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Don’t forget your toothbrush…it may be a lifesaver

Going to the dentist is a chore, and a necessity if we want to keep our own teeth. But there may be more broad-ranging benefits.
Regular check ups, clean teeth and a healthy mouth could increase lifespan and lead to early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a range of diseases from anaemia to heart problems.
Experts are increasingly discovering links between gum disease – which affects half the population – and dozens of other illnesses.

Studies are also showing that treating it can lead to improvements in many of the conditions.
The British Dental Association’s scientific adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, says: ‘The good news is that most cases of gum disease are treatable and, more importantly, preventable.’
Here, we outline the ways in which good oral hygiene – brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, restricting intake of sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes, stopping smoking and visiting the dentist once every two years (or more often if you have problems) – can boost overall health.

HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
Gum disease usually begins with a build-up of plaque, a sticky coating made up of food and bacteria that can lead to irritation of the gums, bleeding and gingivitis.
Research at New York State University showed that treating periodontal disease (swollen gums) with scaling and root planing and antibiotic gel significantly lowered the levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, which are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
In a second study at Sydney Dental Hospital, dentists removed teeth from about 70 patients with advanced forms of gum disease and found a big drop in the levels of the same compounds associated with heart disease risk.
One theory is that periodontal bacteria get into the bloodstream and travels to major organs to begin new infections. It has also been suggested that the bacteria causing gum disease could increase the rate at which arteries become blocked.
There may be a similar risk with stroke. Research based on 9,000 adults tracked for 15 years found that women with antibodies to P. gingivalis, the organism most associated with periodontal disease, were twice as likely to have a stroke.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
A report from cardiologists at the University of Athens says there is a link between chronic periodontitis and increases in blood-pressure levels and hypertension (high blood pressure).

LUNG DISEASE
Links have been found between oral health and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or COPD, a respiratory condition whose main cause is cigarette-smoking.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, oral and other bacteria can get into the lungs to cause frequent bouts of infection in patients with COPD.

DIABETES
Gum-disease rates have been found to be threefold higher in people with diabetes.
A study by the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease found a link between severity of periodontal disease and mortality in diabetes patients.
Researchers at Newcastle University say there is evidence of a two-way effect, with diabetes increasing the risk for periodontitis, and periodontal inflammation worsening blood-sugar control.

PREMATURE BIRTH
Researchers have found higher rates of premature babies among women with periodontal disease.
Research at the University of Alabama is showing that gum infections trigger an increase in the levels of prostaglandin and other compounds that induce labour.

The researchers were able to reduce premature birth by up to 84 per cent in women who received scaling and root planning when they were less than 35 weeks pregnant.

OSTEOPOROSIS
In periodontitis, there is a loss of bone into which the teeth are rooted, and this, as well as loss of the soft-tissue attachment to the tooth, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
It has been suggested that in some patients gum disease could be an early indicator of the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis.

EARLY DEATH
Those with severe gum disease were twice as likely to die, of any cause, before the age of 64 as those with no disease, according to a study based on a nationally representative U.S. sample of 11,000 people aged over 30.

Article Source: The Daily Mail 14th April 2012

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Categories: Dental News, oral hygiene, Uncategorized.

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By Paula Conron
— April 16, 2012 at 11:28 am

Too many give dental health the brush off

LESS than half of all adults in the UK have an acceptable oral hygiene routine, according to dental health experts.

Figures from the Adult Dental Health Survey revealed the average time spent brushing is just 45 seconds, while a quarter of adults skip brushing at least once a day.

The same data also showed 42 per cent of adults only use a toothbrush and toothpaste, with only 27 per cent saying they use an electric brush. Furthermore, it revealed that one in four adults does not use toothpaste with the recommended level of fluoride.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: “Using inter-dental brushes, floss, or tape at least once a day will help to remove plaque and debris from between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach.

“Brushing alone will only clean around 60 per cent of the tooth surface, so it is important to remember there are products available to help you establish and develop a good oral health routine.

