Take it easy for the rest of the day. Take as little exercise as you can, and rest as much as you can. Keep your head up to avoid any bleeding.

What precautions should I take?

Avoid hot food or drinks until the anaesthetic wears off. This is important as you cannot feel pain properly and may burn or scald your mouth. Also, be careful not to chew your cheek. This is quite a common problem, which can happen when there is no feeling.

If you do rest, try to keep your head higher for the first night using an extra pillow if possible. It is also a good idea to use an old pillowcase, or put a towel on the pillow, in case you bleed a little.

Should I rinse my mouth out?

Do not be tempted to rinse the area for the first 24 hours. It is important to allow the socket to heal, and you must be careful not to damage the blood clot by eating on that side or letting your tongue disturb it. This can allow infection into the socket and affect healing.

Is there anything else I should avoid?

Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, as this can encourage bleeding and delay healing. Eat and drink lukewarm food as normal but avoid chewing on that area of your mouth.

When should I brush?

It is just as important, if not more so, to keep your mouth clean after an extraction. However, you do need to be careful around the extraction site.

What do I do if it bleeds?

The first thing to remember is that there may be some slight bleeding for the first day or so. Many people are concerned about the amount of bleeding. This is due to the fact that a small amount of blood is mixed with a larger amount of saliva, which looks more dramatic than it is.

If you do notice bleeding, do not rinse out, but apply pressure to the socket. Bite firmly on a folded piece of clean cotton material such as a handkerchief for at least 15 minutes. Make sure this is placed directly over the extraction site and that the pad is replaced if necessary.

If the bleeding has not stopped after an hour or two, contact your dentist.

How soon can I have a cigarette?

It is important not to do anything which will increase your blood pressure, as this can lead to further bleeding. We recommend that you avoid smoking for as long as you can after an extraction, but this should be at least for the rest of the day.

Is there anything I can do to help my mouth?

Different people heal at different speeds after an extraction. It is important to keep your mouth and the extraction site as clean as possible, making sure that the socket is kept clear of all food and debris. Don’t rinse for the first 24 hours, and this will help your mouth to start healing.

After this time use a salt-water mouthwash, which helps to heal the socket. A teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water gently rinsed around the socket twice a day can help to clean and heal the area. Keep this up for at least a week or for as long as your dentist tells you.

It is important to keep to a healthy diet; and take a Vitamin C supplement, which will help your mouth to heal.

I am in pain, what should I take?

There will usually be some tenderness in the area for the first few days, and in most cases some simple pain relief is enough to ease the discomfort. What you would normally take for a headache should be enough. However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and if in doubt check with your doctor first. Do not take aspirin, as this will make your mouth bleed.

Are there any medicines I should avoid?

As we have said, it is important not to use anything containing aspirin as this can cause further bleeding. This happens because aspirin can thin the blood slightly. Asthma sufferers should avoid Ibuprofen-based pain relief. Again check with your chemist or dentist if you are worried or feel you need something stronger.

I am still in pain, what could it be?

Sometimes an infection can get in the socket, which can be very painful. This is where there is little or no blood clot in the tooth socket and the bony socket walls are exposed and become infected. This is called a dry socket and in some cases is worse than the original toothache! In this case, it is important to see your dentist, who may place a dressing in the socket and prescribe a course of antibiotics to help relieve the infection. You may also feel the sharp edge of the socket with your tongue and sometimes small pieces of bone may work their way to the surface of the socket. This is perfectly normal.

Will my dentist need to see me again?

If it has been a particularly difficult extraction, the dentist will give you a follow-up appointment. This could be to remove any stitches that were needed or simply to check the area is healing well.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post What To Do After A Tooth Extraction appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

A tooth can be knocked out for a number of reasons: often a blow to the mouth, or an accident involving the face. This can happen for example during contact sports. It is possible to replace the tooth in the socket successfully if the right action is taken as soon as possible.

I’m bleeding — what can I do?
Don’t panic. Get a clean handkerchief and fold it up, then hold it over the socket and bite down. Keep your jaws together to apply pressure. If you need something for the pain, don’t take any medication containing aspirin as this can encourage further bleeding. Do not apply clove oil to the wound.

I’ve still got the complete tooth, can it be replaced?
Maybe. The complete tooth needs to be replaced in the socket as soon as possible, ideally in under 30 minutes. But teeth have been successfully replaced up to 60 minutes after being knocked out.

