Is It Normal For My Tooth To Hurt After A Filling? 16 November 202214 June 2022Normally, you would have a filling done to ease any discomfort that your teeth are causing. However there are lots of reasons that you might feel pain or sensitivity after a filling.Reasons For Pain After a FillingIt is normal to have some pain as it is possible that your dentist had to drill away some of your tooth. You should expect the pain to go away in a day or two.If you’re still having pain after this time period, it may be due to a problem with the filling or the tooth itself. One common cause of pain after a filling is that the filling isn’t positioned correctly, and it is interfering with your bite. A filling that is too high can prevent the teeth from fitting together properly when you bite down.The type of filling that your dentist used could also be a cause of the pain. Sensitivity is common when a composite resin material is used. Sensitivity may be caused by the filling shrinking and creating a gap beneath it.What To Do About The PainIf it has been a week since your filling and you’re still experiencing pain when you eat or bite down, contact us to book an appointment with your dentist who will be able to find the source of your pain.If the pain is caused by the positioning of a filling that is too high, your dentist will adjust the height of your filling to make it more comfortable to bite down. If the problem is caused by a sensitive composite filling, your dentist may recommend replacing your filling with a different material.If you are concerned about a filling and it is causing you pain, please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment with your dentist who will check to make sure everything is normal.
Causes Of Bad Breath 9 November 202214 June 2022Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a very common condition for many adults. It can be caused by something you eat, or it could signify a more serious problem with your health. Read below to find out about the causes of bad breath.General Oral HealthMost cases of bad breath are related to a poor oral hygiene routine. If you don’t clean your mouth regularly, food particles will remain in your mouth and a build up of bacteria, known as plaque, can form on your teeth. The uneven surface of your tongue can trap food particles and bacteria in the mouth, which results in bad breath. Keeping a thorough and consistent oral hygiene routine is the best way to prevent bad breath.Eating Strong Foods And DrinksCertain foods, such as onions, garlic and some spices, cause odor-containing particles to enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing bad breath.CoffeeCoffee may have an impact on your breath as it has a strong flavour, but it also affects your saliva flow. After drinking coffee, the caffeine causes a decrease in saliva production which results in an increase in odor causing bacteria.AlcoholDrinking alcohol, particularly in excess, results in a decrease of saliva production, creating an environment for odor-causing bacteria to flourish.High Sugar DietsA diet that is high in sugar can result in bad breath as the sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, turning the sweets into bad smells.Digestive IssuesIf you experience acid reflux, the odors from recently consumed foods may make their way back up, causing bad breath.Prescription medicationLots of prescriptions result in dry mouth, meaning that the production of saliva decreases. This creates an environment that the bacteria love. Also, when some medications are broken down in the body, they release chemicals that can be carried through your bloodstream to to your breath.If you are concerned about your bad breath and you’re worried that there is a more serious cause, call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.
The Best Foods For Your Dental Health 2 November 202214 June 2022Even with a good oral hygiene routine, brushing your teeth twice daily and cleaning in between your teeth, it can be difficult to keep your teeth healthy. Eating a variety of foods rich in nutrients promotes healthy teeth and gums. Read below to find some of the foods that can help to keep your mouth in the best condition.1. Cheese, Milk and YoghurtDairy foods are high in calcium, helping to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Cheese contains phosphate which helps to balance the pH in the mouth, removing the acidity and protecting the enamel. Milk is also rich in calcium and helps to neutralise the acidity. Yoghurt is full of calcium and probiotics that help to protect you against cavities, gum disease and bad breath.2. WaterWater is the healthiest drink available. Staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients and remove waste. It also helps to wash away food particles and keeps your saliva level high.3. Leafy GreensGreens are rich in calcium, folic acid and lots of other vitamins and minerals that are important for your teeth and gums.4. NutsNuts are full of calcium and phosphates which help to keep your teeth strong and neutralise acids in your mouth. Almonds, brazil nuts and cashews help to fight the bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Peanuts are a good source of calcium and vitamin D.5. Meats And Fatty FishMost meats provide lots of nutrients, and chewing meat also increases saliva production. More saliva helps to decrease the acidity in your mouth and wash away food particles, preventing decay. Fatty fish are full of phosphorus which is important for protecting tooth enamel.6. BroccoliAlthough some people aren’t a fan of broccoli, it’s time to give it a try. It offers vitamin C and K which are important for bone healing and proper blood clotting.7. KiwisKiwis are another fruit that offer lots of vitamin C, helping to boost immunity. This leads to increased resistance to infections throughout the body, including tooth decay.8. Whole grainsAlthough simple carbohydrates, such as white bread, can stick to your teeth and cause decay, this is not the case for whole grains. Whole wheat bread, pasta and rice have complex carbohydrates which are more difficult for the bacteria in your mouth to break down.Maintaining good dental health, means eating in moderation from all of the food groups. A good diet is not just about the foods that you eat but also when you eat them. Eating too frequently means that your enamel doesn’t have time to repair itself. Try only eating at meal times and not snacking throughout the day.
