Tag: Gum disease

Can My Dentist Tell If I Smoke?

Did you know that around 6 million adults in the UK are smokers? Moreover, over 5.1 million British adults use e-cigarettes for smoking. While smoking is known to affect one’s physical health, it has also been shown to have a detrimental effect on one’s oral health. So, if you’re worried that your dentist can tell if you smoke, yes, they can! 

But how can my dentist tell if I smoke? You may ask! You will find the answer to this question in this blog. So, read this blog till the end to learn more about smoking and its effect on your oral health. 

Can Smoking Affect My Mouth And Oral Health?

According to the Oral Health Foundation, smoking can directly affect one’s oral health. For example, persistent smoking can lead to various oral health-related complications such as teeth staining, bad breath gum disease, dry mouth, and even tooth loss. More importantly, studies have shown that smokers are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer than those who don’t smoke. 

Can A Dentist Tell If You Smoke Occasionally?

Smoking-related complications, such as teeth staining or gum disease, may not be visible in your mouth if you smoke occasionally. However, if you are a frequent smoker, there will be signs in your mouth from which your dentist can tell that you’re a habitual smoker. Two of the most oral health-related signs that can tell if you smoke are bad breath and yellow or brown staining of the teeth caused by tobacco.

Why Do Dentists Ask If You Smoke?

When you visit your dentist, they may ask if you are a smoker. This is because smokers are at higher risk of developing various dental complications like gum disease, dry mouth, or tooth loss than non-smokers. Furthermore, there is a higher risk of oral cancers among smokers. Therefore, dentists take additional care while examining the oral cavity of smokers to detect any underlying complications. 

What Can A Dentist Tell From Your Mouth?

Your dentist can tell a lot of things about your oral health, physical well-being, and habits just by looking at your teeth. For example, they can tell if you brush or floss your teeth regularly by the absence of gum swelling, teeth stains or plaque deposits on your teeth. Similarly, dentists can also detect various medical conditions by examining your teeth. In fact, dentists often detect developing medical issues during routine dental examinations. 

Can I Vape With Braces?

It is not recommended to vape with braces. This is because vaping can affect your gum health which directly influences the movement and realignment of your teeth. Hence, vaping may cause oral health complications that may slow down your treatment progress. 

How Can We Vape Without Getting A Dry Socket?

Dentists do not advise using a vape after getting a tooth extracted. This is because vaping can cause a condition called dry socket. In this condition, a good-quality blood clot fails to form inside the extracted tooth socket, thereby delaying healing. 

But what is the link between vaping and dry sockets? According to Healthline, nicotine in vape formulas restricts blood flow to the extraction socket, increasing the risk of a dry socket. Besides, there are various toxins in vaping formulas that significantly increase your risk of this complication. So, it is not recommended to use a vape after having one’s tooth extracted. 

Why Does Vaping Cause Bad/Sour Breath?

Some ingredients of vape formulas, such as propylene glycol, can cause a condition called dry mouth. In this condition, there is a reduced flow or production of the saliva resulting in incomplete cleaning of the oral cavity. As a result, plaque and tartar deposits form on the teeth which can lead to bad breath and other complications such as gum disease. 

How Can Dry Mouth Affect Your Oral Health?

One of the functions of saliva is to bathe our teeth and clean them. Frequent vaping or smoking restricts the production or flow of saliva, resulting in plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. These deposits can cause various complications such as gum disease, bad breath, and even tooth loss. 

Can A Heavy Smoker Do A Dental Implant?

Heavy smokers have a higher risk of developing gum disease than non-smokers. In the advanced stages of gum disease, there is extensive bone loss in the jaws. Since the success of implant therapy is directly dependent on the quality and volume of the available jawbone, smokers tend to have a higher risk of implant failures than non-smokers. 

If smokers need a tooth implant, they should cut down on their habit and ensure optimal oral hygiene for some time to allow for the healing of the damaged tissues. Once optimal healing has taken place, their dentist will proceed with the implant placement procedure. However, smoking should be avoided even after implant placement as it can hamper the healing process.  

Why Doesn’t Smoking Affect Celebrities’ Teeth?

Vaping can cause inflammation of the gums and teeth staining, even in celebrities. However, these signs are not visible in celebrities because they mask these defects with cosmetic dental treatment. But one thing that should be kept in mind is that this type of cosmetic dental treatment is not the solution. It will only mask the issue. In fact, cosmetic dental treatment should not be done when someone is suffering from gum disease. So, the best solution is to restrict the habit of smoking or vaping. 

