Absolute Poison

Yes it's that time of year again when we all make those New Years resolutions; to quit smoking, to get fit and generally aim to be healthier.

Quitting smoking could be the best thing you could do, not just for your general well being but also the health of your teeth, gums and lining of the mouth.

Smokers make up 50% of people with gum disease in the world because of the close proximity of the gums to the smoke.
Apart from the obvious tooth discoloration, staining and bad breath, there is a lot more permanent damage happening in a smokers mouth.
Prolonged exposure to smoke can lead to a very high risk of the jaw bone and support structure of the teeth being eaten away, which in turn leads to premature tooth loss.
Once the toxic substances in cigarette smoke affect the gums and causes inflammation, the whole mouth becomes compromised by bacteria and a lot more vulnerable to tooth decay and serious infections.
Smoking slows down the healing process because the blood flow in the gums has been restricted which means that the mouth does not recover well after orthodontic or dental surgery.
Oral health is greatly compromised by smoking; even with regular visits to the dentist and hygienist and thorough daily cleaning routine, a smoker’s dental hygiene will always be poor. This is more relevant than ever now that research shows the tight link between heart problems, strokes and gum disease.
If that is not enough to scare smokers into kicking the habit, frightening figures show that mouth cancer rates are rising every year. It is largely a lifestyle disease, meaning that 90% of sufferers are tobacco users.
One of the best preventative measures is to stop smoking; people who stop using tobacco, even after many years of use, can greatly reduce their risks of all smoking related illnesses including oral cancer.
There is now more advice and information on smoking cessation than has ever been available before, from several help lines to local support groups and free nicotine replacement therapy. So smokers, now that we know there is nothing remotely positive about smoking, you know what to do… and we know you can do it!

For further information and advice you can contact the NHS stop smoking helpline on 0800 028 0553 or call your local NHS stop smoking service:- Plymouth – 01752 314040 Torbay Care Trust – 01803 299160. wiseupandquit.co.uk

Melanie

absolute merry christmas

Absolute Dental would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2011 has been a very exciting year, with the introduction of Inman Aligner, a quick and effective way to re-align teeth and Sleepwell, the solution to snoring problems. Also with the continued success of the Absolute Dental Nurse training course run by Diane resulting in a great pass rate for the students sitting their National Diploma in Dental Nursing exams.

We close on Friday December 23rd, but will be open again on Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th December, so if you need us, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to see you.

From the Team at Absolute

Absolute at Christmas

As Christmas fast approaches, we at Absolute Dental are well aware that a broken tooth or a lost filling can become an unpleasant distraction over the festive period. That is why you will find our doors open between Christmas and New Year, for both planned appointments, and those unexpected emergencies. We close on Friday December 23rd, but will be open again on Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th December, so if you need us, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to see you.

You might like to add to your Christmas shopping list a few essentials that are always handy in a dental emergency situation - but remember these are only temporary measures, and you should always seek dental advice as soon as possible:

A lost filling or crown is rarely an emergency. However, it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to temperature, pressure or air. If you still have the crown, you may be able to slip it back over the tooth. Before you do that, clean the inside of the crown. Then coat the inside of the crown with tooth "cement," which you can buy in the dental section of your pharmacy. Alternatively, sugar-free chewing gum works as a good temprary cement too.

If you've lost a filling or crown, you can put dental cement directly on the tooth surface. This will help to protect and seal the area until you're able to see your dentist.

Keep all areas as clean as possible until you are able to see your dentist.

A small supply of painkillers is always advisable, in case you are unable to get out to a shop to pick any up.

As always, we do have our usual out of hours emergency advice line, the number for this will be on our usual answer phone message on 01548 852165 whilst the practice is closed. Here, we can give advice for severe pain, swelling or prolonged bleeding.Our website also has some essential advice for all parents in case of a trauma injury to a childs tooth over Christmas.We hope you won't need any of our advice or services over Christmas, and that we are all able to enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas with our loved ones.

