Bad breath is a subject that most people will avoid, and that’s mainly because most people have had, or have a problem with it. There are a number of reasons for it says a Molesey dentist, and the most common is a poor oral hygiene regime. Other causes are liver disease and diabetes, both of which use bad breath as a warning sign that there is a problem. Spicy food consumption is another one, especially garlic, even garlic tablets can cause an odious odour, which is best dealt with by switching to non-odorous tablets. Getting back to oral hygiene this is the single most cause of the problem, and although you may follow all the usual rules in brushing your teeth and using a mouthwash, the problem can still occur. Flossing is the best friend we have in the fight against bad breath, it will remove the food residue that bacteria works on to produce acid and that odour. Cupping the hands to test your breath will just be a fruitless exercise, and the spraying of a mint flavoured mouth odouriser will just mask it for a short while. Chewing gum is a good way of producing saliva that will neutralise the acid production in the mouth, this is most important at night as when we sleep the glands stop working. It is therefore essential that we clean all the food bits from the mouth before we go to bed. Flossing during the daytime after a snack or meal will also help you to keep a fresh breath, and drinking water throughout the day is also not just good for the body, but for the acid production on those sugary and fatty foods we eat during the day. Sweets and chocolate feed the bacteria more than any other food we eat, so when you have a sugar fix make sure that you rinse the mouth and floss if you can.

A dry mouth has many causes and a few consequences, one of which is dental cavities says a Molesey dentist. The warning about the relationship formed by a dry mouth and cavities isn’t a new one; cavities are formed by the acid that is made by the bacteria in our mouths, mainly feeding off sweet and sugary food residue. Diabetics are familiar with his problem as one of the main symptoms of diabetes is a dry mouth, the acid can produce quickly and do its damage on the enamel of the teeth. Chemotherapy patients are another victim, as if they don’t have enough problems already. We need the saliva that our glands produce in order to neutralise oral acid, which is the single most problem we have with oral care. Drinking water is one answer, but when you’re on chemo or a diabetic with a high sugar level, then this in itself causes more problems. The answer in some prolonged cases is a dental sealant, this is a solution that a dentist will usually reserve for his younger patients aged between 6-10 years old. The problem occurs in children who cannot get a brush into their cavities due to the smallness of the cavities. A plastic filling is used to replace the enamel that is burned away by the acid, acid cannot burn away plastic, so this preventative treatment is a really clever one. This won’t work in all cases though, and so it needs the patient to be aware of the problem and use other methods to counteract the acid problem. Drinking water and swishing it around the mouth will go some way to doing the job, but if you don’t want to keep visiting the loo every 20 minutes, then just swish and spit.

TMJ, or Temporomandibular joint disorder to give it its full name, is a condition affecting the joint of the jawbone and skull on both sides that can be the cause of great pain but about which very little is known. For many years it was though that TMJ was caused by stress or other mental anxiety disorder. This may be part of the reason for TMJ but current explanations are leaning more and more to dental problems being the underlying cause.

It is now believed that interruptions in bite (the way the top and bottom teeth sit together) can cause disruption to the joint and associated muscles, which can eventually become very painful. Bite can be interrupted when teeth change position in the mouth as a result of tooth loss or other dental trauma. This can alter the way the top and bottom jaw align causing the joint to rest in an unnatural position. Over time this can cause stress to the joint and muscles, leading to pain.

It is believed that about one in ten people in the UK will have some form of TMJ in their life although the majority will never have it diagnosed. Diagnosing TMJ is notoriously difficult and it is often the last avenue to be explored because of the wide range of symptoms it can cause. TMJ can cause pain in the face, neck, head and even shoulders which makes it very difficult to locate the exact cause. Dentists can test for TMJ using the clench test, which involves keeping the mouth firmly shut to examine for pain. Further tests involve construction elaborate jaw reconstructions to test for misalignment.

TMJ can be treated with over the counter pain relief and also with specially constructed dental appliances to be worn at night to prevent further misalignment. If you are suffering with an unexplained pain in the head or neck, make an appointment with a Kingston upon Thames dentist and ask about TMJ.

Sleep apnea can be the underlying cause of heart disease, stress and even strokes yet most people who suffer from it have no idea they have the condition. This is because sleep apnea affects breathing during sleep, causing patients to temporarily stop breathing without waking up. This can interrupt sleep patterns meaning it is almost impossible for sufferers to get a sufficient night’s sleep. Studies have shown that as few as one in seven people suffering from sleep apnea are aware that they have the condition.