If you are concerned about your oral health due to smoking and are looking for the best dentist in Essex, your best option is to visit Harrow Dental Practice and Dental Implant Centre. We offer the highest-quality services to our esteemed patients. Whether you have teeth stains or bad breath due to smoking, our experienced dentists will take care of it. So, click here to make an enquiry and let us take care of the rest. 

How Much Does Dental Extraction Cost?

When we talk about dentists, the first thing that comes to mind is teeth extractions. However, teeth extraction is not that common anymore. Today, dentists focus on preserving as many teeth as possible. But even today, teeth need to be extracted in a few cases. 

So, what is tooth extraction, when it is needed, and how much does it cost? You will get answers to all these questions and many more in this blog. So, if your dentist has just told you that you need to get one of your teeth removed and you would like to know more about the procedure, read on!

What Is Dental Extraction Treatment?

Tooth extraction is a procedure in which a dentist pulls a tooth out of its socket. A tooth extraction may seem painful, but it is not. Why? Because your dentist will administer local anaesthesia to make you pain-free before starting the procedure. 

What Should I Know About Tooth Extractions?

If this is the first time you are having one of your teeth removed, there are a few things you should know about the procedure:

  • Dental extractions are painless. You will not feel any pain but may experience pressure sensations during the procedure. 
  • The procedure can be completed in under an hour. However, some dental extractions may take longer. 
  • You should come in for an extraction with a full stomach. 

What Is Better, Root Canal Or A Tooth Extraction?

A root canal and dental extractions are two separate procedures. A root canal is performed to treat infection inside the tooth’s pulp tissue. A root canal can be considered your dentist’s attempt to save a grossly damaged tooth. However, if a root canal is not successful or a tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will suggest getting it extracted and replacing it with an implant-supported prosthesis. 

How Much Does A Tooth Extraction Cost Privately?

Getting a tooth extracted from an NHS-affiliated dentist is considerably cheaper than going to a private dentist. However, the waiting times with NHS are quite long. So, if you don’t want to wait many weeks for your turn with the NHS, you may consider a tooth extraction with a private dentist. Regarding the cost, an extraction by a private dentist can cost around £50 and £350. 

Why Does It Cost So Much To Get A Tooth Pulled?

A tooth extraction is expensive because it is a surgical procedure that requires accuracy and precision. The cost may increase if someone needs an extraction of a broken tooth or root. This is because broken teeth or roots need to be removed with a more extensive surgical procedure called surgical resection. If you cannot afford the high cost of a private oral surgeon, you may consider going to an NHS dentist who will charge you considerably less. 

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Gold Teeth?

When we talk about gold teeth, it doesn’t mean that the tooth is made of gold. Instead, gold teeth refer to teeth having gold filings. Since gold fillings do not hinder tooth removal, the price of having a gold filling-containing tooth should be the same as one without it. But, there is one factor which should be considered. A tooth containing a large gold filling may break or fracture during the extraction. Surgical resection may be needed in these cases, which costs more than a regular extraction. 

What Are The Alternatives To Wisdom Tooth Removal?

A wisdom tooth extraction is performed for various reasons:

  • When there is insufficient space in the jaws to accommodate all the teeth. In such cases, wisdom teeth may be removed to create space and realign the remaining teeth 
  • When the position of a wisdom tooth risks infecting the adjacent teeth 
  • When the soft tissues around a partially impacted wisdom tooth get infected frequently, the affected wisdom teeth should be removed in this condition- called pericoronitis. 

Unfortunately, there is no alternative to wisdom tooth removal. If a wisdom tooth gets infected or affects the other teeth, it must be surgically removed. Choosing not to extract a problem-causing wisdom tooth can lead to various complications. 

Dental Extraction Near Me

If you have one or more teeth needing removal, you are strongly advised to visit a qualified and experienced oral surgeon. Why? Because a dental extraction is a surgical procedure. Therefore, you should go to a dentist who is very particular about cross-infection control. More importantly, your dentist should have excellent surgical skills. This is because the higher the surgery quality, the lesser the post-operative pain and discomfort will be. Another reason one should visit an experienced oral surgeon is that they are trained to administer local anaesthesia. Therefore, they will ensure that you remain pain-free throughout the procedure.  Finally, having your teeth removed by an experienced dentist minimises the risk of surgical complications. 

If you reside in North Harrow and you’re looking for an experienced and renowned oral surgeon, Harrow Dental Centre should be your first choice. We have a team of highly qualified general and specialist dentists who will take care of all your problems and treat you in a relaxing and soothing environment. We also have state-of-the-art technology that allows us to provide our esteemed patients with the best services in town. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us to book an examination now, and let us take care of your entire family’s dental issues. We look forwards to serving you. 

