Q.    What causes bad breath?

A.          Most people have bad breath problems at some time or another, and in 9 out of 10 cases the cause originates within the mouth. Bad breath can be a social problem, unpleasant for others and be embarrassing for the person who has it.  Research shows that it may also indicate gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.  Therefore, a comprehensive oral hygiene regime is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.

The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and tooth decay.  Visiting your dentist regularly will not only help you to achieve fresher breath but will also allow the dentist to check for and treat gum disease and tooth decay.

Q.    How can I tell if I have bad breath?

A.          Lots of small signals can show that you have bad breath.  Have you noticed people stepping away when you start to talk?
If you think you might have bad breath, there is a simple test that you can do.  Simply lick the inside of your unscented wrist and sniff – if the smell is bad, you can be pretty sure that your breath is too. Or, ask a very good friend to be absolutely honest, but do make sure they are a true friend.

Q.    How can my dentist help?

A.          If you do have bad breath, you will need to start a routine for keeping your mouth clean and fresh.  Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to watch out for any areas where the plaque is caught between your teeth.  Your dentist or hygienist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach.  They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums and show you any areas you may be missing, including your tongue.
One of the early warning signs of gum disease is that you may have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.  Again, your dentist or hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.

Q.    Can I prevent bad breath?

A.          To keep your breath fresh, gum disease (if present) must be treated and an effective oral hygiene regime adopted.  Also, drink water often and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.  If you do have bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat and list any medicines you are taking, which could be adding to the problem. Take this diary to your dentist who may be able to suggest ways to resolve your bad breath.
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day, and don’t forget to cleanse your tongue as well.  Use dental floss once a day for cleaning between your teeth.  There are other products you can buy to clean between your teeth.  These are called ‘interdental cleaners’.
If you wear dentures, take them out at night to give your mouth a chance to rest.  Do not clean them with toothpaste as it will scratch the surface and more stains will build up.  They will also lose their shine.  Hold them over a bowl of water or a towel in case you drop them.  Clean them thoroughly with a denture cream, denture cleaning tablet or denture cleaning powder.  Use a denture brush kept just for this purpose.  Remember to clean the surfaces that fit against your gums and palate.  This will make sure your dentures are always fresh and clean, and avoid the plaque build-up on the dentures that may cause bad breath.

Q.    What products are available?

A.          There are many specialized oral care products available, which come as toothpaste, oral rinse and in a spray.  Using these will help you clean your teeth, give you fresher breath and the confidence to keep you smiling all day long.  These products are designed to eliminate, not mask, odor-causing compounds.  Ask your dentist for details.
The specialist products contain a safe, effective, antibacterial formula to fight plaque and, as part of a daily oral hygiene, the programme will help keep your mouth healthy, clean and fresh.

Mouth Rinses – you have the choice between those containing alcohol, or not, with sweetener or without and flavored or not flavored. Most mouth rinses are designed to last up to eight hours.

Oral sprays – are convenient for your pocket, handbag, car or whenever you are away from the bathroom and want the reassurance of fresh breath.

Toothpaste – some do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming detergent) and therefore non-foaming.  This means your mouth does not fill up with suds, as is the case with most normal toothpaste, and you can continue cleaning your teeth for longer, which is preferred by many dental professionals.

Q.    How do they work?

A.          Even in the cleanest mouth, odour-causing molecules known as Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC) are constantly being produced by the natural breakdown of bacteria, human cells and food debris.
Ordinary toothpastes and mouthwashes only cover up these compounds with a more pleasant smell or flavour.  The VSC are still present, causing odour in the mouth.  However, the ingredients in the specialist toothpaste, oral rinse and spray actually changes the structure of the VSC molecules, rendering them odourless.
With regular use, the specialist oral care range can help assure you of cleaner teeth, a healthier mouth and fresher breath.

