The Real Cause of Tooth Decay

Posted by Phil Tangri on August 15, 2013

real cause of dental decay

Why we get tooth decay can seem perplexing at times: some of us seem more susceptible to tooth troubles than others, despite good diets and rigorous oral hygiene habits. Why is it that some people are able to forgo brushing and flossing without suffering the consequences? Some African tribes merely rub at their teeth with twigs, if any oral hygiene measures are adopted at all, and yet still have white, straight smiles to rival that of the US.

We may fully comprehend the biochemical mechanism involved in tooth decay but is something more fundamental than hygiene and sugar the missing piece in our understanding?

It has been suggested that it is our teeth themselves that make all the difference: our modern-day diets limit the self-strengthening capacity of teeth, thus making them somewhat defenceless against tooth decay, and it is this that may be the real cause of our troubles. Teeth are formed of layers, the top layer of which is heavily calcified with minerals that need near constant replacement throughout life to maintain strength. Bacteria are able to attack this mineralised layer, penetrating it and initiating decay: our only defence is the speed with which our teeth can re-mineralise themselves with the dietary minerals in our saliva. Bacterial attack on teeth is not an unnatural process: our teeth are just no longer able to cope with it because of deficiencies in our diets.

So how is our modern diet deficient? Dr Weston Price, a dentist who researched the connection between nutrition and dental decay, found that indigenous groups who regularly ate organic greens from healthy soil and unpasteurised dairy products showed the greatest resistance to dental decay of all populations studied. Westernised diets are often low in these substances. Furthermore they are often deficient in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D, which is necessary for adequate absorption of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, both of which are key in the re-mineralisation of teeth.

To get calcium and phosphorus from our diet we need dairy products, green leafy vegetables and grains, for example. There are arguments that westernised diets do not contain enough of these and that mineral levels in food are watered down: our soils are often deficient in phosphorus, resulting in vegetables with low mineral content, even when grown organically. To obtain the maximum mineral content from a vegetable, it should be grown organically and eaten raw. Dr Price found that Australian Aborigines with a native diet contained five times the calcium level and six times the phosphorus level compared with those who adopted the modern Australian diet.

But obtaining the right levels of calcium and phosphorus is only half the battle: we also need to be able to absorb these minerals. To do this we need an adequate supply of vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of both calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is available mostly from animal-based products like liver, fish, milk and eggs, which makes it very hard to consume as part of a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. Consequently, vegans often suffer from an array of dental problems. You can also get vitamin D from sunlight, but this can be difficult depending on where you live and the levels of pigmentation in your skin.

To absorb our minerals we also need healthy digestive systems; many westerners have inadequate absorption from years of eating processed, denatured foods and these days conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome are common.

So maybe modern-day dental preventative care is missing the point. Perhaps by turning back the clocks on our diets and adopting a more native approach to eating, dental hygiene and sugar restrictions can take more of a back seat. But I can’t see many people swapping their electric toothbrushes for twigs any time soon.

Tags: Caries, Dental Decay, diet, vitamins

Posted in: General Dentistry

Tooth wear

Posted by Phil Tangri on August 1, 2013

there are different types of tooth wear that can affect us

Published in 2009, the most recent Adult Dental Health survey shows us that moderate levels of tooth wear is on the rise and increased from affecting 11% of people to 15% of people between the years 1998 and 2009.

Besides being unsightly, tooth wear can cause sensitivity. When the outer layer of teeth (enamel) is lost, the dentine underneath is exposed. Dentine has small communications to the nerve inside the tooth and can be stimulated by hot, cold and sweet things.

Tooth wear itself is unfortunately a natural part of aging. Our teeth, whilst generally robust and well-designed, aren’t necessarily intended to meet the demands of our increased life expectancy. Over time, teeth weaken and the normal day-to-day wear starts to build up.

Types of tooth wear:

Tooth wear is generally divided into three categories depending on its aetiology.

Tooth abrasion – this is the type of wear caused by food, toothbrushes and other objects such as pen lids and nails. Wear caused by tongue studs and lip piercings would also fall into this category. Abrasion, especially caused by overzealous tooth brushing, is very common.

Tooth attrition – this is the type of wear caused from tooth-on-tooth action. People who grind their teeth habitually (bruxists) are prone to this type of tooth wear.