“One of the foundation’s three key messages is to brush for two minutes twice a day, and it appears even this most basic of messages isn’t being adhered to.

“Not enough people know dental disease is almost entirely preventable. By investing time in a good oral health routine both morning and night, your oral health can and will improve.”

Article Source: Western Gazette 15th March 2012

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By Paula Conron
— March 19, 2012 at 4:40 pm

Does going to the dentist get you in a bother?

City Bridge Dental Care offers a unique referral service to practices in the Bristol area. If you have been told you need treatment and your current dentist does not offer sedation, why not ask them to refer you to us?

Our online referral service is now live and available to use. For more information on sedation at City Bridge Dental Care and how to be referred click here.

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry.

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By Paula Conron
— March 13, 2012 at 12:37 pm

Christmas Tooth Whitening Offer

 

City Bridge Dental Care are currently offering BRITESMILE in-surgery tooth whitening for the amazing price of £399.00 – so you can have a dazzling white smile in time for Christmas.

Here at City Bridge Dental Care our experienced dental team will listen to your needs and help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile.

You may think £399.00 sounds expensive after seeing deals for home whitening on sites such as Groupon for much less, but beware. Many kits sold in the UK do not contain enough of the whitening product to be effective, and some kits sold over the internet may contain mild acids and abrasives. These acids and abrasives can both attack your tooth enamel and cause lasting damage.

At City Bridge Dental Care we offer you a whitening procedure that is:

  • Fast and convenient
  • Long lasting
  • Low sensitivity
  • Proven to be safe and effective
  • Performed by our dental professionals

Our West Weddings whitening winner Kim Bridgeman, pictured below, had the procedure done at the practcie and she was delighted with teh results. Take a look and see what you think….

 

 

A dazzling smile from our West Weddings whitening winner

For further informationor to book an appointment, telephone a Patient Advisor on 0117 9507949. We look forward to welcoming you to the practice and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.

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By Paula Conron
— December 15, 2011 at 3:31 pm

Visiting the Hygienist is good for your health!!!

Here at City Bridge Dental Care we have always encouraged our patients to see the dental hygienist on a regular basis, whether it be 3 monthly, 6 monthly or annually, depending on individual patient needs. The below article appeared in the Daily Mail on Monday 14th November and states that new research shows that visiting the hygienist isn’t only good for your teeth but also your heart.

Open wide, it’ll help your heart by Sophie Borland, Health Reporter.

Visiting a dental hygienist isn’t just good for your teeth – it could also protect your heart, researchers claim. They found that those who have their teeth professionally cleaned and polished at least once a year cut their risk of a heart attack by nearly a quarter. And they are 13% less likely to have a stroke compared to those who have never had the treatment.

Scientists have known for several years that the condition of teeth and gums is strongly linked to the likelihood of heart problems. Not brushing properly causes plaque to build up, which leads to gum disease. Bacteria then enter the blood stream via the gums, and it is thought that this causes artery walls to become inflamed, which can trigger heart attacks or strokes. The bacteria may also contribute to the build-up of fatty deposits in the bloodstream, which can also lead to heart problems.

Researchers from Taiwan looked at the records of more than 100,000 adults over seven years and noted down how often they went to a dental hygienist. Emily Chen from the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, who presented the findings at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions conference in Florida said:  “Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year.”

A separate study found that those with fewer than 21 teeth were two thirds more likely to have a heart attack. Healthy adults have 32 teeth.

 

At City Bridge Dental Care we have a team of four dental hygienists  – Karen, Tina, Becca and Becky who are committed to ensuring the best oral health for all their patients. The above research shows how important it is to attend the dentist and hygienist regularly.

When was the last time you visited the dental hygienist? Are you overdue for your appointment or have concerns about your gums or oral health?  Telephone a Patient Advisor on 0117 9507949 to book your appointment now.

