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Tag Archives: bad breath

Tooth Decay in Dublin

What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth Decay, Caries or a cavity are a bacterial infection that causes the destruction of your tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. The last time you visited the dentist he more than likely spoke about plaque which is a substance that is constantly forming on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat. When the bacteria feed, they make acids and attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after you eat. Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, causing tooth decay.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay
– Dark coloured spots or shading on your teeth
– Swelling of your gums
– A toothache
– Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

How to avoid Tooth Decay
The most straightforward way to prevent tooth decay is to floss and brush your teeth daily, and make sure you visit your dentist regularly. Other ways to avoid it include using fluoride toothpaste, reducing your intake of sugar and carbohydrates, and by not smoking.

If you are concerned that you might have tooth decay, don’t delay, contact our reception today and come and see our friendly dentist reception@pearltreatments.ie or phone 01 6790625

What do your gums say?

GumComparison

Healthy and well cared for gums will last you a lifetime, and should be pink and firm to the touch.

Your gums perform three main functions:

– Anchor teeth to the jaw, allowing you to bite and chew
– Alveolar Processes surround the teeth and give them support
– The Gingiva (Pink Flesh) protects the roots of your teeth

Bleeding, swelling and soreness are all sure signs of gum disease, which comes in two main types – Gingivitis which is reversible and Periodontal Disease which is not reversible.

Treatment Options for gum disease will be assessed and recommended by your dentist when you attend for your next check-up. It can usually be a simple case of your dentist or hygienist removing the build up of plaque (Tartar) from your teeth, and/or maybe deep root cleaning if necessary.

Gum disease can be minimised by ensuring that you spend a sufficient amount of time brushing your teeth (Around 2 minutes) and using floss and interdental brushes to remove plaque from your teeth and gums.

Other steps that you could take might include:

– Reducing your intake of sugary food and drinks, which feed plaque
– Taking the time to carefully clean around teeth and gums
– Plaque removing mouthwash
– Eat more fish and nuts, which reduce the risk of gum disease

Tip of the Week 2

Brush that tongue to banish that pong…

Probably the most neglected part of most people’s oral hygiene routine, tongue brushing or scraping is the single most effective way to improve halitosis ( bad breath ).

The best technique is carried out in front of a mirror, and involves pulling out the tongue, by holding tight with a clean handkerchief, and then scrubbing away the white/ yellow/ brown coating which can then be seen towards the back of the tongue. It won’t all disappear with one scrub, but this should be a daily routine- you wouldn’t believe how many bugs live back there!

There are specialist kits for tongue cleaning, which include scrapers, mouthwashes, toothpastes etc, and these can be purchased from good pharmacies or from our studio on Nassau Street.