Tooth erosion – this is the type of wear caused by acid. There are high levels of acid in fizzy drinks (even the sugar-free varieties) and many fruits, especially citrus fruits. Erosion can also stem from a gastro-intestinal problem such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a condition whereby gastric acid is excessively released back into the oesophagus and mouth, or through persistent vomiting, as seen in bulimia.

Protecting yourself from tooth wear:

If you are keen to either arrest your levels of tooth wear, stemming from any of the above causes, or reduce the likelihood of tooth wear initiating, here are some tips:

- Restrict the intake of acidic food and drink (fizzy drinks/citrus fruit) to a couple of times a week. If possible, have them only at mealtimes and chew gum afterwards.
- Avoid lip or tongue piercings.
- Use a soft toothbrush and be careful not to press on the gums and teeth too hard, especially over the upper canines (this is where most toothbrush abrasion occurs).
- Seek advice form your dentist if you suspect you grind your teeth at night or throughout the day.
- Try and break habits like chewing nails/pens etc.
- Seek medical advice if you suffer from GORD, bulimia or any condition that exposes your mouth to gastric acid.

Easing the discomfort of tooth wear:

In cases of tooth wear, most discomfort is in the form of sensitivity due to exposed dentine. Use a sensitive toothpaste (like Sensodyne Rapid Relief) at morning and night. Don’t rinse out the toothpaste afterwards, but allow it plenty of opportunity to work. At night try smearing a small amount of the toothpaste over the sensitive areas and leave it while you sleep.

If your tooth wear is particularly uncomfortable your dentist may suggest ‘sealing’ the dentine with a very thin layer of either clear dental bonding agent or tooth-coloured filling material. This will block the tubules connecting to the nerve.

Sometimes worn teeth can be slightly sharp. A dentist can easily smooth the roughness for you at your next appointment.

To book an appointment with the Scott Arms team to discuss your tooth wear, call 0121 357 5000

Tags: diet, tooth wear

Posted in: General Dentistry

Leave a Comment (0) →

Common dental questions for July

Posted by Phil Tangri on July 21, 2013

Common dental questions that were asked in July

Q. Does tooth whitening hurt? I’ve heard that you can have sensitivity afterwards.

Most people do not find tooth whitening painful. There is the risk that you may have some sensitivity afterwards but it is usually temporary and very mild. If you already have sensitive teeth, or have some gum recession, you are more likely to experience sensitivity after whitening. It is very important not to put any of the whitening gel onto the gum as this can be uncomfortable.

Q. How can I keep my denture from wobbling?

Visit your dentist: they will be able to tell you if your denture no longer fits you and will be able to make you a new one. If you do not want a new denture, or have been told that a new denture won’t be any more successful, there are products on the market, such as Fixodent, that can act as an adhesive to help keep the denture in place. Make sure that you clean your denture well, as debris can stop the denture from staying in place.

Undoubtedly, the best way to improve the stability of a denture is by having dental implants placed. These are small titanium screws that locate into the jaw bone. Dentures are able to attach to them through mechanisms such as bars and studs. With dental implants, dentures won’t come lose when talking or eating, wobble or fall out.

Q. Is there anywhere in Birmingham where I can have free treatment done? I know I need lots of work, but I cannot afford to see a dentist at the moment.

Birmingham is lucky enough to be one of the few cities in the country with a dental hospital. They offer emergency treatment and treat some patients on a regular basis. Treatment is carried out by the dental students and is free of change but there is often a considerable waiting list. Contact the hospital to enquire about being placed on the waiting list.

Q. What is the best way to treat sensitive teeth?

The easiest and most common way to treat sensitive teeth is to use a sensitive toothpaste. These usually work by ‘blocking’ the tubules in the tooth that connect with the nerve endings inside it. I would recommend Sensodyne Rapid Relief though there are other successful products on the market too. Brush with these toothpastes twice a day without rinsing out afterwards, and apply small amounts to the sensitive areas with the tip of your finger and leave overnight.

When sensitive toothpastes don’t work, your dentist may be able to help with your sensitivity either by covering the exposed area with a type of filling material, or by adding a layer of fluoride varnish, which can increase the strength of the area.

Q. My wisdom tooth is coming through at the back and the gum around it is really sore. What should I do? Should I have the tooth taken out?