Spread  the cost of your routine dental appointments – examinations and hygiene – by joining the City Bridge Membership Plan. For just £13.50 per month you will be covered for four dental appointments per year (one of which to be a dental examination), all clinically necessary xrays and up to 20% off any treatment required as well as  supplementary insurance that covers you for dental treatment whilst you are away from home – in the UK or abroad. Phone now on 0117 9507949 and speak to a Patient Advisor for further information.

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By Paula Conron
— November 16, 2011 at 4:50 pm

Tooth Decay in Young Children

Fact: By the time they are 5 years old, over 30% of children in the UK have dental decay.

Fact: In fewer than 10% has the decay been treated and the tooth restored.

Fact: In Horfield, Bristol 22% of Year 1 school children (ages 5 & 6) have at least one rotten tooth.

These facts are really quite astonishing. Here at City Bridge Dental Care we encourage our patients to bring their children to the dentist from a very young age, to get them used to the sights, sounds and smells within the practice as well as the dentist. By attending regularly for check-ups combined with a  healthly diet and regular brushing we aim to reduce the amount of tooth decay we see in our young patients. As the children get a little older they are invited to our “Kids Clubs” where they take part in fun experiments and games to educate them about preventing tooth decay, given brushing demonstrations as well as other fun tasks.

First teeth are important developmentally for a child’s speech, eating and facial appearance. They establish a space in the mouth for adult teeth, allowing the permanent teeth to grow and develop normally. Early loss of the first teeth can lead to overcrowding when adult teeth appear. this may lead to the child needing orthodontic treatment in later years.

The first teeth are as important as adult teeth. The first teeth are just as prone to dental caries (tooth decay) as permanent teeth. It is important to take special care of a child’s mouth in order to prevent dental decay and to avoid dental extractions and fillings.

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries is a disease where acids formed by bacteria in dental plaque damage the hard tooth structure. This is a destructive process that leads to decalcification (softening) of the tooth enamel and dentine with progressive damage and ultimately to a cavity (hole)  in the tooth. Dental caries can cause toothache, distress and discomfort to toddlers and young children, stop them sleeping and eating and lead to reduced food intake.

If you have any concerns or questions about yours child’s teeth then call a Patient Advisor on 0117 9507949.

Please help me look after my teeth

 Six ways to prevent dental decay.

1. Remove dental plaque with regular effective toothbrushing.

 2. Strengthen the enamel by regular toothbrushing using a fluoride toothpaste.

3. Limit sugar intake by reducing the frequency of sugar intake to a maximum of 4 times per day.

4. Avoid food and sweet drinks at night. Food and drinks other than water should not be given to toddlers and children if they wake during the night.

5. Avoid prolonged bottle-feeding. Offer all drinks from cups not bottles.

6. Avoid grazing on food and drink. Food and drinks other than water should be restricted to three meals and 2 to 3 healthy snacks each day.

 

Treatment – treatment of dental decay in toddlers and children is difficult because of their limited understanding and attention span. It is far easier to prevent decay than to treat it.

If you require any further information on any of the above or wish to make an appointment for your child, please telephone a Patient Advisor on 0117 9507949.

Information taken from Vital Magazine, Autumn 2011 and the Infant and Toddler Forum (www.infantandtoddlerforum.org)

 

 

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By Paula Conron
— November 10, 2011 at 1:07 pm

Halloween Kids Club

City Bridge Dental Care in Bristol held their Halloween Kids Club this week, much to the delight of the children that attended.

The waiting room was decorated in a spooky theme – lots of bats, spiders, cobwebs and skeletons to set the scene. Becky, our dental therapist had arranged some fun and educational tasks for the children which proved very popular – there were lots of protests about not wanting to go home because they were having so much fun!

Becky, the therapist had selected lots of pictures of teeth – some healthy and some unhealthy, and she spent time with the children asking them which ones were which and what can be done to prevent teeth from becoming unhealthy – ie decayed.

