People of all cultures have been chewing gum-like substances for thousands of years. The Ancient Greeks used resin of the mastic tree, the American Indians used resin from the sap of spruce trees, and some other cultures used plants and grasses. The modern form of chewing gum, developed in the 1860s, used chicle, a natural […]
There are many helpful ways to disguise halitosis, also known as bad breath. But to cure yourself of bad breath, it is beneficial for your long-term health to know the cause. Your dentist is often the best point of contact to seek a professional assessment and advice. Three common causes of bad breath are: […]
Can you recall the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Which signs do you look for to indicate the need to do away with your old brush? Bristles bent or spread out? Bristles too soft? Does your dentist recommend how often to renew your toothbrush? Do you ever follow their advice? Some of us at […]
Unfortunately, the difference is not immediately obvious. So is there really any difference in seeing a specialist dentist? Well, in a word, yes. Newly qualified graduates in Dentistry, leave dental schools with a basic skill set. They can manage most general day to day dental problems. Dental specialists on the other hand concentrate on specific areas of dental […]
When life gets busy there are some things that simply drop off our radar – a balanced diet, regular exercise and enough sleep which are all important for our overall health. And it’s just as important that we don’t let our oral health fall off our radar too. While the number of people visiting dental […]
Coffee could not only perk you up in the morning but could also help protect you from gum disease, researchers have found. In a 2010 study, both red wine and coffee are known to have a number of compounds which are known to possess antimicrobial, anti-adhesive, and anti-plaque activities and that coffee and red wine drinkers had […]
Bleeding gums are a sign of irritation. Food debris and bacteria that collect on the tooth and irritate the gums. This irritation causes the blood vessels in the gum to dilate. This in turn delivers important immune cells to the area to try and combat the irritation. Swollen blood vessels are more fragile. Tooth brushing […]
What is a periodontist? A periodontist is a specialist in treating gum disease. Gum disease is a condition caused by your bodies response to plaque and bacteria you have stuck to your teeth and under your gums. The immune response these bacteria stimulate can result in the destruction of your jaw bone causing your teeth […]
A little know fact about smoking is that it tends to disguise the damage being done to teeth and gums. The damage Usually infected gums are red, swollen and bleed easily when they are brushed. Smokers’ gums are not like this – they are pale and thin and do not bleed readily. This can hide […]
Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimise your risk. Your dentist can design a personalised program of home oral care to meet your needs. Today the role of education and professional cleaning is provided by dental hygienists under the supervision of the dentist. Hygienists often spend more […]