Q.    What else causes bad breath?

A.          Bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems.  Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. This causes bacteria to build up in the mouth, leading to bad breath.  Dry mouth may be caused by some medicines, salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.  Also, older people naturally produce less saliva.
If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may be able to recommend or prescribe an artificial saliva product or suggest other ways of dealing with the problem.
Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include infections in the throat, nose or lungs, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes or liver or kidney problems.  If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family GP or a specialist to find out the cause of your bad breath.  Remember, only 10% of bad breath problems originate from outside the mouth. Tobacco also causes its own form of bad breath.  The only solution in this case is to stop smoking.  As well as making your breath smell, smoking causes staining, loss of taste and irritates the gums.  People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease and also have a greater risk of developing cancer of the mouth, lung cancer and heart disease.  Ask your dentist, pharmacist or practice nurse for help in quitting. If you do stop smoking, but still have bad breath, then you need to see your dentist or GP for advice.

Q.    How can I tell someone they have bad breath?

A.          Chances are we all know someone who has bad breath, but very few people feel brave enough to discuss the problem.  It is obviously a very delicate matter to tell someone they have bad breath.  There is always the risk that they will be offended or embarrassed and may never speak to you again!
However, it is always worth remembering that the bad breath may be the result of any number of problems.  Once the person knows they have bad breath, they can deal with whatever is causing it.  You could try talking to their partner or a family member, as the bad breath may be caused by a medical condition, which is already being treated.
You may like to leave this leaflet where the person in question is likely to see it.  Remember, the bad news is that oral malodour is a serious social plight and can sometimes be an indication that there is something medically amiss.  The good news, however, is that it is treatable!

The post Bad Breath appeared first on The Urban Tooth.

Q.  Why is brushing important?

A.        Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth are important because it removes plaque.  If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.

Q.  How can plaque cause decay?

A.        When you eat food containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel.  The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth.  After this happens many times, the tooth enamel can break down forming a hole or cavity.

Q.  How can plaque cause gum disease?

A.        Plaque can harden into something called calculus another name for it is ‘tartar’.  As calculus forms near the gumline, it causes the gums to become irritated and inflamed.  The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected.  If Gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost.  Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults.

Q.   How can I prevent gum disease?

A.         It is important to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth, as this will stop your gums from swelling and becoming infected.  If you leave plaque on your teeth it can develop into tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist.  It is important to keep up your regular appointments so that your teeth can have a thorough cleaning if they need it.

Q.   How do I know if I have gum disease?

A.         Gum disease (gingivitis) will show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed.  Many people are alarmed when they notice this bleeding and will then brush more gently, if at all.  It is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly in order to fight the condition.

Q.   Which type of toothbrush should I use?

A.         Your dentist will be able to recommend a toothbrush to you.  However, adults should choose a small to medium size brush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or ‘filaments’.  The head should be small enough to get into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where cleaning can be difficult.  Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.

You can now get more specialized toothbrushes.  For instance, people with sensitive teeth can now use softer bristled brushes.  There are also smaller headed toothbrushes for those people with crooked or irregular teeth. Electric or battery operated toothbrushes can help people with disabilities maintain oral hygiene.

Q.   How often should I change my toothbrush?

A.         Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth properly and may damage your gums.  It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if the filaments become worn.  When filaments become splayed, they do not clean properly.

Q.   How should I brush?

A.         Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.

Here is one method of removing plaque:

• Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth and angle against the gumline. Move the brush in small circular movements.
• Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gumline.
• Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
• Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes.
• Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria.

Q.   How often should I brush my teeth? 

A.         Be sure to brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. If you keep getting discomfort or bleeding after brushing you can consult with us about it.

The post Brushing appeared first on The Urban Tooth.

FLOSSING

Q.   Why are my teeth so important?

A.         Your teeth vary in shape and size depending on their position within your mouth.  These differences allow the teeth to do many different jobs.  Teeth help us to chew and digest food.  They help us to talk, and to pronounce different sounds clearly.  Finally, teeth help to give our face its shape.  A healthy smile can be a great asset and because this is so important, it makes sense to give your teeth the best care possible.

