Sweet tooth leads to decay for woman.

A mother of four from Merstham, Surrey could have to wait months for her new dentures to be fitted after she had 16 teeth removed due to her addiction to sugar.

Angela Slater, 30, is to undergo emergency dentistry to have dentures fitted, but the fact so many people are waiting for surgery spaces in her area hasmeant she is on a four-month waiting list and cannot expect to have her teeth back until at least the summer.

She commented: “Every kid would look at my teeth and go ‘I don’t want mine to look like that – get me to the dentist’.

“If it helps parents get their kids to the dentist then that’s good enough for me.”

Elsewhere, figures compiled by Manor Dental Practice recently revealed the amount Brits spend on fillings has grown on average by £50,000 per year since 2007and now stands at more than £150,000.

Dentists should take the time to talk to their patients about treatments.

Dentists should take the time to talk to their patients about what elective and emergency dentistry treatments entail before they are carried out, it has been noted.

Dentistry IQ reported no one likes surprises when it comes to health issues and it is therefore important for dental professionals to be open with their patients about recovery times, the likelihood of pain and other issues surrounding cosmetic dentistry.

The news provider noted: “Good communication is the foundation that fosters the relationships we as dentists maintain with our patients, as they entrust us with the dental health and wellbeing of their families.”

Elsewhere, Big News recently reported professional teeth whitening treatments will often deliver better results than those achieved through over the counter or take-home teeth whitening kits.

However, it is important to remember the professional method uses stronger chemicals to whiten the teeth and as a result, there can be a greater chance of side effects.

A new laser treatment has been developed to tackle gum disease.

A new treatment which uses laser technology to treat gum disease has been developed in the US.

Dental surgeons in the US are pioneering a treatment which entails a small laser being used to kill bacteria in the mouth, while stimulating recovery in healthy tissue.

Periodontist Dr Robert Yu commented: “The laser kills disease-causing bacteria below the gums, while leaving healthy tissue alone. Studies show it helps regenerate lost gum and bone.”

He added the surgery is relatively straightforward and there is “very little bleeding”.

Elsewhere, periodontist Dr Roger Parkes recently told the Clarion Ledger that if gum disease is left untreated, it can pose a serious risk to a person’s health.

He noted signs of gingivitis include gums that bleed easily even with gentle brushing, bright red or red-purple colour to the gums, bad breath, swollen gums that may be tender to the touch and abscesses.

Flossing plays an important part in oral health, it has been argued.

People of all ages should remember to floss daily in order to improve their oral health, it has been noted.

John E Peterson wrote in a blog for the Emporia Gazette that the mouth contains more than 700 different kinds of bacteria and left unchecked these can multiply – especially in areas where brushing cannot reach – and cause tooth decay.

He noted: “Regular brushing is very useful – and should be done at least three times a day – but it does not get those in the plaques between our teeth. Only flossing does that.”

Individuals of all ages are therefore advised to break out the floss and get cleaning.

Elsewhere, Canadian publication Divine recently reported that by brushing and not flossing, a person is only cleaning two-thirds of the tooth surface.

As a result, the publication claimed, flossing can help to remove plaque and bacterial build-up in the mouth in areas brushing alone cannot reach.

Brits have considerably increased the amount they spend on treatments over the last few years.

Brits are spending more on cosmetic dentistry treatments than they have done in the last three years, new data has revealed.

Figures compiled by Manor Dental Practice revealed the amount Brits spend on fillings has grown on average by £50,000 per year since 2007.

“It’s quite common that in times of financial difficulty, one of the first things to go is visits to the dentist,” Dr Anjali Shahi, founder of the Manor practice, commented.

Dr Shahi postulated that this increase in spending could be due to the fact so many people have postponed appointments, meaning they had dental oral health problems which required more expensive solutions.

Elsewhere, Dental Plans recently reported the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists has estimated US citizens spend $2.75 billion (£1.68 billion) on cosmetic dentistry treatments every year.

The organisation noted teeth whitening, dental veneers and dental implants are three of the most popular treatments at present.

