Liverpool implants blog

What Does a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine Look Like?

April 16th, 2016

A healthy oral hygiene routine may differ for each person depending on when oral cleaning is done and the type of tools used for cleaning the teeth, gums and tongue. Some people wear dentures and these may require special care, as may orthodontic devices such as modern braces systems.

A good oral hygiene routine involves time set aside for proper cleaning of all oral parts. The routine time should include daily home cleaning and periodic professional oral cleaning with a dental hygienist.

A dental hygienist cleans scales and polishes the teeth using the latest technologies to reach where toothbrushes cannot. Regular six-monthly dental check-ups screens for tooth decay and gum disease so that the right treatment may be provided.

A healthy home oral hygiene routine comprises:

Teeth and tongue brushing

Gum and palate cleansing

Teeth flossing

Cleaning of dental devices

Brushing teeth according to dentist-recommended technique is important to avoid erosion of dental enamel and to remove all food debris and plaque from attaching around the tooth surface and gum line. Using fluoride-containing toothpaste and an antibacterial mouth rinse ensures that infection-causing bacteria are eliminated.

Part of healthy oral hygiene practice is to use a tongue scraper or brush for removing residue left by food, medication or smoking from the tongue surface. Cleaning the teeth alone is not sufficient as bacteria may colonise on the tongue, causing oral infection. Similarly, brushing the palate and massaging the gums helps to keep them clean and improve circulation.

Teeth should be brushed and flossed after every meal and before sleep. Gentle flossing around tooth restorations such as bridges and crowns maintains their quality. Dentures should be removed and soaked in cleansing solution over night. Depending on the type of orthodontic device, the team at Liverpool Dental Spa will provide advice for cleaning and care.

Tags: oral health, oral health liverpool, oral hygiene, oral hygiene liverpool
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The Facts About Dental Implants

April 12th, 2016

Dental implants have revolutionised oral function control for those with artificial teeth. People who have lost one or more teeth can use dental implants to secure a denture, bridge or crown.

The ultimate missing tooth replacement

There are plenty of causes for tooth loss, including tooth decay, gum disease and oral trauma. No matter what the reason, the gap left by a lost tooth places pressure on the remaining teeth and can make them more likely to move out of their original positions. Suitable replacements for missing teeth include crowns, bridges and dentures, each of which can be anchored by dental implants to provide the strength and stability of a natural tooth.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post inserted into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth root. The implant fuses with the natural jawbone through a process called osseointegration.

Dental implant suitability

Our implant dentist will assess your oral health to make sure you’re suitable for dental implants. Not everyone is a good candidate as the treatment depends on good jawbone health and density. Sometimes, bone augmentation or sinus lifting can be carried to enable implant insertion.

Tags: Dental implants, Dental implants Central Liverpool, Dental implants Liverpool, liverpool dental implants
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Discreet Fillings for Cavities in Liverpool

April 8th, 2016

At Liverpool Dental Spa we offer aesthetically pleasing white fillings for new or old cavities. We can fit new fillings or replace old metal amalgam fillings.

About white fillings

White fillings are used to strengthen the teeth when there is a cavity. Cavities weaken the tooth and there is a risk of further infection, which may eventually result in the need for more intensive treatment and the formation of dental abscesses.

White fillings are so-called because they are designed to blend with the natural whiteness of the teeth so that they are undetectable when you smile. They are made from composite, resin and porcelain. They strengthen the teeth without impacting on the aesthetic and this makes them a very popular choice for patients.

Filling procedure

It is very common to need a filling and the filling procedure is nothing to worry about. In most cases, treatment is complete within an hour and we use local anaesthetic to numb the affected tooth before we treat it.

Before a filling is placed, the tooth is prepared. This involves removing the decayed tissue from the cavity and then cleaning the hole. The cavity is lined with resin, which enables the composite to bond. The composite material is poured into the cavity and then your dentist will set it by shining a bright light on the composite. This does not take long and it is no painful. Once the composite has hardened, it is trimmed to fit and the procedure is then complete.

Benefits of a white filling

The major benefit of white fillings over metal fillings is that they look much nicer, however they are also more environmentally friendly and safer than metal fillings.

Tags: composite fillings liverpool, tooth coloured fillings, white filling Liverpool, white fillings Liverpool
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Wave Goodbye to Wisdom Teeth Worries

April 6th, 2016

Manage the pain of wisdom teeth with the professionals at Liverpool Dental Spa

Usually emerging between the ages of 17 and 24, wisdom teeth are the last of the large grinding teeth positioned towards the rear of your mouth (molars). While most people are unaffected by their wisdom teeth, if there is insufficient room for them to grow then it may result in what is commonly known as ‘impacted’ wisdom teeth – leading to pain, swelling and possible infection.

For permanent relief, the best approach is to have your impacted wisdom teeth surgically removed (extracted). Please note that antibiotics may be able to treat the infection, but it is possible for your symptoms to flare up at a later date if the tooth is not removed.

