Grills: The Ultimate Fashion Accessory

As a personal style blogger I focus not on blogging ‘fashion’, but on documenting my own individual dress choices. I find I don’t come across many items that are truly unique to an individual. This, I believe, is why grills (as an accessory) have moved from sub culture into popular culture with such velocity.

A ‘grill’ is a piece of metal jewellery, worn over the teeth, rather like a gum shield made of very thin metal, that are removable (don’t think Jaws from James Bond, although the look is rather similar!). Grills were first worn by Hip Hop artists in the early 1990s, but became more widely popular during the early 2000s, as Hip Hop music began to move from sub culture into the musical realm of mainstream popular culture; we see artists such as OutKast, Lil’ Jon, Nelly, and Kanye West sporting grills from time to time. Other musicians from entirely different genres have been known to wear grills, such as members of Avenge Sevenfold and the always controversial Marilyn Manson.

The adornment of one’s teeth is an ancient practice, the insertion of gems predates the entire Hip Hop Movement - Mayan priests and kings used to drill precious stones into their teeth as a symbol of wealth and power. The wearing of a grill was used in the same way, to boast wealth and symbolism of decedent living - grills were incredibly expensive to have made, as they are custom, and those who wore them commissioned their grills to be made of expensive precious metals and precious stones - it is not uncommon to see rappers wearing 24 karat gold grills encrusted with diamonds. A professionally made grill offers no health risks, as long as it is fitted properly, comfortable to the wearer, and isn’t left on for too long (bacteria can get stuck behind a grill and cause decay if left for long periods of time).

My prediction is, with the cost of having a grill made for the individual being greatly reduced, as a grill made with surgical steel or other types of less expensive, non reactive metals, and the widespread popularity of grills growing every day - we see grills worn by the likes of Rhianna, Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne, I predict grills may become more popular and commonplace amongst young people, as smaller one or two teeth grills are more subtle than a complete upper and lower set, and offer the owner what very few other fashion accessories cam - a piece of jewellery that is totally unique to the individual.

 

Paige

Gum Disease can SIGNIFICANTLY increase the risk of Breast Cancer in Post Menopausal Women

With World Cancer Day this week, we thought you might be interested to know that research shows that gum disease in post menopausal women can significantly increase the risk of Brest Cancer: researchers believe the link could be the result of systemic inflammation that originates from infected gums and also suggests that bacteria from the mouth may enter the circulatory system through the gums which then affects the breast tissue.

But they have called for more research in order to identify the specific relationship. Speaking on the findings, lead researcher Dr Jo Freudenheim from the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the State University of New York at Buffalo, said "It could be that periodontal disease means there's a kind of general inflammation in the body. Inflammation is related to a number of cancers and stroke and heart disease, so it could be that chronic inflammation is causing both.

"If we can study periodontal disease and breast cancer in other populations, and if we can do a more detailed study of the characteristics of periodontal it would help us to understand if there was a relationship "

The study looked at cases of breast cancer in almost 70,000 women over almost seven years . It found that those with periodontal disease were 14% more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer .

Studies have previously identified links between gum disease and potentially life -threatening conditions such as heart disease , stroke , diabetes and even dementia

 

Ruthie

World Cancer Day - 7,300 people wer diagnosed with Mouth Cancer in 2012

Wake up fella's...take us seriously

Mouth cancer is now the 10th most common cancer in men according to Cancer Research UK.

 

 

7,300 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK in 2012, with twice as many men as women (around 4,900 men and 2,400 women).

"Mouth cancers continue to climb" said Richard Roope, Cancer Research UK's leading GP, "the saddest thing is most of these cases are preventable"

The combination of tobacco, drinking alcohol and HPV provides a toxic cocktail that has led to the rising tide of cancer, and it is vital people are aware of how to reduce the risk.

If  mouth cancer is found at a late stage, treatment options are more likely to be limited with long lasting side effects and chance of survival are poor.

On a more positive note we screen you EVERY time each and every time you visit us as part of your dental examination appointment. If mouth cancer is spotted early survival rates can reach 90%.

Delay costs live, so it is vitally important that we pass this information to you and ask you to pass it on to your friends

Dental Implant Retained Dentures at Absolute Dental

For a cost-effective way of replacing many missing teeth, dentures can be held securely in place with dental implants, providing a great improvement from traditional removable dentures. This treatment option has made a huge difference to many of our patients who have been struggling with the issues sometimes faced by wearing traditional dentures.

How can I benefit?

• No need for denture adhesives, pastes, sticky gum or powders.
• Implants help to maintain your facial structures by preserving the remaining bone in your jaws.
• Minimises wrinkles around the mouth by restoring lost lip-support
• Markedly improves your ability to chew – you can eat whatever you want and enjoy your food again.
• Secure and comfortable – no more embarrassing moments caused by loose dentures!

Ask us about the options - call today on 01548 852165 or visit our website for more information

 www.absolute-dental.co.uk

Diet Advice from Absolute Dental to the 1st Modbury Cubs

It is fair to say that no two days are the same at Absolute Dental, and so when I was asked to visit the 1st Modbury Cubs to give them some dietary advice, I thought "It's all in a days work!"

So, armed with pictures or decayed teeth, I set out to educate them on the causes of tooth decay, and how it can be prevented.

It is thought that one-third of 8 year olds in the UK currently has tooth decay.

The highest reason for admission to hospital for general anaesthetic for children is the extraction of teeth.

Two extremely worrying statistics that make me as a dental care professional sit up, and think how important my role in the education of patients is.

After a quick gross out session with the pictures and asking the cubs what they thought the cause was - and I was pleased to hear them say "not brushing your teeth" and eating too many sweets", we set about looking for sugar in the not so obvious places.