Can Dentures Be Fitted To Receding Gums? And Other Tooth Replacement Questions Answered

Removable dentures are one of the most commonly used options for replacing missing natural teeth. If your dentist has recently suggested removable dentures for tooth replacement, you will surely have questions about this treatment option. In this regard, one of the most frequently asked questions about removable dentures is whether they can be used with receding gums. If you are also looking for an answer to this question, you have come to the right place. So, read on to find out the answer to this question so that you can make an informed decision about this tooth replacement option. 

Receding Gums: Causes And Treatment Options?

Gum recession is a pathological process in which the gums start to move away from their normal attachment position on the teeth. Gum recession can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of these are given below:

 

  • Gum Disease – the harmful bacteria inside inflamed gums release toxins that irritate the gums. This results in the movement of the gums away from their normal position. 
  • Physical Irritation – physical factors such as using excessive force during brushing or too much use of toothpicks can also cause gum recession. 
  • Overhanging Restoration – if a filling overhangs and touches the gum tissues, it can cause irritation and recession of the gums. 
  • Trauma – an accidental injury to the gums can also cause their recession. 

 

Which Is Better, An Implant Or A Bridge, If You Have Poor Gums?

Dental professionals recommend against getting any type of tooth replacement while there is underlying gum inflammation. This is because dental bridges are dependent on the supporting healthy teeth for their support. If there is gum disease, the teeth may already be mobile resulting in the pre-mature dislodgment of the bridge. Similarly, dental implants rely on the health of the bone tissue for the support. Again, if there is gum disease, it may have already caused extensive bone tissue damage. Hence, dentists always treat gum disease before considering any type of tooth replacement. 

What Causes Receding Gums On One Tooth?

Typically, gum recession occurs on all the teeth. However, there are certain cases when it can also occur in isolated teeth. Some of the reasons for isolated gum recession are:

  • Trauma to the affected tooth 
  • Misaligned tooth which receives excessive force during brushing 
  • Using too much toothpick 

Regardless of the location of gum recession, it should never be taken lightly and immediate dental assistance shoul be sought. 

What’s The Best Solution For Teeth Gap And Receding Gums?

Teeth gaps and receding gums are two separate issues. Teeth gaps typically appear when there is excess space in the jaws than needed for accommodating all the teeth in alignment. Alternatively, if a tooth is lost prematurely, the neighbouring teeth move towards the vacant space, creating extra spacing between all the teeth. Regarding the solution of teeth gaps, dentists utilise various options. These are:

For receding gums, the following options are available:

  • Periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planning
  • Gum grafting 

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix Receding Gums?

Cosmetic dentistry can help in restoring the aesthetic flaws caused by gum recession. However, other procedures need to be performed to treat the underlying cause. For example, if gum recession is because of periodontal inflammation, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar deposits through scaling and planning and then treat the cosmetic issue. In some cases, treatment of the underlying issues restores gum health and attachment. On the other hand, when there is severe gum recession, a gum grafting procedure is performed to correct the optimal length of the gums.

Can Fake Teeth Chew Just As Good As Real Teeth?

There is nothing as good as one’s natural teeth. However, this does not mean tooth replacement options do not restore one’s ability to chew food. Instead, it depends on the type of tooth replacement. For example, removable dentures, especially complete dentures, rely solely on the underlying bone and soft tissues for their support and retention. Hence, they do not effectively restore one’s ability to chew food. On the other hand, dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone, like natural teeth. Hence, they optimally restore one’s ability to chew food efficiently. In fact, dental implants are the next best thing for your natural teeth. 

What Happens If Your Gums Recede Too Far?

The most significant complication of gum recession is the exposure of the tooth roots, which are more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay than the tooth crowns. So, if the gums recede too far, it can cause root sensitivity and decay. 

Will My Teeth Fall Out From Receding Gums?

Gum recession is an indication of underlying gum disease. In the advanced stages of gum disease, there is extensive bone loss, resulting in the teeth becoming loose in their sockets. If this condition is not corrected in a timely manner, the teeth may start falling off. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having Dentures?

Like all tooth replacement options, removable dentures have their own merits and demerits. These are:

 

Pros of Dentures

 

      • Cost-effective 
      • Simple fabrication technique 
      • Repairable can be used to replace single, multiple, or all missing teeth 

Cons of Dentures

 

    • Service life is limited 
    • Can fracture easily if dropped 
    • Can get warped if exposed to sudden extreme temperature changes

Finding an excellent removable denture specialist in your area can be difficult. But, if you reside in Hornchurch, Harrow Dental Practice is the best place to visit. Whether you need removable dentures or teeth whitening for your stained teeth, we provide all the services under one roof. So, contact us today and request an appointment so that we can give you a healthy, lasting, and adorable smile. 