Written by Diane

absolute sparkling smiles

Looking for a sparkling smile?Absolute Dental are offering £100 off tray whitening system for the month of December. Tray whitening is a great way to give your teeth a sparkle, it's a safe and easy way to whiten your teeth. The trays are worn with the whitening gel for 30mins twice a day. For more information please call in or ring and speak to a member of the team.

Absolute Dental's Guide; Diabetes and Dental Health… there is a link

Dental care and hygiene is vitally important as part of good health
For diabetics, problems with the teeth and gums can be more common and more serious than for the average person.
For this reason, if you have diabetes, dental care is even more important and being aware of how best to look after your teeth is an essential part of learning to live with both type I and type II diabetes.
Diabetes and gum diseases
Gum disease is a very common infection and occurs when bacteria within the mouth begins to form into a sticky plaque which sits on the surface of the tooth.
Over time, if this is not removed by regular brushing using the correct technique, a gum inflammation called gingivitis can develop.
Gingivitis
Symptoms of gingivitis can include:
Red and swollen gums
Bleeding will often occur whilst brushing.
Gum disease will stem from untreated gingivitis, and in turn the teeth will begin to decay.
One unfortunate side effect of diabetes and high blood glucose levels is the fact that any infection in or on the body will spread more easily.
Keeping blood glucose levels under control reduces the risk of infection spreading. Unfortunately, when your body begins to fight an infection, blood glucose levels will usually rise in response. Should the infection in your mouth become worse, your food intake could be affected, further affecting your diabetes.
Ways to ensure good dental hygiene as a diabetic
Making sure that you visit a dentist every six months ensures that any infection will be treated as early as possible. Minor dental problems can quickly escalate, and a routine visit to the dentist will pick up on these.

Dental hygiene, diabetes, and heart problems
Diabetes can cause excess cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream.
If your gums also have an infection that isn’t treated quickly then bacteria from the infected gums can flow into the bloodstream.
In turn, this may intensify the speed at which arteries are clogged by cholesterol. As a diabetic, make sure that you look after both your teeth and your gums, and visit your dentist regularly.
Diabetes, the toothbrush, and brushing techniques
A good quality toothbrush can make all the difference to a brushing routine. Toothbrushes should have soft nylon bristles with rounded ends. They should be used gently and feel comfortable in the hand. At Absolute Dental, our team of dentists and hygienists will have advice about the best type of toothbrush to use and will work with you to maintain a home care programme suitable for your individual needs.
Visiting us at Absolute
Stressing out about visiting the dentist is a bad idea, because it could make your blood sugar levels rise. We will look after you
Always tell us if you do have diabetes or indeed suspect you have diabetes, it allows us to look after you.
For any further advice do call us on 01548 852165
Written By Emma

absolute dental a window on general health

Your mouth - A window on your general health
Did you know that your dental health can offer clues about your overall health? Or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Here at Absolute Dental, our dentists, hygienists and therapists are trying to help you understand this intimate connection.
What's the connection between dental health and overall health?
Like it or not, our mouths are full of bacteria — but relax, most of them are harmless. Normally the body's immune system and good oral health care, such as twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Also, some dental procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth.
Your dental health may affect/be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
Endocarditis. Gum disease and certain dental procedures may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from a severe form of gum disease.
Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, leading to tooth loss.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.
Absolute Dental will regularly ask you to complete a medical update to check if there are any changes to your general well-being since your last visit and you should let us know if you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition or are taking regular medication.
Good oral health can be promoted by:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
Floss daily.
Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Schedule regular dental checkups.
Also, watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
Written By Diane

Absolute dental health

Smoking-your gums up in smoke?
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as mouth cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

How does smoking increase your risk for periodontal disease? As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:

Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning with a hygienist.

Deep pockets between your teeth and gums.
Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth.
If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress.The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper, allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result, the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without treatment, your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out.

Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, only about 20% of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 % of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

In addition, research shows that current smokers don't heal as well as former smokers or nonsmokers.

But these effects are reversible if the smokers manage to give up.

At Absolute Dental the health of the lining of the mouth is screened for abnormalities at every dental health assessment we also reinforce the importance of self awareness by our patients.
For more information on giving up smoking please go to http://www.smokefree.nhs.uk/ or visit your GP.

Written by Kelly