The operation will usually involve a local anaesthetic, but should your teeth prove problematic to remove then you may be given a general anaesthetic. Prior to your surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will inform you of what happens before, during and after the procedure, and any pain you may have.

Recovery is relatively quick but, if needed, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. The first 24 hours after having a wisdom tooth extracted is imperative, so try not to vigorously rinse your mouth out as this may disturb blood clots that assist with the healing period. After eating, you can gently rinse your mouth warm salt water. Teeth brushing should commence as usual but keep the toothbrush away from the wound for the first couple of days.

As wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure it is generally quite safe, but with every medical operation, always talk with your health professional about the risks before proceeding with treatment.

Tags: General dentistry, tooth pain Liverpool, treatment for wisdom teeth liverpool, wisdom teeth liverpool
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Bring on the Brushing!

April 4th, 2016

Prevention is better than cure and the first line of defense you have against tooth decay is brushing, which is why it’s important to brush twice a day for two minutes each time.

Why is brushing so important?

Brushing removes plaque from the mouth. If plaque is left to its own devices, it can and eventually will instigate gum disease and tooth decay.

How is tooth decay caused?

Plaque is ever present in the mouth and it feeds on sugary and starchy foods, turning them into harmful plaque acids. These acids will gradually wear away the enamel of your tooth and, if allowed to wear enough away, will eventually produce cavities which the bacteria will invade. Once the inner pulp of the tooth gets infected, this can lead to you requiring root canal surgery or tooth extraction.

When to brush

Now is probably a good time to mention that you can inadvertently help plaque by brushing at the wrong time. It is advisable that you wait an hour after eating before you brush your teeth. The acid in many foods and drinks can soften tooth enamel, which means that if you brush just after partaking of these substances, then you are actually wearing down your own tooth enamel!

What about gum disease?

If plaque is allowed to collect in your mouth, it might well start hardening into tartar. Tartar is much trickier to get rid of than plaque is. If tartar forms along your gum line, then the plaque beneath can start to release toxins which will cause a swelling of the gums and can leave your mouth a little sore. Your gums can then start to shift away from your teeth, leaving pockets which risk becoming infected.

So…?

Brush! That’s the gist of it. When brushing, make sure to brush all over (including the corners of your mouth). Make sure to brush each tooth individually and try to keep the brush angled so that is also brushes the gum line. For more information on oral hygiene please contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa.

Tags: brushing your teeth, electric toothbrush, oral health liverpool, oral hygiene liverpool
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly to Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

March 28th, 2016

Get advice on oral hygiene issue from Liverpool dentists

Having a healthy mouth has many benefits. The ability to eat, drink and talk without discomfort is something that many of us take for granted but can easily be compromised if oral hygiene is allowed to slip. Oral hygiene is not just about looking after your teeth. Your gums need to be taken care of too, especially as gum disease is actually a greater cause of tooth loss than dental decay itself. Thankfully there are a number of simple ways in which you can ensure good oral hygiene.

The most important thing to do to make sure that your teeth are in good health is to guard against the build up of plaque. Plaque is a substance that forms on the teeth after sugary and starchy foods have been eaten. It attacks the enamel (the durable coating of teeth). Once compromised then cavities can form and you will experience sensitivity when you eat and drink.

Being sure to brush and floss at least twice a day is the most straightforward way to ensure this isn’t happening but it is important to pursue a healthy and balanced diet too. Brushing and flossing regularly should also take care of your gums but it is worth being vigilant for signs of the gum diseases which affect so many people in Britain. Red spots on the gums or sensitivity while eating or drinking substances which are especially hot or cold can be signs that gum disease is taking hold.

Tags: Dental hygienist clean Liverpool, oral health liverpool, oral hygiene, oral hygiene liverpool
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The Importance of Having an Oral Cancer Screening

March 24th, 2016

Oral cancer is on the rise, but if caught early it is a very treatable form of the disease. That is why dentist are urging patients with signs of the disease to visit their dentist for oral cancer screening.

What are the main causes of oral cancer?

Oral cancer can be caused for many different reasons, including:

Smoking

Drinking

HPV (this virus can be transmitted sexually and is also the virus responsible for cervical cancer)

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

Pain in the mouth or ear that you cannot explain

White or red patches in the mouth that do not vanish over time

Ulcers or sores on your tongue or in your mouth

A lump in the neck

Sore throat

Difficulty swallowing

If you notice these symptoms and they fail to disappear after three weeks, it is advisable to visit your dentist or doctor for an examination.

Oral cancer is very treatable, but the earlier it is caught the better. Regular dental checkups can help your dentist monitor the health of your mouth and look out for any potential oral cancer symptoms.