There are two main types of sleep apnea. The most common is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is when the soft palate at the back of the throat collapses blocking the airway. This prevents breathing temporarily until the palate corrects itself. This can also produce a sound like snoring, which is why many people with sleep apnea merely attribute the sound to snoring. Of course the important distinction is that snoring is the sound of breathing during sleep, whereas breathing is actually prevented during apnea. The other type of sleep apnea is called Central Sleep Apnea and actually occurs when the part of the brain responsible for respiratory matters forgets to send the command to the lungs to breath. This is a less common but more serious condition that may require urgent medical treatment.

Most obstructive sleep apnea can be remedied by dental appliances fitted by Kingston-upon-Thames dentists. The appliances, worn during the night, support the soft tissue preventing any collapses that may block the airwaves. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or are suffering from unexplained stress, make an appointment to see a dentist who will be able to examine you for the signs of sleep apnea.

TMJ is a disorder that affects the major bones and muscles of the jaw, the area also known as the temporomandibular joint, that is responsible for everyday movements such as chewing, biting and talking. Sufferers from TMJ commonly complain of pain that covers the whole spectrum ranging from constant to intermittent and irritating to severe. As anyone who has experienced pain in this area will tell you, it is no joke and can make the most mundane of activities feel like torture. TMJ can also last for many years if not properly addressed and treated.
Many physicians think that TMJ is caused by stress but recent research has shown that there may be other causes. Teeth that move, either due to a head trauma or natural development, can cause interruption of bite, the way that the top and bottom teeth sit together. This can cause small changes in alignment to the jaw, which, due to its frequent use, can quickly develop into pain.
Rather unfortunately for sufferers of TMJ, the first indicator and major symptom of the condition is pain. This is usually located in the jaw but can manifest itself in the neck and face and can even cause problems with the ears and temporary hearing loss. The diagnosis process usually begins with a clench test, where your Weybridge dentist will examine your bite and ascertain if your teeth hurt when fully closed. This indicates that there has been some change in bite, which may be causing TMJ. The dentist can then carry out further assessment of the teeth and jaw.
Short-term relief from TMJ can be found by using hot and cold packs and over-the-counter pain relief, but this is little more than palliative and does little to address the underlying causes. When fully diagnose by a dentist, TMJ is fully curable with effective treatment. If you are suffering with pain in your teeth, jaw, neck or ears, ask your Weybridge dentist to conduct a clench test as art of your regular six-monthly check-up and you could relief from your painful TMJ.

Tooth sensitivity, or hypersensitivity, affects nearly one in five of us at some point. It makes eating hot or cold food and drinks, and even breathing cold air, a painful experience, and really there is no need to put up with it.

The problem usually occurs when gums recede past parts of the tooth that are not covered by the protective enamel layer. These parts of the teeth are full of thousands of tiny holes called dentinal channels, which lead straight to the root of the tooth. It is these exposed areas that cause us to feel the pain of sensitive teeth. It can also be caused when the enamel on the tooth is simply eroded as part of a wider decay, again exposing the dentinal channels.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by a wide variety of factors. Some of the most common include brushing too hard, which erodes the gums; the natural recession of gums with age; gum disease and just using the wrong kind of toothbrush. Tooth sensitivity can also occur as a by-product of several dental procedures, such as whitening.

Most of the common causes can be combated simply by more effective oral hygiene. Brushing in the correct way, with the right strength bristles can delay the recession of gums. A Molesey dentist will be able to tell you which brush is the most suitable for your gums and teeth.

On other occasions the problem might be caused broken or fractured teeth which will require more comprehensive treatment from a dentist. Similarly, grinding or clenching issues can cause sensitive teeth. In this instance a dentist might prescribe a mouth guard to prevent the teeth being eroded by unconscious erosion.

Whatever the cause, there is usually a solution that could be as simple as changing your toothpaste or toothbrush. Make an appointment with a Molesey dentist if you have sensitive teeth and you might be able to prevent the irritation of tooth sensitivity.

Dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition that affects one in every five adults at some time. It occurs when there is a decrease in production of saliva in the mouth. This often overlooked secretion does more than just moisten and cleanse the mouth, it is crucial in helping the body taste, chew and digest food and helps protect the teeth, mouth and lips from bacterial and fungal infections.

Dry mouth often indicates a wider systemic problem in the body and can be caused by a variety of reasons. It can often be the result of side effects of medication. Nearly 2000 of the most common medicines can lead to dry mouth, with eight out of the ten most commonly used drugs citing dry mouth as a side effect, and including treatments prescribed for high blood pressure, anxiety, allergies and weight loss.