Teeth whitening treatments explained.

Teeth whitening can be achieved through a number of different methods, but the best results are often gained through seeing a dental professional, it has been stated.

Big News reported anyone considering teeth whitening could get an over-the-counter product. However, take-home kits will often contain harmful chemicals and therefore it may be more prudent to have this treatment carried out by a trained professional.

The online resource noted: “The change in the colour of the teeth [is a] combined effect of a number of factors and depends on the age of the person, bacterial presence, food stuff sticking and other external toxins like nicotine in smoke.”

Anyone who has stains or bad discolouration may also find that take-home kits are not suitable for them, the article concluded.

Elsewhere, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recently noted anyone thinking of having a teeth whitening treatment carried out should remember the risks involved, including the possibility of increased tooth sensitivity, tissue irritation or possible root damage.

A new treatment could reduce the time patients need to wear braces.

People could wear their Invisalign braces for less time by taking part in a pioneering new treatment, it has been noted.

News 8 reported that according to the American Association of Orthodontists, a treatment called Acceledent could reduce the amount of time a person needs to wear braces in order to see good results.

The device sends vibrations through a patient’s mouth and helps the teeth relocate, the organisation claimed.

“We can tell you that the patients tolerate the appliance very well. It has been worn regularly and we haven’t seen any major problems,” commented Dubravko Pavlin, professor of Orthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Elsewhere, Dr Peter Gold from Orthodontics for Adults in Toronto recently told Metro News Toronto there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who have had braces fitted over the last ten to 15 years.

Poor oral health could lead to bad breath.

Developing bad breath could be one of the first signs that a person has poor oral health, it has been revealed.

According to the Coloradoan, there is no substitute for maintaining a good oral health routine, as this can reduce the levels of bacteria that build up in the mouth over time.

The publication noted: “Dental disease gets more complicated when it’s allowed to persist because inflamed gums start to lose their attachment to the teeth and gum recession occurs.”

Bad breath can be a sign that bacteria has multiplied dramatically, as failing to regularly brush means food debris can be left in the mouth and this provides a perfect area for germs to grow.

Elsewhere, DNA Health recently reported people should look to keep themselves well hydrated in order to boost their oral health, as failing to drink enough water can lead to a lack of saliva.

Without saliva, the publication claimed, tooth enamel cannot carry out its remineralisation as effectively and can become weaker over time.

Dentist gets credit for Simon Cowell’s win.

Simon Cowell’s X Factor won the award for Most Popular Talent Show at the National Television Awards last night (January 20th) and as part of his speech, he thanked his dentist.

He dedicated the prize to his dentist Rob Neil, but fellow emergency dentistry professional Edinburgh-based Biju Krishnan noted mainly people do not wish to have quite the same level of dazzle as Cowell’s famous pearly whites.

“Being someone in the public eye, Simon naturally cares a lot about his appearance. His mixing with the Hollywood set means it’s important for him to sport a showbiz gleam,” commented Dr Krishnan.

Elsewhere, Karen Gardner wrote in an opinion piece for Round Town News that many Brits could benefit from teeth whitening treatments, as the procedure could help to boost their confidence.

She noted a person’s smile is how they greet the world and when that is looking its best, people can feel their best.

Brits could strengthen their teeth with a few easy steps.

Brits have been advised to do all they can to protect their tooth enamel in order for their teeth to fend off decay and erosion for longer.

Cosmetic Dentistry Guide reported remaining well hydrated can play a key role in oral health, as dehydration can lead to a dry mouth, resulting in a lack of saliva, which plays an important role in enamel remineralisation.

Furthermore, Brits could bolster saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum or they could help their teeth by brushing using fluoride-rich toothpastes.

However, anyone considering a fluoride varnish should contact their dentist and have the procedure carried out by a professional.

Elsewhere, the Merced Sun Star recently reported Miami dentist Dr Ewaldo Wendler noted electric toothbrushes have become more powerful and better at removing plaque and food debris in the mouth over the last few years.

In addition, there are now many manual brushes enable the user to get a better clean than ever before.