What should I do with the tooth?
Avoid handling the root. If it is very dirty, rinse it with milk or tap water. Do not clean it with disinfectant or let it dry out.

How do I put the tooth back in?
Hold the tooth by the crown and put it back into the socket firmly, root first. Bite on a clean handkerchief for about 15-20 minutes.

What should I do if I can’t get the tooth back in?
Your tooth has more chance of survival if you keep it in your cheek until you can get emergency dental treatment. This will keep the tooth in its most natural environment. If this is not possible, keep it in some milk.

What if I have only got part of the tooth?
It is not a good idea to try and put the tooth back into the socket if it is not complete. Contact your dental surgery as soon as possible and your dentist will tell you what options are available to restore the tooth. You may need dental x-rays to see if there is any root damage.

Is there anything I should do if I haven’t got the tooth?
If you cannot find the tooth, you may have swallowed it. If you think you may have swallowed or inhaled it, you may need an x-ray to be sure of this.

What if it is a baby tooth?
Most dentists would not recommend re-implanting a baby tooth in case an infection damaged the adult tooth underneath. Contact your dentist as soon as possible for advice. They may need to examine the child to check if any fragments of tooth are still in the gum. There is no way of temporarily replacing a baby tooth, so the treatment is to wait for the adult tooth to come through.

Where should I get emergency dental treatment?
It is important to get emergency dental treatment. If you are registered with a dentist, contact the dental practice as soon as possible and explain what has happened.
If the incident has happened out of normal dental practice hours, you should still be able to contact your dentist for emergency treatment. Phone the practice number and you should be given information on when and where you will be treated. The dentist will then tell you what treatment will be needed.

What if I’m not registered with a dentist?
If you are not registered with a dentist then phone NHS England (111) who will tell you about dentists in your area that are able to see you. Remember to say that you need emergency treatment as soon as possible.

What should happen at my emergency visit?
Your dentist will assess the immediate situation and may treat any facial injury. However, treatment may be limited if there is any bruising or bleeding. They may take x-rays and will check if the tooth has re-implanted successfully. You will probably need more appointments for follow up treatment.

What further treatment options will be available to me?
If the tooth has re-implanted successfully you may not need any further treatment as long as you keep up your regular check-ups with your dentist. If the tooth becomes loose, it can be splinted to the teeth next to it. This means it will be temporarily attached to keep it firm until your dentist can tell whether it has re-implanted successfully.
If the tooth is lost or doesn’t implant successfully, it can be replaced at first with a denture. Then, when the socket has healed fully, you can have a bridge or dental implant.

Is there anything that I can do to avoid getting a tooth knocked out?
You could wear a mouthguard – a rubber-like cover that fits over your teeth and protects you against a blow to the mouth. Your dentist can have one made for you by taking an impression of your teeth and sending it to a laboratory. The laboratory then makes the mouthguard so that it fits your mouth exactly. Mouthguards can be clear or coloured – for example in the colours of your team kit. For more information see our’Tell me about mouthguards’ leaflet.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Knocked Out Teeth appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

It is a yeast/ fungus called candida or thrush, which causes an infection in the mouth. It is not a type of infection that can be passed on to others as everybody has some thrush in their mouths, even babies. It is possible to get thrush elsewhere.

Who can get denture stomatitis?

Denture wearers are the most common group to be affected along with people who have difficulties keeping their mouths clean. Diabetics and anyone who takes steroids either through inhalers or by mouth may also have problems. Some antibiotics are responsible for causing thrush and many people find that taking certain antibiotics encourages a recurrence of infection, especially if taken over a long period of time.

How can the dentist recognise it?
When the denture is taken out, your dentist may be able to see a very red area under the denture. There may also be red sore areas at the corner of the lips.

Why does it need treating?

If untreated, the condition can cause soreness in the mouth and may lead to poorly fitting dentures in the future.

How is it treated?

Good Oral Hygiene
It is important to keep your mouth as clean as possible and rinse after meals. Smoking promotes growth of further yeast infections, as does keeping dentures in the mouth for 24 hours at a time. It is important to let the mouth rest too!