Q.   How do I clean between teeth?

A.         One way to clean between your teeth is with dental floss. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Your dentist can show you proper flossing techniques.

The following suggestions may help:

• Break off about 18 inches of floss, and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.  Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the other hand.  As you use the floss, you will take up the used section with this finger.

• Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them, leaving no slack. Use a gentle ‘rocking’ motion to guide the floss between your teeth.  Do not jerk the floss or snap the floss into the gums.
• When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth until you feel resistance.
• Hold the floss against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum.
• Repeat on the other side of the gap, along the side of the next tooth
• Don’t forget the back of your last tooth.
• When flossing, keep to a regular pattern. Start at the top and work from left to right, then move to the bottom and again work from the left to right.  This way you’re less likely to miss any teeth.

It is also very important to clean around the edges of any crowns, bridges or implants.  This can be difficult to do effectively using traditional floss and there are now specialist flosses to do the job thoroughly (such as a water flosser, younifloss, interdental brushes).  Ask your dentist about how to use these properly and which method you should use.

Q.   Should my gums bleed when I floss?

A.         Your gums may bleed or be sore for the first five or six days that you floss.  This should stop once the plaque is broken up and the bacteria has gone.  If the bleeding does not stop, tell your dentist.  It may be that you are not flossing correctly or your teeth and gums need a more thorough clean by your dentist or hygienist.

Q.   What do I do if I have difficulty using floss?

A.         If you have trouble using floss you can use a water flosser or an interdental cleaning aid.  Interdental cleaning aids include small interdental brushes used to remove plaque from between the teeth.  Your dentist or hygienist can explain how to use these properly.

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Q. Why am I afraid of the dentist?
A. Being ‘afraid of the dentist’ may mean different things to different people. It will probably help if you work out just what it is that worries you most.
Some people have specific fears about actual areas of treatment – for example, they are scared that having a filling will hurt. Others hate the whole idea. Some people don’t like the thought of being out of control, Some people find the sounds and smells bring back memories of bad experiences as a child. Others worry about stories they have heard about other people’s bad experiences.
A smaller number of people are genuinely afraid of dental treatment. The good news is that more and more dentists now understand their patients’ fears, and with a combination of kindness and gentleness can do a great deal to make dental treatment an acceptable, normal part of life.
And nearly everyone would feel a lot better about dentistry if they knew for certain that they would always be treated kindly and considerately.

Q. Do some practices specialize in treating nervous patients?
A. As someone who is nervous about dental treatment, you need to be looked after by a dental practice that will take special care of you – it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.
Often people find their fears change. After finally finding a dentist they like, they may still dislike dentists in general, but they have complete confidence in their ‘own’ dentist.

Q. Who can I talk to?
A. You can speak to our Treatment co-ordinator or any of the doctors in the clinic. We all understand what its like to be at the other end and will definitely try to change your perspective of anxiety and fear once in our office.

Q. I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time – will I need a lot of treatment?
A. Years ago it was normal for people to need fillings every time they went to their dentist, but things have changed for the better now. Fluoride toothpaste has made a large impact on tooth decay and you may be surprised at how little treatment you need.

The aim now is for healthy mouths that stay healthy. Teeth are for life and can last a lifetime if they are looked after properly. If you can get your mouth into good shape, with the help of the dentist, you should need less treatment and there will be less for the dentist to do in the future.Using a fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen your teeth and prevent decay.

It is important to keep up your regular visits to the dentist, not only to monitor tooth decay, but also to help prevent gum disease. Once your mouth is healthy, your visits to the practice will often just be easy sessions for checking and cleaning.

Q. What will happen at the first appointment?
A. Your first appointment should just be for a consultation. See it as an opportunity for you to meet the dentist, receptionist, and the team. Is the receptionist welcoming and helpful? Is the dentist interested in you? Is the team kind and understanding?