How to Look After Your Dental Implant 19 October 202231 May 2022Implants allow you to comfortably enjoy the food you love without any pain or discomfort, whilst also enabling you to feel comfortable with your smile. After the life changing investment, you will need to ensure the durability of your dentures by taking care of them immediately after treatment but also in the long term.Immediate AftercareYou should avoid eating or drinking hot items, spicy foods and alcohol. Don’t eat until the local anaesthetic has worn off. Avoid heavy exercise until your body has fully recovered as this will increase the blood flow to your mouth and increase bleeding. Do not smoke until the area has completely healed as this can severely obstruct the healing process. If you wear dentures, don’t attempt to wear them until you dentist tells you to do so as they will apply pressure and affect the success of your implant.It is normal to experience some bleeding after the implant placement. After the treatment you may be asked by your dentist to bite down on some gauze to apply pressure. If the bleeding still occurs after an hour, repeat with a fresh gauze. This should stop the bleeding but if it does continue please call us.Make sure that you stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and eat soft foods for a few days after surgery. Try to avoid eating on the area and do not eat foods like popcorn or seeded bread as this can become lodged and cause infection.It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising after the implant has been placed. You may be advised to apply ice packs wrapped in towels onto the side of your face after treatment, but after the first day gentle heat will be more beneficial.It is vital to maintain a good oral hygiene routine after treatment to ensure that it is successful.Long Term Implant CareAfter healing, you should look after your implants in the same way that you care for your natural teeth. Brush them twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean in between using floss or interdental brushes.If you are interested in having implants placed, speak to our team at 01723 670500 or email us at info@newbydental.co.uk
5 Common Dental Health Myths 12 October 202231 May 2022Dentists recommend lots of different treatments for their patients. However, there are common misconceptions about oral health which could lead to other dental health problems.Sugar Free Fizzy Drinks Are Good For Your TeethAlthough diet drinks may not contain sugar, they are still fizzy, meaning that they contain acid. The acidity can be very damaging to your enamel, causing it to wear away, exposing the sensitive dentine underneath.Oral Health Stops In Your MouthYour mouth contains millions of bacteria. Your mouth is an entry point for harmful bacteria. By neglecting the health of your teeth, you are making your body vulnerable to a host of different types of diseases. There are now links between oral health and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.Baby Teeth Do Not MatterWhilst being necessary for your child to eat, their primary teeth are vital for their speech development. They also serve a very important role of creating space for adult teeth to come in. Removing a baby teeth too early can cause the other teeth to shift, resulting in overlapping and crooked teeth.It Doesn’t Matter What Time Of Day We BrushThe majority of people will know that it is important to brush our teeth twice a day. However, some people may not be aware that the time of day you brush your teeth has an impact too. At night when we sleep our salivary glands produce much less saliva. During the day our saliva flow is much higher which has a cleaning effect. So when we don’t brush our teeth at night before we go to sleep, food particles sit on our teeth all night and contribute to tooth decay.Flossing Creates Spaces Between Your TeethFlossing removes a buildup of plaque between your teeth, preventing gum disease and tooth decay, it does not create spaces between your teeth. By removing the harmful bacteria, you are helping to keep your mouth healthy.
The Causes Of Teeth Sensitivity 5 October 202231 May 2022Have you ever felt sensitivity in your teeth? While pain caused by sensitivity to hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cavity, it could also be a symptom of sensitive teeth.Symptoms of Sensitive TeethPeople with sensitive teeth may experience pain in response to different causes. The most common causes include:Hot foods and drinksCold foods and drinksCold airAcidic foods and drinksSweet foods and drinksCold waterBrushing or flossing teethAlcohol based mouth rinsesCauses Of Sensitive TeethUsing a hard toothbrushBrushing your teeth too hardGrinding your teeth at nightEating or drinking acidic foods and drinks regularlyOther causes could include acid reflux as it results in the wearing down of your enamel, exposing the dentine.Tooth decay and chipped teeth can also leave some dentine exposed causing sensitivity. In this case it is likely you’ll only feel the sensitivity in one particular area of your mouth.Gum recession can leave sections of the tooth exposed and unprotected.How To Treat Tooth SensitivityIf your sensitivity is mild, you can try over the counter options. Try using a toothpaste that is specifically made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes won’t contain irritating ingredients.Choose a non-alcohol mouthwash as it will be less irritating.Use a softer toothbrush and be more gentle when brushing.If home treatments don’t work, talk to your dentist for their advice. They may apply fluoride gel to help strengthen your enamel.