Denture Hygiene
Dentures should be kept out as much as possible but definitely overnight. Some yeast infections will resolve completely if the dentures are not worn at night for two weeks. The dentures should be cleaned in warm soapy water and scrubbed with a soft nailbrush on the fitting surface, that is the non-polished side. The dentures can be soaked in any solution used to sterilize baby’s bottles e.g. Milton’s. If your denture has metal components, do not use anything with bleach but use chlorhexidine. Do not use the latter solution everyday as it will stain your denture. Use it once a week. There are many denture cleaners available but they tend to be more expensive than the ones mentioned.

Medication
If careful cleaning and hygiene has not helped you will be given some treatment. There are many treatments available, most of them involving sucking tablets/ lozenges slowly in your mouth, but there is no evidence to show whether any one is better than another. Treatment may need to be continued for one month.

What happens next?
The dentist may want to check out your mouth after treatment to check that everything has cleared up. If this is not the case, they may recommend further treatment. In some cases, you may need to treat the mouth for a long time.
It is important to have new dentures made every few years.

Even if you do not have any teeth left it is important for you to go for regular check-ups to your dentist to ensure that your mouth remains healthy.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Denture Stomatitis (Thrush) appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

Geographic tongue is a common condition. It appears on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface. The tongue develops irregular, smooth, red areas, which may look like the outline of a map.There are usually wavy white lines next to the red patches. You may notice that after a few weeks or months the position of these lines and red patches changes.

Why does it happen?

It happens because of the way the ‘old’ surface of the tongue replaces itself. The top layer of the ‘skin’ of the tongue does not come away evenly. In some parts the ‘skin’ comes away too early and so leaves a red, sore area like a scratch on the skin. In other places the skin stays on too long and looks white. The red areas, because they are thin, can sometimes become infected with thrush (candida) and so feel sore. Thrush is very common in mouths.

Who does it affect?

It affects all age groups and you may have first noticed it as a child. It is not something that you can pass on to other people but it can run in families. It is not an infection.

What makes it worse?

As the red patches are thin and raw, they tend to be painful when you eat acidic things like citrus fruit or spicy foods – especially chillies. However, these do not make the condition itself worse. You will soon notice which particular foods make the condition more uncomfortable or sore.

Do I need any special tests?

No. Your doctor or dental team can diagnose the problem just by looking at your tongue.

How is it treated?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment. Sometimes treatments for thrush can ease the discomfort (for example, miconazole gel). You can buy these at the pharmacist. The geographic tongue will never become cancerous, but you will have to learn to live with it. You will need to work out for yourself which foods make it worse, and avoid them.

What should I do if it gets worse in any way?

Ask your doctor or dentist to refer you to the hospital.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Geographic Tongue appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean more strain is put on the teeth at either side. A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and change the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes tooth decay and gum disease.

How are missing teeth replaced?

This depends on the number of teeth missing and on where they are in your mouth. The condition of the teeth you still have also affects the decision. There are three main ways to replace missing teeth.

The first is with a removable false tooth (or teeth) — called a partial denture.

The second is with a fixed bridge. A bridge is usually used when there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth.

The third way is by the use of dental ‘implants’ This is where an artificial root is placed into the bone of the jaw and a crown or bridge placed on top of this.

What is a partial denture?

This is a plate with one or more false teeth on it. It may be all plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. Both types may have clips (clasps) to help keep the denture in place in your mouth. Depending on where they are, some of these clips may show when you smile or open your mouth.

What is the difference between a plastic partial denture and one that contains metal?

Plastic partial dentures are less expensive to make. But unless they are designed very carefully they can damage the teeth they fit against. Metal partial dentures are usually made from an alloy of cobalt and chromium, and they are much stronger.
They are lighter to wear and can be supported by the remaining teeth. Although the base is metal, they have gum-coloured plastic and natural-looking teeth fixed to them. They are more expensive than plastic ones.

How do I choose the best type for me?

Be guided by your dentist. They will know the condition of your remaining teeth. In most cases a metal-based partial denture gives the best result. n Can I have a bridge fitted straight after having a tooth removed? It can take up to 6 months for your gums to heal properly after an extraction. This means that you may need to have a temporary denture before the bridge is fitted.

How do I look after my denture?

The general rule is: brush, soak and brush again.

Always clean your denture over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop it. Brush your denture before soaking them, to help remove any bits of food. Using an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Then brush the denture again, as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Most dentists advise using toothpaste and a small- to a medium-headed toothbrush. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the denture, including the surface which fits against your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. If you notice a build-up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by your dental team.