If you like what you see and hear, you may want to arrange another appointment for a short treatment session. Allow yourself to take things at your own speed.

Q. Should I tell the dental team that I am nervous?
A. Make sure that the practice knows you are nervous so that they can help you.

Tell the receptionist when you first make the appointment so that she can make a note on your records. Tell your dentist what it is that you particularly dislike about dental treatment. If you think you know the reason, tell your dentist what may have caused your fear. Was it a bad experience as a child? A recent dental experience? Or is it a more general feeling of worry and fear?

Q. I am afraid of injections – what can I do?
A. Many people are scared of the local anesthetic injection needed to numb the tooth. Again, be sure to tell the dentist that this is something that bothers you. There are anesthetic gels that can be applied to the area of the gum to be injected. This gel numbs the gum so that you cannot feel the needle.

Q. What is the best time of day to visit the dentist?
A. Book appointments at a time of day when you feel at your best, and when you do not have any other commitments to worry about. Allow plenty of time so that you can get to the practice in a relaxed frame of mind – arriving in a rush will only make you feel more nervous.

Q. Should I eat before going to the dentist?
A. It is usually best to have something to eat before you go, so there is no chance of you feeling light-headed or faint while you are in the chair

Q. Can I take a friend with me?
A. People often feel better if a friend comes with them to the practice. Think about what would suit you best. A reassuring and capable friend is often a great help.

Q. I have gone for a check-up, what do I do next?
A. Take things one step at a time. Discuss any proposed treatment with your dentist, and decide what you feel you can cope with. This may be no more than an examination with a dental mirror first. If you succeed with that, you may feel you could have your teeth polished next. Don’t be afraid to say when you have had enough – there is usually no reason to hurry through the dental treatment.

Q. Can I take anything with me?
A. Listening to music is a good way to help you relax. Here at URBAN TOOTH Dental Clinic music is played in the treatment rooms on patient request as well as we have modes of visual distraction. You can have your own choice of music. In this way, you can concentrate on your music – or anything else you like to listen to – and will not hear the sounds of the treatment. You will be able to distance yourself from the dental treatment as the sounds in your ears take all your attention.

Q. What else can I do to help me relax during treatment?
A. Thinking hard about something other than the treatment is a good distraction. Try to solve a puzzle in your mind, or perhaps work out a plan for each day of next year’s holiday. Or give yourself something tricky to do – try to wiggle each toe in turn, without moving any of the others.

Q. How can the dental team help me?
A. Your dentist should be happy to both talk to you and listen to you. Just talking about your fears can help lessen them. He or she should tell you what treatment you need, why you need it and what the fee will be.

Q. Can I ask the dentist to stop if I need to?
A. Agree with your dentist a sign that means ‘stop now – I need a break’ before the treatment is started. Usually, you can just raise your hand, and the treatment can be stopped for a few minutes until you are ready to start again. Once you know that you can control the situation you will feel more confident.

Q. How can I feel more comfortable about treatment?
A. Is there some way that the dentist or assistant could help you during the treatment? Would you like them to talk to you, have background music playing, or describe exactly what they are doing while they are working? Let them know what would help to distract you.

Q. How can I reduce the amount of treatment needed?
A. Your dentist and hygienist can work with you and tell you what to do to keep your mouth healthy. The healthier your mouth is, the less treatment you will need in the future.
You will probably be given advice about ways your diet can safeguard your teeth and gums and the best way of brushing and flossing. Looking after your teeth at home can be the most important part of all.

Q. What other techniques are available to help?
A. Counselling is another way of dealing with feelings of anxiety. This is usually carried out by a member of the practice team, in a room away from the surgery. You would be encouraged to discuss your fears so that they may be dealt with and overcome.

Q. Will things get better with time?
A. As you get to know and trust your dentist, hygienist and other members of the practice you will find your fears begin to lessen. In time you will gain control over your fears, and dental care can become a normal part of your life.

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