If you are worried about oral cancer, especially if you are displaying some of the symptoms, we highly recommend that you visit our Liverpool practice. We offer oral cancer screenings to all of our patients to help them maintain the health of their mouths and the rest of their body. Screening is not painful and will simply involved analysis and a rinse, which will look white if abnormal cells are present. If these cells are discovered to be cancerous, treatment will be discussed to help you on your way to cancer free health.

Tags: Mouth cancer Liverpool, mouth cancer screening, Oral cancer screening, Oral cancer screening Liverpool
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Sleep Peacefully Following Our Sleep Apnoea Advice

March 22nd, 2016

Losing sleep can leave you feeling tired, drained and lethargic. If you suffer from disturbed sleep as a result of snoring or sleep apnoea, Liverpool Dental Spa are here to help. We aim to enable you to enjoy a good night’s sleep in no time, so that your start every day feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the day ahead.

What is Sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a sleeping disorder that affects breathing while you sleep. Apnoea causes breathing to be interrupted while you sleep and this is caused by the muscles in the throat relaxing to obstruct the airway. Severe cases of sleep apnoea can be extremely dangerous and it is important that this disorder is managed very carefully.

The major risk factors for Sleep apnoea include obesity, taking certain types of medication, smoking and drinking alcohol. Sleep apnoea is most common in men aged between 30 and 60 years old.

How can we help?

We provide advice about coping with and managing snoring and sleep apnoea and we are able to offer information to help patients enjoy a better night’s sleep. Many of the risk factors for sleep apnoea are related to lifestyle factors and choices and we can help patients to make healthy choices to boost their general health and reduce the risk of sleep apnoea.

We offer advice about quitting smoking, diet and nutrition and we can also help with relieving stress, which may be linked to snoring.

If you have sleeping woes, call us and arrange a consultation. We can help to get your sleeping back on track.

Tags: sleep apnoea, sleep apnoea Liverpool, sleep apnoea treatment in Liverpool, sleep apnoea treatment Liverpool
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Root Canal Treatment for Patients in Liverpool

March 18th, 2016

If tooth decay has become severe or there is gum disease present there is a risk that the root canal may become infected. This is the soft pulp section of the tooth where the nerve ending is found and unlike other dental infections it cannot be treated by antibiotics.

What is root canal treatment?

This treatment involves having the soft pulp at the centre of the tooth removed and filled. This treatment is usually used when tooth decay has penetrated the central structure of the tooth and the only way of saving the tooth is to clear out the decay and fill it.

What is involved in the treatment?

X-rays will be taken to assess the extent of the infection. In some cases your dental professional may suggest you wait a few weeks or months to see if with good oral hygiene the infection clears up. However, if it persists or gets worse the only option is root canal treatment. The tooth will be drilled into so that the dentist can remove the pulp. Once the canal is clear and washed out it will be filled. The tooth will be filled and in some cases a crown may be fitted to provide additional support and protection for the tooth.

Will the tooth look different after treatment?

Sometimes teeth that have had root canal treatment do appear darker than untreated teeth. If this is the case the tooth can be whitened to make it blend in with the surrounding healthy teeth.

What will happen if treatment is not completed?

In the long run the tooth will have to be removed. Once the infection becomes severe the pain associated with it will become unbearable. This is why root canal treatment is recommended in some cases as this will at least save the tooth and avoid the need of a dental implant or denture.

Tags: endodontics Liverpool, root canal surgery, Root canal treatment, Root canal treatment Liverpool
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Quick and Effective Braces Treatment

March 16th, 2016

In the past, fixed braces were the only solution for problems like crooked and crowded teeth and misalignment, but now there is a huge range of treatment options, including the Inman Aligner.

What is the Inman Aligner?

The Inman Aligner is a removable orthodontic appliance that uses forces produced by a coiled spring and a metal bar to move the teeth. The forces squeeze the teeth, causing them to move. The Inman Aligner is a treatment for the front teeth. It focuses on the teeth that can be seen when you smile to reduce treatment time and is a great solution for patients who looking for a quick and discreet treatment.

Who is the Inman Aligner designed for?

The Inman Aligner is designed for patients who have minor orthodontic issues that affect the front teeth, for example mild crowding. As treatment is very quick, this is a popular choice for people who want to look their best for a special occasion. For example, brides or grooms who are preparing for their big day.

The Inman Aligner can also be beneficial for patients who have had braces in the past and started to suffer from relapse, which occurs when the teeth start to move out of position.

This treatment is not suitable for patients with more complex issues as it can only bring about a limited amount of movement. If you are not a suitable candidate for this treatment, we can discuss other treatments with you to find out what suits you perfectly.

How long does treatment take?

The most important advantage of the Inman Aligner is that it works incredibly quickly and much faster than almost all other treatments. Patients start to notice improvement after just a few weeks and almost all cases are complete within 16 weeks.

Call us today at Liverpool Dental Spa to see how the Inman Aligner could benefit you!

Tags: Inman Aligner, Inman Aligner Liverpool, orthodontic treatment liverpool, orthodontics liverpool
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