Should I take my denture out at night?

Your dental team may recommend taking out your dentures at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. If you do this, it is important to leave it in water to prevent any warping or cracking.

What are the alternatives to a partial denture?

The main alternatives are a fixed bridge or a dental implant. A dental bridge is made by putting crowns on the teeth at either side of the gap, and then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. This is all made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge can’t be removed. Another option is an adhesive bridge. This has’wings’ that are bonded to the back of the supporting teeth, with very little drilling needed.

Can I always have a bridge to replace missing teeth?

You can have a bridge only if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support. Your dental team will help you decide which is the best way of replacing missing teeth.

What are bridges made of?

Bridges are usually made of porcelain bonded to precious metal. Sometimes other non-precious metals are used in the base for strength. There are also new bridges made entirely of a special type of strong porcelain.

What will a bridge cost?

The cost will vary depending on the size and type of bridge you need. Always get a written estimate and treatment plan before starting any dental treatment. Although a bridge may seem expensive it should last many years.

How do I look after my bridge?

You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. You will need to use a floss threader or special floss, because a normal toothbrush cannot reach. Your dental team will show you how to use these.

Are there other methods for fixing false teeth?

There are other methods, such as using a combination of crowns and partial dentures that can keep the retaining clips out of sight. These are quite specialised dentures, so you should ask your dental team about them.

Can I have teeth which attach to my jawbone?

Yes, by having implants. This treatment means you may be able to replace missing teeth without having crowns on other teeth. See our leaflet’Tell me about Implants’for more details. Remember that it is as important to care for your remaining teeth as it is to replace the missing ones.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Bridges & Partial Dentures appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

Sealants are a safe and painless way of protecting your teeth from decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

Which teeth should be sealed?

Sealants are only applied to the back teeth — the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have ‘pits’ (small hollows) and ‘fissures’ (grooves) on their biting surfaces. Your dental team will tell you which teeth should be sealed after they have examined them, and checked whether the fissures are deep enough for sealing to help. Some teeth naturally have deep grooves which will need to be sealed; others have shallow ones which will not need sealing.

What is involved?

The process is usually quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes for each tooth.The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried.The liquid sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard — usually by shining a bright light onto it.

Will I feel it?

No, it is totally pain free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterwards.

How long do pit and fissure sealants last?

Sealants usually last for many years, but your dental team will want to check them regularly to make sure that the seal is still intact. They can wear over time, and sometimes the dental team need to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start underneath it.

How do pit and fissure sealants work?

The sealant forms a smooth, protective barrier by covering all the little grooves and dips in the surface of the tooth. Dental decay easily starts in these grooves if they are not sealed.

When should this be done?

Sealants are often applied as soon as the first permanent teeth start to come through. This is usually between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age.

Do I still have to clean my teeth?

Yes. It is still very important to do this. The smooth, sealed surface is now much easier to keep clean and healthy with normal tooth brushing. Using a fluoride toothpaste, the last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, will help to protect your teeth. All children up to three years old should use a smear of toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). After three years old, they should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm. Pit and fissure sealing reduces tooth decay and the number of fillings you might need.

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Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Pit & Fissure Sealants appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

Dry mouth or ‘xerostomia‘ is a condition which affects the flow of saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry. Your mouth needs saliva to be able to work properly. Saliva keeps your mouth moist, and it helps to break down your food and helps you to swallow. It also acts as a cleanser. It is constantly washing around your mouth and teeth, fighting decay and helping to keep your teeth clean.

How can I tell I have dry mouth?

There are several symptoms to look out for. The most obvious one is, of course, a dry mouth. Some people feel that their saliva has become thick and sticky, making it difficult to speak or swallow. Some people also have a ‘prickly’ or burning sensation in their mouth and become sensitive to certain foods. The mouth can become sore and there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, the mouth can also become red and shiny. If you have any of these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dry mouth. But it may be best to talk to your dental team or doctor about it.

What can cause it?

Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems and can happen as you get older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication — especially heart, blood pressure and depression tablets. Your doctor, pharmacist or dental team should be able to tell you whether your medication can cause problems. Dry mouth can also be caused by medical treatments such as radiotherapy, or surgery to the head or neck. In some cases, dry mouth can be a direct result of a medical condition (for example diabetes, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome and blocked salivary glands).

Are women more likely to get dry mouth?