Hard Tissue Lasers In Dentistry – Common Questions Answered

Does the sound of a dental drill irritate you, or send chills down your spine? Would you rather bear the agony of a toothache than seek dental treatment? Would you prefer if there were simpler, less invasive approaches to provide dental treatment? If the answers to above questions is yes, there is good news for you. Thanks to laser dentistry, you don’t have to bear the irritating sound of a dental drill anymore. This blog discusses the various uses of hard tissues lasers in dentistry to provide less invasive and complication-free dental treatment. So, continue reading to learn more. 

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry refers to the use of lasers to treat various dental conditions. Although lasers became commercially available in dentistry in 1989, they were not commonly used until a few years ago. Lasers offer a less invasive option for performing various hard and soft tissue dental procedures. Dental lasers create a high-energy, focused beam that can be used to cut or reshape dental hard and soft tissues. 

What Is The Medical Application For A Laser In Dentistry?

The term LASER stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”. Although not approved by the American Dental Association, The US Food and Drug Administration has approved lasers for the treatment of various dental conditions:

  • Removing decayed tooth structure 
  • Treating dental hypersensitivity 
  • As an alternative to dental drill for reshaping or cutting bone tissue 
  • Treatment of gum disease and other soft tissue problems 
  • Soft tissue surgery 
  • To promote blood clotting and healing 
  • Teeth whitening
  • Cancer treatment 

How Big A Part Do Lasers Play In Dentistry?

Lasers were not commonly used in dentistry until a few years ago, when they were recognized as a safer, less invasive, and less painful option for performing dental procedures. The popularity and demand for lasers in dentistry is now increasing gradually. The day is not far when lasers will begin to play a pivotal role in dental treatment. 

Is Laser Safe For Dentistry?

Dental lasers are generally regarded as safe for oral use. However, it must be noted that dental lasers have not yet gained approval from the American Dental Association. However, the ADA is cautiously optimistic regarding its future use in restorative dentistry. On the other hand, the US FDA has approved dental lasers for different dental treatments. Another important aspect is the skill and experience of the dentist using dental lasers. Naturally, dentists must undergo additional training and certification before offering treatment with dental lasers. 

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Laser Dentistry?

Like every other dental technology, dental lasers have their merits and demerits:

Pros of Dental Lasers 

  • Safety 
  • Lesser soft and hard tissue damage resulting in less inflammation and quicker healing 
  • Promote blood clot formation and prevents post-operative tooth sensitivity
  • Suitable for patients with fear of the sound of the dental drill

Cons of Dental Lasers 

Can Laser Help Treat My Gum Disease?

Many dentists nowadays use dental lasers for treating gum disease and performing gum surgery. For example, your dentist will use a soft tissue laser to remove the inflamed gum tissues from below the gum line and around the roots. Once the inflamed tissues have been removed, your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove the plaque and tartar deposits. In case there is gingival enlargement due to inflammation, your dentist will also remove the excess tissue with lasers. Finally, lasers can also be used for clinical crown lengthening. 

How Has Laser Technology Changed The Dental Industry?

Lasers have entirely revolutionised the dental industry. Previously, many patients would simply avoid visiting their dentists or seeking treatment because they were afraid of the sound of the dental drill or could not bear to see the sight of blood. Thanks to dental lasers, many dental procedures such as tooth preparation for veneers, crowns, and bridges, tooth decay removal, and gum recontouring can be performed non-invasively. This is truly a blessing for patients with dental phobias. Besides, dental lasers also improve the clinical and esthetic outcomes of various dental procedures. For example, lasers can cut very precisely. So, the dentist can achieve excellent aesthetic results during tooth preparation or gum recontouring. 

Which Is The Best Dental Clinic For Laser Dentistry?

If you are considering dental lasers for your treatment, there are several factors you must consider. First, you should visit a practice that has a dental team that specialises in therapy with lasers. The treating dentist should have acquired additional certification or training in laser treatment. Besides, the prospective dental practice must have a proven track record of successfully treating their patients with dental lasers. Another factor to consider is the type of dental lasers available at the dental practice you are considering, as different lasers are used for other dental treatments. Finally, you should select a dental practice that is either close to your home or office, so that you don’t have to spend time and money on travelling to and fro. 

If you are looking for a dental practice offering laser dentistry services in Essex, look no more and visit Harrow Dental Practice. Our highly qualified and trained dental team guarantees effective and safe treatment with lasers in a comfortable and relaxing environment. So, download your free consultation voucher today and let us amaze you with the power of dental lasers. 

