regulated by the General Dental Council and are members of the British Dental Association to ensure that our practice is fully up to date and in line current practice. 

We believe we go the extra mile for our patients and this is reflected in the level of service we provide and the attention to detail for each individual case. We do not believe in a treadmill form of dental care. Time is precious and this is why we spend at least 45 minutes with each new patient to discuss the findings and the options. If you think you would benefit from a personalised dental service, please do not hesitate to call or e mail us.

We are delighted to announce that dental hygiene appointments are now available on Saturday mornings. Our dental hygiene appointment inlcudes the very latest stain removal techniques using a jet air polish, for that sparkle finish. 

By removing everyday dietary stains from tea, coffee, smoking and curries for example, teeth can look instantly whiter and fresher. So start the weekend with a cleaner, whiter and fresher mouth and book a hygiene appointment today. 

Our first available Saturday hygiene appointment is on 23rd July and availability is limited, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Dental hygiene is crucial for not only oral health but also overall health. Many studies are now finding a link between poor oral hygiene and systemic disease such as heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular disease. A study last year by the University of California showed that women who regularly visited their dentist and hygienist could reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by up to one third. See leading author Timothy Brown comments of the report here. 

The British Dental Health Foundation warned that gum disease could be a much bigger problem than previously thought and stressed that people need to be made more aware of the condition. The good news is that gum disease is on the whole, a treatable and manageable condition. Our dental Hygienist and Therapist is an expert in managing simple and complex gum problems. She will show you the best way to manage your dental hygiene at home, which is the key to success. 

So why wait for symptoms, call us today and book your dental and hygiene appointment today.