Women who are going through the menopause may suffer from dry mouth. Women who have had their menopause and are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also find they suffer from dry mouth. If you are taking medication and have any of the symptoms of dry mouth, talk to your doctor to see whether it could be changed.

Can I prevent it?

Unfortunately, there seems to be no way of actually preventing the problem, although there are many products available to ease the symptoms.

What problems can dry mouth cause?

Saliva helps to cancel out the acid that attacks your teeth and is a very important part of your dental health. Saliva helps to break down food while you are chewing, allowing you to swallow more easily. Some people find that they have problems with swallowing when their saliva flow is affected. Saliva is also very important in fighting tooth decay. It helps to fight the bacteria that form dental plaque and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is the thin, sticky film that keeps forming on your teeth. Having less saliva can also affect the taste of food and makes it harder to eat drier foods. Sometimes it can affect your speech and it makes people more likely to have bad breath.

What products are there to help?

There are a number of products designed to help your mouth stay moist and comfortable. These are usually gels or sprays. Some have extra ingredients which may help prevent tooth and gum problems. There are also special products to help with your day-to-day oral hygiene (for example toothpastes and mouth rinses).

What can my dental team do to help prevent the problems caused by dry mouth?

Your dental team will be able to give you advice about your diet and tell you how to care for your teeth and gums properly.

What toothpaste should I use?

It is important to use a toothpaste containing at least 1350 to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. A ‘total care’ toothpaste may be best as these contain antibacterial agents and other ingredients to control the build-up of plaque. Some products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, and some people with dry mouth find this can irritate the mouth and make the condition worse.

How often should I visit my dentist?

You have a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease with dry mouth, and these can get worse more quickly than usual. So it is important to visit your dental team regularly. Your dental team will tell you how often you should visit.

What can I do to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth? 

There are different ways of relieving the symptoms of dry mouth. Some people find that sipping water or sucking sugar-free sweets, helps in the short term. It is very important to use sugar-free products, as dry mouth can make you more likely to have tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help as it encourages your mouth to make saliva. Your dental team might recommend products such as rinses, gels, pastes and lozenges which are available from the pharmacist.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Dry Mouth appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

Dental erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. Enamel is the hard, protective coating of the tooth, which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. When the enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to pain and sensitivity.

How do I know I have dental erosion?
Erosion usually shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing away of the tooth surface and biting edges. This can expose the dentine underneath, which is a darker, yellower colour than the enamel. Because the dentine is sensitive, your teeth can also be more sensitive to heat and cold, or acidic foods and drinks.

What causes dental erosion?
Every time you eat or drink anything acidic, the enamel on your teeth becomes softer for a short while and loses some of its mineral content. Your saliva will slowly cancel out this acidity in your mouth and get it back to its natural balance. However, if this acid attack happens too often, your mouth does not have a chance to repair itself. Over time, you start to lose the surface of your teeth.

Are there any medical problems which can cause dental erosion?
Bulimia is a condition where patients make themselves sick so that they lose weight. Because there are high levels of acid in the vomit, this can cause damage to tooth enamel. Acids produced by the stomach can come up into the mouth (this is called gastro-oesophageal reflux). People suffering from hiatus hernia or oesophageal problems, or who drink too much alcohol, may also find they suffer from dental erosion due to vomiting.

Can my diet help prevent it?

Acidic foods and drinks can cause erosion. Acidity is measured by its ‘pH value’, and anything that has a pH value lower than 5.5 is more acidic and can harm your teeth. Fizzy and carbonated drinks can cause erosion. It is important to remember that even the ‘diet’ brands are still harmful. Even flavoured fizzy waters can have an effect if drunk in large amounts, as they contain weak acids which can harm your teeth. Acidic foods and drinks such as fruit and fruit juices —particularly citrus ones including lemon and orange — contain natural acids which can be harmful to your teeth, especially if you have a lot of them often. ‘Alcopops and designer drinks‘ that contain acidic fruits and are fizzy and can cause erosion too. Plain, still water is the best drink for teeth. Milk is also good because it helps to cancel out the acids in your mouth.

How some everyday drinks may erode your teeth.

Are sports drinks safe?

Many sports drinks contain ingredients that can cause dental erosion as well as decay.

What can I do to prevent dental erosion?

There are a number of things you can do:

• Have acidic food and drinks, and fizzy drinks, just at mealtimes. This will reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth.