I think I might have gum disease, what can I do?

One of the primary causes of tooth loss is the progression of gum disease if it’s not treated and caught early. We therefore decided to dedicate this entire blog post to looking at some of the most common questions and answers that people have about gum disease (gingivitis)

What is gum disease?

Gum disease or gingivitis occurs when the delicate gums around your teeth become inflamed. Gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so you may not notice it until it is at a more severe stage.

How will I know if I have gum disease?

The first sign is that your gums may be slightly puffy, read or inflamed. At first this will be very mild and barely noticeable unless you look extremely closely (just as a dentist would during your regular dental health check).

As the gum disease progresses you may find that the gums bleed occasionally during cleaning with a toothbrush. You will also find that if you clean between your teeth with a brush or floss that the bleeding can be worse.

The problem is that people at this stage then tend to layoff cleaning their teeth quite so much as the gums bleed and become tender, however this can mean that the gum disease can progress further underneath the gum.

If the infection spreads below the gum line it can then turn into the more serious periodontitis which affects the bone and can ultimately lead to tooth extraction or loss.

Is it possible to catch gum disease?

No. Gum disease is not an infectious disease and is caused primarily by poor hygiene. However, if you have lower standards of oral hygiene without healthy gums your teeth may be more susceptible to any additional bacteria which are introduced into the oral environment.

What are the causes of gum disease?

because of gum disease is a buildup of plaque over the teeth, this is a sticky substance which if not removed daily can build up into hard tartar. This is where bacteria lurk, these bacteria are producing acid as they digest food and it is this acid which causes tooth decay.

In addition to poor oral hygiene there are additional risk factors which increase your likelihood of developing gum disease, these are:

  1. Smoking. Smoking as a tendency to dry out your mouth, this drying out means there is less saliva to wash away food stuff and neutralise the acid attack.
  2. Changes in hormones. Particularly in girls and women, hormone changes can lead to sensitivity in the gums making gingivitis more likely.
  3. Your genetics. Unfortunately some people are more prone to developing gum disease than others.
  4. Diabetes. There are direct links between people with diabetes and gum disease.
  5. Your medications. Any medication which alters the flow of saliva can leave you more susceptible to developing gum disease. There are also some medications which promote abnormal growth of the gums, these can then be difficult to clean.

Is it possible to reverse gum disease or cure it?

Yes, it is possible to reverse gum disease. Depending on how severe the disease is and how far it has progressed depends upon the best course of action. The very simplest thing you can do is to start a more thorough oral health care routine ensuring that you are brushing your teeth at least twice per day for 2 min with the fluoride toothpaste (This helps to strengthen your tooth enamel) and that they are cleaned once a day with an incidental brush or floss.

Do people with gum disease die early?

The recent any research to indicate that people with gum disease necessarily die early, however there is research which links gum disease to certain other conditions including heart attacks.

There has been research undertaken which is shown that people with heart conditions have the same bacteria present in their heart as is present with gum disease. More research is needed to establish if there is a causal link between gum disease and heart disease, however what is clear is that there is indeed a link between the two conditions.

What are some complications?

Additional complications from gum disease can include, but are not limited to:

  • Tooth removal. If your gum disease is not kept under control then it can turn into the more serious periodontitis which can then lead to floss.
  • Strokes. Studies have shown that up to 40% of the bacteria that cause the fatty deposits in People that have had a stroke come from their mouths which have inflamed gums.
  • Respiratory disease. Because dental plaque harbours a considerable amount of bacteria it is inevitable that some of these could be respiratory pathogens, therefore a complication of gum disease could potentially be pneumonia, emphysema and chronic obstructive lung disease.
  • Heart disease. Because the body is a complete system connected by its blood supply then any bacteria which gets into the blood in your mouth can make its way to your heart. These bacteria have been shown to lodge inside the walls of the blood vessels causing blood clots to form.
  • Gastric ulcers. The same bacteria that cause gastric ulcers are also responsible for gum disease, this means that if you have a particularly high bacteria count in your mouth then as you swallow your food these bacteria are transferred to your stomach.

Complications of gum disease

How to prevent gum disease

Preventing gingivitis is relatively straightforward and involves:

  • Regular dental checks by your dentist and hygienist to ensure that you are cleaning your teeth adequately.
  • Being aware of the food and drinks you consume to keep sugar amounts lower.
  • Ensuring that you have a good daily oral health care regime.
  • Watch out for the early warning signs like bleeding gums and if it doesn’t clear up contact your dentist.