Dry mouth can also be caused by a number of medical and psychological conditions such as diabetes, AIDS and depression. One of the most common medical reasons for oral dryness is Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune condition, associated with rheumatoid diseases, that causes a general dryness throughout the body.

Ageing is often associated with causing dry mouth because as the body grows older it tends to produce less saliva, although this probably contributes more to the condition than causes it.

There are many cures for dry mouth and your Weybridge dentist should be able to ascertain what is causing the problem and recommend the best way to stop it. Treatments for dry mouth and its associated symptoms often involve changing the way you take care of your mouth by brushing properly twice a day, flossing after meals, cleaning your tongue and avoiding the intake of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. Your Weybridge dentist can offer advice on the best course of action. Recent research has shown that there are also a number of drugs available that stimulate the production of saliva.

Oral cancer will usually first manifest itself as a sore or growth that won’t go away naturally. Oral cancer, which includes cancer of any part of the mouth or throat such as lips, cheek, hard and soft palates and tongue can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

Men are twice as likely as women to get oral cancer with men over the age of 50 being particularly at risk. Factors that increase the risk of oral cancer include smoking, which can increase your chance of oral cancer by as much as 600 percent. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also increase your chances by a similar degree.

Other factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include excessive exposure to sunlight and a family history of cancer. People who use smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, dip or chewing tobacco are a massive 50 times more likely to develop cancer of the cheek, lips or tongue. Although it is important to note that a quarter of people who contract oral cancer do not use tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation.

The symptoms or oral cancer include: unexplained bleeding in the mouth; the development of white or red patches in the mouth; difficulty chewing speaking or swallowing; swelling, lumps or eroded areas in the mouth; dramatic weight loss.

These are only some of the symptoms so it is always best to consult your dentist if you have any concerns. Your Shepperton dentist can conduct an oral cancer screening exam as part of your regular dental check-up and can perform a brush biopsy of any suspicious looking sores in the mouth. This test is completely painless and involves taking a small sample of tissue for analysis. Your Shepperton dentist will also be able to check for any tissue changes in your oral cavity, neck and head. If oral cancer is detected in its early stages patients have a greater than 80 percent chance of successful treatment.

When you have sensitive teeth, you may find that you refrain from eating all kinds of foods. As a result, you may not be able to enjoy a healthy diet. Today, you can ask your Weybridge dentist to help you find out why your teeth respond to certain things, as well as find a cure for your problem. Unfortunately, if you do not accept tooth sensitivity as a symptom of a dental issue, you may find that the problem will get much worse.

Consider a situation where your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold. Chances are, if your dentist examines your gums, he/she may find evidence of recession. In some cases, you may also have gum disease or other problems. If your gums are receding, there are therapies that may be able to help you. This includes grafts as well as other types of gum contouring. In a similar way, your dentist can make use of a number of procedures to ensure that gum disease does not continue to advance.

Unfortunately, if a tooth starts hurting suddenly, it may indicate the presence of an infection or fracture. As you may be aware, these issues are much easier to deal with early on. Regardless of whether you need a tooth canal or a crown, you can look forward to being able to chew without pain. In some cases, this may even help preserve the good health of you other teeth.

Each year, thousands of people develop some type of sensitivity in one or more teeth. Rather than go on suffering with this type of condition, you can let your dentist solve your problem. Aside from ensuring that you can eat without being in pain, you will also reduce the chances of not taking care a problem that could cause serious long term consequences.

If you often have headaches, you may be surprised to find that the cause is located in the jaw joints, or TMJ. Today, your Sunbury dentist can diagnose these kinds of disorders, as well as give you some treatment options. Without a question, if you have ever done anything to throw your neck or facial bones out of alignment, you may also find that the TMJ area was also affected.

Unfortunately, many people that are involved in automobile accidents do not realize that their jaw joints may have been affected by the collision. Regardless of whether or not you were hit in the face with an airbag, whiplash can affect the muscles and bones in your neck. This, in turn, can also cause a dislocation in the jaw area. Therefore, if your jaws start making a popping sound after you are in an accident, it may be best to see a dentist.

Chances are, you would be amazed at the number of disorders that can be caused by damage to the jaw joint. For example, if the joint is no longer aligned properly, you may experience constant ear congestion. In some cases, you may also wind up with a great deal of pain in your cheeks, and other parts of your face.

Even though you may think that there is nothing wrong with your jaw joints, it will be of some help to have a dentist examine them. Typically, if there is a problem in this area, your dentist will be able to find it, as well as recommend some useful procedures. At the very least, if TMJ disorders are causing pain in other parts of your body, you will be much better off treating the problem at its source.