• Drink quickly, without holding the drink in your mouth or ‘swishing’ it around your mouth. Or use a straw to help drinks go to the back of your mouth and avoid long contact with your teeth.

• Finish a meal with cheese or milk as this will help cancel out the acid.

• Chew sugar-free gum after eating. This will help produce more saliva to help cancel out the acids which form in your mouth after eating.

• Wait for at least one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing your teeth. This gives your teeth time to build up their mineral content again.

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste. Use a small-headed brush with medium to soft bristles and a pea-size amount of toothpaste.

• Babies up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). Three-year-olds to adults should use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm.

• Spit out after brushing and do not rinse, so that the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.

Should I use any other special products?

As well as using fluoride toothpaste, your dental team may suggest you use a fluoride-containing mouthwash and have a fluoride varnish applied at least every six months. They may also prescribe a toothpaste with more fluoride in it.

How can it be treated?
Dental erosion does not always need to be treated. With regular check-ups and advice, your dental team can prevent the problem from getting any worse and the erosion going any further. If a tooth does need treatment, it is important to protect the enamel and the dentine underneath to prevent sensitivity. Usually, simply bonding a filling onto the tooth will be enough to repair it.

How much will treatment cost?

Costs will vary, depending on the type of treatment you need. It is important to talk about all the treatment options with your dental team and get a written estimate of the cost before starting treatment.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Dental Erosion appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

Lichen planus is a long-lasting disease, which can affect the mouth and sometimes other areas of the body. When it appears in your mouth it is called ‘oral lichen planus’ It can appear on its own or as part of a disease affecting other parts of your body. Oral lichen planus usually happens from middle age onwards, and more women get it than men.

What are the signs and symptoms of oral lichen planus?

Lichen planus shows in many different ways. The most common signs are white patches on the lining of your mouth (usually your cheeks, tongue and gums). These don’t usually hurt, but sometimes there can be redness, ulcers or, very rarely, blistering as well as the white patches. If so, you may find it painful to eat hot or spicy foods.

What are the causes of oral lichen planus?

We do not know the cause of lichen planus in most patients. It may be a sign of a slight weakness in the body’s immune (defence) system, but patients with lichen planus don’t usually have any other problems. Occasionally it can be caused by a reaction to medicines such as some painkillers, diabetic treatments, drugs for high blood pressure, beta-blockers, gold, or penicillamine. Oral lichen planus does not seem to be caused by an infection, and it doesn’t run in families. Emotional stress, spicy food or citrus fruits can often cause the symptoms to get worse.

How is oral lichen planus diagnosed?

Usually, it will be diagnosed after a careful examination by a specialist. The appearance and symptoms of oral lichen planus can be like those of some other disorders, so a ‘biopsy’ is usually needed to be sure about the diagnosis. A biopsy is a very simple procedure, done under a local anaesthetic, where a small piece of tissue is removed from the mouth. The area usually heals within 7 to 10 days.

What is the treatment of oral lichen planus?

Usually, oral lichen planus only needs to be treated when there are painful symptoms. Sometimes patients with white patches that are not painful complain of a slight roughness of the lining of the mouth. But this usually does not need any treatment. When oral lichen planus does need treating, it is usually done by putting a corticosteroid cream on the area. Some areas may need other treatments, such as immunosuppressants applied to the area. Very rarely you might need to take a corticosteroid or some other, similar, tablets.

Follow any advice your dental team may give you. This may include avoiding things that make the condition worse, such as spicy foods and things you may be allergic to. Your dentist may also refer you to your doctor or a specialist for further investigations.

Does oral lichen planus go away?

Usually, oral lichen planus never goes away. Patients will usually continue to have white patches on the lining of the mouth. Treatment will lessen the pain, although it is not usually possible to tell beforehand when the condition will become painful.

Are there any long-term complications of oral lichen planus?

There may be some connection between oral lichen planus and cancer of the mouth. Around 1 to 3 percent of patients who have had lichen planus for a long time may go on to develop mouth cancer. The exact connection between oral lichen planus and cancer is not certain. Only a very few patients with oral lichen planus ever develop cancer.

Can I stop myself getting oral lichen planus?

