The First Supermarket Dentist

UK citizens can now see the dentist while they shop. This week British celebrity dentist Lance Knight opened the first dental practice located inside of a supermarket. So far it has been a success as the supermarket dentist's first patients love the idea and ease of seeing the dentist and grocery shopping at the same place, and are satisfied with their treatments and low costs. The office is open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm giving the locals ample access to a variety of dentistry services.

The goal of the supermarket location idea is to make dental procedures and advice more accessible to the everyday person, something that has recently become more difficult in the UK with its recent shortage of dentists. Estimates are that in some areas half of the population is without a dentist and as a result thousands have been forced to travel abroad to Hungary, Croatia and Poland to seek treatment.

How Diabetes Affects Dental Health

Diabetes elevates the sugar levels in blood, negatively affecting many parts of the body, including teeth and gums. Type II diabetes patients have a 3 times greater chance of developing gum disease, and higher risks of: cavities, tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth and many other ailments of the mouth. The relationship between diabetes and oral health works both ways, also. Poor oral health and any resulting infections can make blood sugar levels rise making diabetes more difficult to manage.

Higher blood sugar levels provide the bacteria in your mouth with more of the sugars they feed on and then turn into acid. This increases the amount of acid in the mouth that deteriorates the enamel leaving teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. Increased levels of plaque, if not properly and frequently removed can also lead to gingivitis (swelling and sensitivity of gums), and periodontitis (receding gums).

Diabetes patients also frequently suffer from dry mouth, where salivary glands do not produce sufficient amounts of saliva and this can cause a wide range of problems including cavities and gingivitis. Oral surgery is also complicated by diabetes as it takes longer for patients to heal and there is an increased chance of infection.

If you have diabetes it is important to inform your dentist and also remind them on regular visits. Managing diabetes is a huge factor in these issues as well; the more you have your diabetes in control the less chance you have of experiencing these oral health problems.

Lavender In The Dental Office

A study done recently in London on 340 dental patients determined that the scent of lavender has a significant impact on the anxiety of patients while waiting for their scheduled dentist appointments.

Half of the patients in the study were exposed to the scent of lavender that came from warmed lavender oil in the waiting room and the other half were not. The entire study took place over a four week period in a regular clinic and every patient was given a questionnaire to assess their current level of anxiety while waiting.

The results - Those exposed to the scent reported anxiety levels averaging 7.4 compared an average level 10.4 for those not exposed to the scent, a substantial difference. Interestingly though, the anxiety level measured was regarding how they felt about their current dentist appointment and the anxiety-reducing affect was not found when discussing future dentist appointments.

How Does Tooth Decay Occur? How To Prevent It?

Tooth decay occurs when the structure of the tooth deteriorates in both the outer enamel and inner dentin layers of the tooth. The decay of the tooth takes place when bacteria in our mouth breaks down carbohydrates we eat creating an acid. This acid, combined with the bacteria, saliva and food debris create plaque which then sticks to teeth and dissolves the enamel producing cavities. This is a very common problem, and when left untreated this can become a very serious problem and can lead to the death of a tooth in which it will need to be permanently extracted. However, we can prevent this destruction of teeth by following these simple habits...

1. Eat well balanced and nutritious foods. Avoid foods rich in carbohydrates such as candy and other sugary snacks which will increase the acid production in your mouth.
2. Brush teeth at least two times daily, preferably after meals and before bed. Using a fluoride containing toothpaste is also recommended.
3. If you can't brush after eating try chewing a sugar-free gum that contains the ingredient Xylitol, which has been proven to slow the growth of decay causing bacteria.
   
4. Floss daily! (Preferably after all meals, but at least once a day)
5. Consult with your dentist about supplemental fluoride and dental sealants to strengthen and protect teeth.
6. Drink water containing fluoride. This is especially important for children.
7. And of course visit your dentist regularly. It is recommended to go for a check up at least twice a year.
   

Swimmer's Teeth

The term swimmer's teeth or swimmer's calculus refers to a dark yellowish-brown color of teeth that is common among competitive swimmers. It is a direct result of the amount of time one spends in the pool, and most frequently appears on the front teeth. The discoloration of teeth is actually made of deposits similar to the natural tartar or plaque that builds overtime on everyone's teeth but is much darker and is not effectively removed by brushing.

Because pool water contains many chemical additives it has a higher pH than saliva and this causes the proteins in saliva to break downs creating the organic dark deposits on teeth. Swimmer's teeth is most common in teenagers who spend more than six hours a week in the pool. It has been estimated that as much as 58% of children who swim regularly in elementary school through high school experience this discoloration of the teeth.

There is good news though. While the frequency and/or quality of brushing is not proven to help the problem, it is completely removable by your dentist and the discoloration is not permanent. It is recommended that competitive swimmers or anyone who spends 6 or more hours a week swimming should visit their dentist regularly to keep the problem in check.

Types of Toothaches & What They Mean

There are many different types of toothaches and each can be a sign or signal of a mild to severe dental problem. However, pain of pressure in your teeth or could be completely unrelated to a dental problem. For example, pain in the upper molar teeth is often a result of a sinus infection. Many people are quick to ignore a toothache out of fear of the dentist and the drill, but this can be a big mistake and cause the problem (if there is one) to only get worse.

It is important to know that the dental industry is constantly advancing and many new technological procedures have been developed that allow most tooth problems to be handled quickly and easily. And, whether or not the pain or sensitivity is severe or just occasional and mild, it should always be evaluated by your dental professional to determine the gravity of the situation.

Below are a few of the major types of toothache pains and different conditions they may be a signal of:

• Periodic/Occasional Sharp Pain or Sensitivity - This could be a sign of enamel loss due to over brushing or aging, gum recession, small dental cavity, a severe crack or decay.

• Chronic Pain in One or More Teeth - This could be a sign of nerve damage from teeth grinding, decay or an injury.

• Extreme Throbbing Pain - This is usually a sign of an infection or an abscess.

• Pain While Eating - Often a result of tooth decay or a crack in the tooth.

• Jaw Pain - Pain in the jaw (usually toward the back of the jaw) is often associated with the presence of wisdom teeth. It could also be the result of teeth grinding or a joint disorder known as TMD.

No matter what type or severity, it is important to let your dentist know of any pain or sensitivity in your teeth.