Whether it’s eating, drinking, chewing, or biting, there is a wide range of ways that teeth are used extensively for every day. Over time, however, your teeth may experience the inevitable signs of wear and tear, leading to several problems. A common problem that most adults face is that they put off the idea of visiting a dentist to remedy any dental issue because they are overshadowed by other commitments, ranging from tight work deadlines to taking care of their kids. However, the persistent symptoms of dental problems can evolve into nagging problems that intensify over time. Although it may be tempting to put everything else off to save time and money, remember that the teeth have many daily functions, which is why it is essential to take care of them. That said, you should understand that the warning signs of various dental problems, especially if you have other pre-existing chronic conditions. 

Warning signs to watch out for catching any dental problems early on before they have the chance to worsen is a significant investment in your own health that will save time and money. To stay on top of any possible dental problems that you may have, here are five warning signs to look out for:
 

Extraordinary progress is being made in understanding the close relationship between gum disease and general health. There is increasing evidence showing that oral health conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease negatively affects systemic health and increases the risk of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, pulmonary disease and may also cause complications in pregnancy. Over recent years it has become clear that oral infections are a significant risk factor in systemic diseases.
 

Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss. On the whole, gum disease can be prevented. Here are 9 key facts to prevent gum disease:

1. Always clean your teeth twice a day.

2. Clean in between the teeth using floss or inter dental brushes daily- you will be amazed how much builds up on a daily basis.

3. Visit the dentist and dental hygienist twice a year minimum. If you have gum disease, quarterly visits may be required.

4. Do not smoke- smoking is just a big a cause of gum disease as poor oral hygiene.

5. Use additional aids to keep motivated. Plaque disclosing tablets will highlight new and old plaque which will show you where you are missing.

6. New devices such as Philips Airfloss Pro can be extremely useful if you hate flossing

7. For troublesome areas, you may need special brushes. For example, dental implants may require small headed tufted brushes to clean deeper with the the gum sulcus.

8. Dental x rays will show bone levels around teeth. These should be taken every 3-4 years as a screening method and more regularly should you have a higher susceptibility.

9. Genetics can play a part. Ask you parents if they suffer from gum disease. If so, more regular appointments may be required.

 

If you are worried about gum disease, please contact us. We have specialised screening techniques to analyse your risk and provide bespoke treatment to stabilise any disease.

Spring is finally arriving and hopefully the end of the wet, miserable weather (we can only hope). With Spring traditionally associated with cleaning ones home, why not start a spring clean of your mouth with these 3 reasons for keeping your gums healthy:

1. Did you know there are more bacteria present in your mouth than the entire population of earth?

2. Did you know gum disease is strongly associated with systemic disease such as stroke, diabetes and heart problems?

3. Are you aware that gum disease can be, in the main, reversed and stabilised?

Why wait, book your dental hygiene appointment today and start your journey to oral and overall health.

The health of your mouth is critical to your overall health, which is supported by robust scientist evidence. Here are 10 tips to help maintain a healthy mouth and healthy body:

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes. We prefer electric brushes.

2. Clean in between your teeth with floss or inter dental brushes every night.

3. Use plaque disclosing tablets occasionally. This will highlight where the deposits are building up allowing you to clean more effectively.

4. Waterjets are useful if you hate flossing. Our recommended one is Philips Airfloss.

5. A fluoride mouthwash after brushing can remove further bacteria and leave a fresh sensation. Anyone with fluoride will do.

6. If your gums bleed on brushing, use a chlorhexidine mouthwash for five days. If this continues, contact us. Our preferred brand is Corsodyl.

7. Change your brush head every three months.

8. If you have dental pockets, the use of a single tufted toothbrush can clean under the gum line. There is a special technique- point, push and splay. We will show you how to do this.

9. Do not brush too hard- this can cause gum recession, which is irreversible.

10. Clean your tongue. All of the dead cells from your mouth accumulate on the top surface of the tongue. Use your toothbrush or a dedicated tongue cleaner.

Call us to book your dental hygiene appointment today.

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.

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.

Researchers from Sweden have discovered that periodontal or gum disease may in fact predict a person's risk of heart failure, stroke and heart attack. The researchers examined almost 8000 patients with gum disease and the results showed that certain types of gum disease can in fact predict the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. If you have bleeding gums, bad breath, bad taste, yellow build up on the teeth, loose teeth or gum recession then you are very likely to have gum disease. Do not delay. Contact us today for a full clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan. Preventing or treating gum disease can help fight other more serious health issues. Call us on 020 7731 1162.