As the cause is usually not known it is impossible to stop oral lichen planus happening. To avoid the risk of serious disease of the lining of your mouth:

• don’t smoke

• don’t drink large amounts of alcohol

• do eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Whether you have oral lichen planus or not, you should clean your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste. You should also have your teeth and gums checked regularly by a dentist so that any changes in the lining of your mouth can easily be spotted.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Lichen Planus appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.

Most people have heard of cancer affecting parts of the body such as the lungs or breasts. However, cancer can appear in the mouth, where the disease can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat.

Who can be affected by mouth cancer?

Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, whether they have their own teeth or not. Mouth cancers are more common in people over 40, particularly men. However, research has shown that mouth cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women. There are more than 640,000 cases of mouth cancer diagnosed each year worldwide and it is the eleventh most common cancer.

In the United States, there are around 43,000 cases each year. In some countries there is an increased risk because of problems such as tobacco chewing — in India, for example — and the rates are even higher. There are, on average, almost 7,000 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK each year. The number of new cases of mouth cancer is on the increase, and in the UK has increased by over half in the last decade alone.

Do people die from mouth cancer?

Yes. Nearly 2,000 people in the UK die from mouth cancer every year. Many of these deaths could be prevented if the cancer was diagnosed early enough. As it is, people with mouth cancer are more likely to die than those having cervical cancer or melanoma skin cancer.

What can cause mouth cancer?

Most cases of mouth cancer are linked to tobacco and alcohol. Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking are the main forms of tobacco use in many parts of the world. However, the traditional habits in some cultures of chewing tobacco, betel quid, gutkha and paan are particularly dangerous.

Alcohol increases the risk of mouth cancer, and if tobacco and alcohol are taken together the risk is even greater.

Over-exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk of cancer of the lips.

Many recent reports have linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body.

HPV can be spread through oral sex, and research now suggests that HPV could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth cancer.

Practising safe sex and limiting the number of partners you have may help reduce your chances of getting HPV. Many people get HPV during their lives and for many, this does not cause a problem.

There are now HPV vaccines for both girls and boys. They were developed to fight cervical cancer, but it is likely that they will also help to reduce the rates of mouth cancer. These vaccines are given at age 12 to 13 before sexual activity starts.

What are the signs of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer can appear in different forms and can affect all parts of the mouth, tongue and lips. Mouth cancer can appear as a painless mouth ulcer that does not heal normally. A white or red patch in the mouth can also develop into a cancer. Be aware of any unusual lumps in your mouth or jaw area and any persistent hoarseness. It is important to visit your dental team or doctor if these areas do not heal within three weeks. If you aren’t sure, go for a check-up anyway.

How can mouth cancer be detected early?

Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dental team during a thorough mouth examination. If mouth cancer is diagnosed early, then the chances of a cure are good. Many people with mouth cancer go to their dentist or doctor too late.

Is there anything I can do at home?

Be aware of what is going on in your mouth. Examine yourself regularly. Ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, any unusual red or white patches, lumps in your neck or jaw area, or persistent hoarseness are all reasons for asking your dental team or doctor to examine you. There is probably nothing seriously wrong but an early diagnosis could save your life.

What is involved in a full check-up of the mouth?

The inside of your mouth and your tongue will be examined with the help of a small mirror. The examination will also look at your neck and underneath your jaw. Dentists will carry out this examination as part of a routine dental check-up. Remember, your dental team can see parts of your mouth that you cannot see easily yourself.

What happens if my dental team or doctor find a problem?

If they find something unusual they will refer you to a consultant at the hospital, who will carry out a thorough examination of your mouth and throat. A small sample of the cells may be gathered from the area (a biopsy), and these cells will be examined under the microscope to see what is wrong.

What happens next?

If the cells are cancerous, more tests will be carried out. These may include overall health checks, blood tests, x-rays or scans. These tests will decide what course of treatment is needed.

Can mouth cancer be cured?

If mouth cancer is spotted early, the chances of a complete cure are good, and the smaller the area or ulcer the better the chance of a, cure. However, too many people come forward too late because they do not have regular mouth examinations.

How can I make sure that my mouth stays healthy?

Stop smoking, and cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink. Eat a balanced, healthy diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This can also help protect against many other cancers. Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

Thank you for reading and we hope that the above information was useful to you. If you would like to book an appointment with us about any of the above then please call us on 01228 521889 or visit our contact page to speak with a member of our dental team for advice.

The post Tell Me About Mouth Cancer appeared first on Spedding Dental Clinic.