We all know a can of Coca-Cola has loads of sugar in it (about 9 teaspoons to be precise - yuk!), but it came as a huge surprise for the cubs (and their leaders!) to know that a bottle of Volvic Water "touch of fruit" can have up to 6 teaspoons of sugar in it too!

We asked the cubs to match up bags of white sugar with the pictures of the foods provided (Mars bars, tomato ketchup, fat free yoghurts etc) and I think everyone was surprised how much sugar is found in "low fat" foods and also how much sugar we add to our food in the form of ketchup and other sauces, not to mention drinks (12 teaspoons of sugar in a McDonalds milkshake!!!).

We all consume more than 3 times the recommended sugar per day and what the liver can't process, it deposits in fat around the body - this can lead to weight can & obesity, diabetes, liver disease and heart problems.

The "Sugar Smart" initiative had devised a smart phone app for parents to use to determine the amount of sugar in the processed foods they are buying (even tins of soup!), and leaflets are also being distributed throughout primary schools currently, so the timing of my talk was perfect.

If we can encourage the next generation to be "sugar detectives" and reduce the amount of sugar in their diet, we can reduce the health and dental problems of tomorrow.

Knowing the different names the manufactures use to "disguise" sugar in foods is vital too.

Along with encouraging thorough removal of plaque from every surface of every tooth, every day.

The cubs toothbrushes were assessed for their "fitness for purpose" for the job in hand, and George was awarded the certificate for "The Best Toothbrush In Town".

Having set them the challenge to design a poster to show what they learnt over the evening, I'm really excited to see the results and see which particular message resonated with each of them most.

Next stop.....South Pool Pony Club!

Diane

Emergency Dental Appointments at Absolute Dental

Dental emergencies often happen without warning or at very inconvenient times, and if you've ever experienced the pain of toothache, you will know that it can be both distressing and debilitating.

Therefore, here at Absolute Dental, we always reserve time, every single day, to see dental emergencies, because we know that in certain situations, it is vital for you to see your dentist as soon as possible.

 

Whether it be toothache, dental abscess, swelling, bleeding, broken teeth, broken denture or a lost crown, our team of dentists are here to help and provide our regular patients with same day emergency dental care where possible, during normal practice hours. These appointments are subject to availability, and offered on a priority basis, and so the earlier you can call us on the day, the easier it is for us to schedule you into the dentists diary for that day.

 

Outside of normal practice hours, we have a dedicated telephone number that will connect directly with one of our dentists who will be able to provide emergency dental advice over the phone, and if necessary they will arrange for a dental team to see you (please note, there may be a call out fee for this service). This service is always provided at the practice too, so no need for you to travel to Plymouth or Torquay for any treatment, and the team will always be formed from our regular team of dentists and nurses too.

 

So, be reassured that we are here for you, should you need us. All you need to do is call us! 01548852165 or info@absolute-dental.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Did you know that your Dentist can carry out Wrinkle Reducing Treatments at Absolute Dental?

Gone are the days when you had to visit a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist for Botox injections. Getting Botox was a lot less common, with fewer professionals carrying out the procedure, also making it more expensive. Today, dentists, with proper training, can carry out the procedure as well. Botox is used to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines to help correct and improve areas of the face affected by the ageing process.

 

 

 

Understanding Botox

If you’ve ever considered getting Botox, it’s important to understand what it is and what it does. Botox is the shortened trade name for botulinum toxin. It comes in the form of a purified protein, which is injected directly into the neuromuscular tissue. Botox, originally used for medicinal purposes, is now commonly used for cosmetic procedures.

Many people get Botox to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It is most commonly injected on the upper third of the face – the forehead (horizontal and frown lines) as well as crows feet. Botox both prevents and corrects ‘dynamic’ ageing lines caused by muscle movement.

The protein attaches to the nerve endings and stops the nerve impulses from transmitting to the muscles. This stops the muscles from contracting, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The effect is usually noticeable after 5-8 days and has taken full effect after 2 weeks.

Botox treatments usually last on average, 3-4 months depending on a number of factors. It’s important to remember that Botox is a temporary treatment and must be repeated over time to maintain a consistent look.

 

Head to the Dentist

Today, a dentist may be able to perform this facial aesthetic treatment alongside other standard dental treatments.

Botox treatments work well within the dental community in a number of ways – especially since Botox can help with more than just cosmetic procedures.

Dentists commonly have patients suffering from bruxism (grinding), and Botox is a great option for those who suffer with it as it weakens the muscle contraction that normally occurs at night. Other areas where Botox can help is facial pain, excess sweating both under the arms, on the hands and feet, and is great for some types of migraines. This requires advanced training.

 

When treatment is administered by a trained professional, there are relatively few risks and complications with the procedure – including minor bruising, temporary swelling at the injection site, and skin redness. Asymmetry of facial expressions, drooping of upper eye lids and double vision can occur in the upper facial third, however, safe dosages into safe sights by experienced practitioners reduces this risk.

What’s more – dentists are actually best placed to work with Botox, as they are knowledgeable in facial anatomy and carry out injection procedures regularly.

 

“Botox is an elective cosmetic procedure and is a brilliant treatment we offer to patients. We are living in a generation where everyone wants to look younger for their age and Botox helps to achieve that. The treatment itself is so simple and easy to do that it is considered a ‘lunch-time treatment’ with relatively little or no down time."  Dr Nadine Skipp, dentist and injectable cosmetic provider.

 

Finding the Right Dentist

When you’re considering Botox treatments, it’s important to make sure you find the right dentist. Not all dentists do these treatments, however, Rhodri John here at Absolute Dental is a qualified and experienced practitioner.  As a medical procedure Botox should only be done in clinical environments.