Interesting Facts About Your Teeth 28 September 202231 May 2022Your teeth are a vital part of your body and it is important that you know how to look after them and attend regular dental appointments so that your dentists can look out for the things that you can’t see. Did you know about these unusual facts?Your Teeth Are Like Your FingerprintThis is why dental records are sometimes used to identify people. Even identical twins have unique teeth.Part Of Your Tooth Is HiddenAbout a third of each of your tooth is underneath your gums. This is why it is just as important to take care of your gums.Your Enamel Is The Hardest Part Of Your BodyThe enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. It’s primary purpose is to protect your teeth.Your Mouth Contains Lots Of BacteriaYour mouth is home to 300 types of bacteria. Plaque contains millions of bacteria. Some of this bacteria is responsible for converting sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids which eat away at your teeth.Your Teeth Are The Only Part Of Your Body That Can’t Heal ItselfYour teeth are coated in enamel which is not a living tissue, so they can’t repair.ToothpasteBefore the toothpaste we use today was invented, around 100 years ago, humans used lots of different mixtures including crushed oyster shells, ground chalk, charcoal, pulverised brick, lemon juice and salt.
Everything You Need To Know About Wisdom Teeth 21 September 202231 May 2022Thousands of years ago, when our jaws were wider and could accommodate our last molars, wisdom teeth allowed us to chew on tougher foods. Overtime we have developed smaller jaws which means there is less room for them to erupt.When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?Wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt. For most people, they will begin to appear between the ages of 19 and 20.However, your wisdom teeth start growing between the ages or 7 and 10. The process takes years and is unique:The tooth calcifiesThe crown begins to formThe root developsThe teeth emerge through the gumsSigns Of EruptionIt is likely that you will experience some pain and discomfort when your wisdom teeth start to erupt. If you do experience some pain, over the counter painkillers or using warm salt water to rinse your mouth should help.Some people will have no wisdom teeth at all or they never fully erupt. Some may experience some problems, usually between the ages of 17 and 25, including lingering pain, gum swelling or pressure in back jaw.Why Might I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removing?For preventative measures, so your mouth isn’t overcrowded, leading to plaque build up, decay or gum disease. Food and bacteria get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth causing build up of plaque.The tooth is unable to break through the gums and has become impacted, leading to increased pain, swelling and infection.When To See A DentistIf you are attending your dentist regularly, they will be checking for the progress of your wisdom teeth should they need removal. However, if your wisdom teeth are causing you severe pain you should make an appointment, don’t wait until your next check up. Your dentist will check your teeth and likely take an x-ray to decide whether they need to be removed.If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment with one of our dentists.
How To Effectively Floss Your Teeth 7 September 202224 May 2022There are multiple choices of floss you can use, whether that is the floss picks or satin floss tape.Key Flossing TechniqueMake sure that you are using enough floss. Use a length of about 45cm. This may sound like a lot but you need to make sure you have enough to have a clean segment to use on each tooth. Wrap a large a large section of the floss around your middle finger on one hand and then a small section around the middle finger of your other hand. This keeps your index finger free to manipulate the floss around your mouth.Keep a one to two inch length of floss taut between fingers and use your index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.Gently slide the floss between the teeth in a zigzag motion. Contour the floss around the side of the tooth. Slide the floss up and down and below the gumline. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.Make a ‘C’ shape with the floss as it moves around the tooth. Then carefully pull the floss upward from the gum line.As you move around your mouth, unroll a fresh section of floss.Don’t forget to floss each side of each tooth.Whether you use floss or interdental brushes, it is important that you clean in between your teeth to prevent the buildup of plaque. This will help to prevent the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important? 24 August 202231 May 2022Dental appointments shouldn’t only be made when you are in pain or have a problem. By attending regular appointments, you can prevent problems before they arise. In this article we will outline some of the reasons why you should be attending your dentist regularly.Check For Mouth CancerYour dentist will perform an examination, looking for head, neck and oral cancers that you might not be able to see yourself. In most cases, these checks will find nothing unusual but your dentist is specially trained to look out for these issues and could potentially save your life. Read further about oral cancers in this article.PreventionThere are lots of things that your dentist is trained to see that may not be visible to you. Many dental problems don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in the more advanced stages. Your dentist can check for the early signs of tooth decay and gum disease to give you advice and prevent the problems from worsening.Dental HygienistDental hygienists and therapists are vital when it comes to your oral health. Hygienists are mainly concerned with preventative measures and treating gum disease. They will give you advice to ensure that your are effectively caring for your teeth at home. They will also professionally clean your teeth, using a scale and polish, to remove the plaque and tartar.How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?It is recommended that you visit the dentist at least once or twice a year, depending on what your dentist suggests. Regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of a healthy mouth. Even if you take good care of your teeth at home, you still need to see a dentist regularly.People with a high risk of dental disease might need to visit every three month. This high risk group includes:SmokersPregnant womenDiabeticsPeople who currently have gum diseasePeople with a weak immune system, such as people undergoing chemotherapyPeople who tend to get cavities or build up plaque.If you are in need of a dental check-up, please contact us to book an appointment on 01723 670500 or email us at info@newbydental.co.uk