Before the children headed upstairs to see Andrew the dentist for their examination they had a chance to play dentist themselves. After adorning gloves and masks the children played “Dr Drill and Fill” – making braces, filling cavities and extracting teeth. This proved to be a very popular game with a couple of the children declaring they wanted to become dentists!!!

After an examination with Andrew, back in the waiting room the children were encoraged to colour in a picture of the dentist and write down the advice Andrew had given them to keep their teeth healthy. Becky had even provided some BAT FACTS to jog their memories.

Becky’s BAT FACTS

  • Reduce the frequency and amount of sugar consumed
  • Brush for a minimum of 2 minutes
  • Use a flouride toothpaste
  • Visit your dentist regularly
  • Brush twice a day. Never forget your bedtime brush.

Becky and our trainee dental nurse Courtney were on hand to answer any questions from parents or children  and give advice on things such as toothbrushing and disclosing etc.

A fun afternoon was had by all and as a thank you to those who attended they were given a goody bag. The team at City Bridge Dental Care are looking forward to the next Kids Club, watch this space for the date….

If you have any concerns about your children’s teeth, then please call a Patient Advisor on 0117 9507949 or email reception@citybridgedental.com

 

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By Paula Conron
— October 27, 2011 at 4:28 pm

Sugar-free – the right choice?

New research shows that sugar-free drinks and gum may cause damage to your teeth. Read the article below to find out more…

British Dental Journal paper finds products contain acidic additives that can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel

The BDJ paper found that the term sugar-free may generate false security as people think that sugar-free products are safe on teeth. Sugar-free gum, sweets and soft drinks, marketed as healthy alternatives to sugary products, can damage teeth, cause gastric problems and are unlikely to promote weight loss, research claims.

A study review in the British Dental Journal (BDJ) found that sugar-free foods and drinks contain acidic additives that may cause dental problems by eroding the enamel on consumers’ teeth.

Disclosure of what the authors call a “hidden risk” could affect sales of sugar-free products, especially given what the paper describes as consumers’ blind confidence in such products as a good thing.

The paper, “Are sugar-free confections really beneficial for dental health?”, examined the role of sugar substitutes used in products to reduce the risk of tooth decay. While one commonly used group of substitutes, called sugar alcohols, or polyols, do lessen the risk of cavities, they can cause acidity in the mouth that then leads to erosion of teeth enamel, says the paper.

These substitutes include xylitol, which the European commission has allowed to market itself as a “tooth friendly” ingredient in chewing gum. Xylitol is widely-used in sugar-free products sold in the UK.

The literature review, by academics from the universities of Boston, Helsinki and Southern Nevada, concludes: “As the use of sorbitol and xylitol containing products increases, the public should be educated on the hidden risk of dental erosion due to acidic additives, as well as the adverse effects of gastric disturbance and osmotic diarrhoea. Especially in sugar-free products, these adverse effects may be more insidious because the public has blind confidence that they are oral health friendly.”

It adds: “Although the presence of acidic flavourings and preservatives in sugar-free products has received less attention, these additives may have adverse dental health effects, such as dental erosion. Furthermore, the term sugar-free may generate false security because people may automatically believe that sugar-free products are safe on teeth.”

The review raises the wider question of what health-related claims made on behalf of products can be trusted, said Stephen Hancocks, the BDJ’s editor-in-chief. “The claim might well mean what it says and be suitably backed-up by research evidence, but does it fully say what it means, or alternatively, what is it not saying? Sugar-free may seem to indicate that a sweet or other product is tooth friendly, but this is not automatically the case,” he wrote in a commentary on the findings.

Given sugar-free products’ role in erosion of dental enamel, and doubts over perceptions of them as helping users to consume fewer calories, he continued, “the result is a minefield of confusion for the patient who is trying his or her very best to comply with healthy choices and a complex labyrinth of communication for the professional in attempting to convey practical advice.”

Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, which represents dentists, said excess use of sugar-free products containing fruit flavourings could rot the enamel covering the dentine in teeth and ultimately cause teeth to dissolve.

If you have any queries contact a Patient Advisor on 0117 9507949

Article taken from the Guardian, Monday 10th October 2011

 

 

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By Paula Conron
— October 11, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Diabetics told to brush their teeth to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and cancer

Many people with diabetes are unaware of the close links between the state of their oral health and their risk of developing complications, medical researchers warn in the latest issue of the British Dental Journal (BDJ).

The authors of the BDJ report, Oral health awareness in adult patients with diabetes: a questionnaire study, maintain that inflammation from swollen gums can increase the severity of diabetes, worsen cardiovascular disease and increase mortality from oral cancer and oral pre-malignancies. They also point out that longstanding, poorly -controlled diabetes appears to speed
up the progression of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can result in loss of teeth.

But a survey of 229 adults attending a diabetes clinic found that awareness of any association between dental health and their medical condition was poor. Only 13 per cent knew that swollen or tender gums could be affected by diabetes, or vice versa, while fewer still (12 per cent) were aware that there could be a link between loose teeth and diabetes.

“Dental and oral self-care tasks were rated as less important than other diabetes self-care tasks, such as taking prescribed medication or having regular eye checks,” said the researchers from Warwick Medical School. “Around one-third of patients rated daily flossing as the least important health related activity.”

Commenting on the findings, the British Dental Association (BDA)’s Scientific Adviser, Professor Walmsley, said:

“This study adds to the growing body of evidence linking oral health to general health and well-being.

“It’s important that healthcare professionals, dentists included, make people with diabetes more aware of this link.

“Brushing teeth twice a day, every day, with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and seeing the dentist regularly will go a long way to protect teeth and gums and, it seems, reduce the risk of developing complications from diabetes.”

The BDA hopes the development of a new, outcomes-focused contract in England, (pending the results of pilots launched earlier this month), will make it easier for dentists to adopt a more preventive approach to care.

This press release is based on the report, Oral health awareness in adult patients with diabetes: a questionnaire study, published in
September 2011 edition of the British Dental Journal (BDJ).


 

 

 

City Bridge sourced this information from the BDJ. The research was carried out by V Bowyer, P Sutcliffe, R Ireland, A Lindenmeyer, R Gadsby, M Graveney, J Sturt, and J Dale, from the Health Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School.

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By Tracey Philips
— September 29, 2011 at 1:40 pm

A fun way to to visit the dentist and learn with City Bridge Dental Care

 

 

City Bridge Dental Care in Bristol runs a Kids’ Club during school holidays to encourage children to attend the
dentist and learn about dental health.  This is a fun and informative afternoon, combining your child’s dental check up with an educational talk by our Dental Therapist, experiments, games and goody bags!

With the October half term only a few weeks away now is the time to book your place for the Halloween kids club.  

What are we going to do with Becky and Andrew this time? ……….Well it’s your turn to be a dentist, so why not put on your gloves and masks and see if you can tell the difference between healthy or decayed teeth.  You can even have a go at doing your own filing with our new game doctor drill and fill.  We will of course have lots of other fun and informative things for you to try including a spooky Halloween colouring competition.

This kids club will be held on Wednesday 26th October from 2pm onwards.

To book simply call the practice on 0117 9507949.

These are some of the comments received following the summer kids club……the topic was based on healthy eating and summer picnics

“The session was very enjoyable for J as he was taught good and bad foods.  The waiting time flew by as he was occupied all the time”  Mr B,  Bristol

“We found the day helpful, particularly the demonstration to the children on how to clean their teeth properly and the suggestion to us to stand behind the children to help clean their teeth properly, really good tip. They really love the sand timers too”

“My children really enjoy the kids club especially the goody bags”

We are really looking forward to seeing you in October

Andrew & Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

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By Tracey Philips
— September 26, 2011 at 2:45 pm