We wouldn’t recommend having a wisdom tooth taken out unless you have had a series of antibiotic-requiring infections in the past few years. Otherwise, the issue can be resolved using some thorough cleaning. Be sure to floss around your wisdom tooth (if you can!) and clean it twice a day. Single-tufted brushes are very effective at cleaning around wisdom teeth and can be purchased at most chemists.

When the pain is bad, try holding warm salty water in the area for about a minute. Repeating this after you eat can also help.

Q. My teeth are really wonky and it really upsets me. I never had braces as a child. I would really like to get braces now but I imagine I am too old. Can people of any age have braces?

Anyone can have braces, though NHS braces are often only available to children and young teenagers. However, there are lots of private orthodontists in the country who work with a range of braces – clear vs metal, removable vs fixed etc.

Adult orthodontics can sometimes take slightly longer than childhood orthodontics, but it is still a very successful way to straighten someone’s teeth. Speak to your dentist about being referred for orthodontic treatment.

Tags: dental questions

Posted in: General Dentistry

Leave a Comment (0) →

A brief overview of some popular toothpastes

Posted by Phil Tangri on July 21, 2013

an overview of popular toothpastes

When you brushed your teeth this morning, why did you select the toothpaste you did? Many toothpastes make some pretty exciting claims. They also all seem to contain different ingredients, do different things and taste and smell different. How do you know which toothpaste is right for you?

Here are just a few of the hundreds of toothpastes available in the supermarkets at the moment:

Sensodyne

Sensodyne toothpaste focuses mostly on eliminating sensitivity while giving all-round oral protection.

Total Care F – This toothpaste aims to sooth the aggravated nerve inside the tooth, putting an end to sensitivity. The active ingredient is potassium nitrate; potassium ions in the toothpaste are able to travel from the outside of the tooth to the inside where they interact with the nerve.

Repair and Protect – This particular toothpaste utilises an advanced biological molecule known as NovaMin. The NovaMin covers the tooth and, when mixed with natural saliva, forms a layer over sensitive areas of teeth. This occludes the dental tubules (thereby restricting the transmission of cold sensation to the nerve of the tooth) and actively repairs the damaged tooth structure with calcium and phosphorous ions.

Rapid Relief – Sensodyne Rapid Relief is a tried and tested product with many fantastic reviews. The strontium acetate in Sensodyne Rapid Relief physically blocks the exposed dentine tubules in the teeth so that cold sensations cannot be transmitted to the nerve inside the tooth.

Colgate

Pro Relief – Colgate Pro Relief boasts the use of Pro-Argin technology. Containing an amino acid that naturally occurs in our saliva, arginine, and the molecule calcium carbonate, Colgate Pro Relief is able to the block the tubules connecting the outside environment to the sensitive nerve in the centre of the tooth.

Total – Colgate Total toothpaste is highly recommended. It contains a good level of fluoride to help protect teeth from demineralisation and also contains triclosan. Triclosan isn’t found in many toothpastes. It is particularly good at preventing gum disease due to its antibacterial nature. Once the plaque is disrupted through brushing, triclosan is retained on the teeth via another ingredient found in Colgate Total. This helps prevent the build-up of further plaque and fights gum disease.

Oral B

Pro-expert – Oral B pro-expect is a breakthrough toothpaste because it incorporates the chemical stannous fluoride, a molecule even better at protecting teeth than its more readily available counterpart, sodium fluoride. You may have heard that you shouldn’t rinse your mouth out after brushing because it washes away the fluoride; stannous fluoride is particularly long lasting and can withstand a post-brush rinse, meaning you can double up with mouthwash afterwards (this is normally recommended only for use at a separate time to brushing as not to wash away the fluoride in the toothpaste).

Oral B pro-expert also contains sodium hexametaphosphate crystals that are able to remove stains from the superficial layers of teeth.

Tags: Toothpaste

Posted in: General Dentistry

Leave a Comment (0) →

A sensitive issue – Sensitive teeth problems

Posted by Phil Tangri on July 15, 2013

Sensitive teeth problems and how a dentist can help

Many people, at one point or another, have suffered with sensitive teeth. A huge range of products are on the market, offering to rid us of this annoying discomfort. But what is the cause of tooth sensitivity? How can we avoid getting it, and do the treatments available really work?

Studies from the past few years have shown that over 50% of the population will experience sensitivity at some point in their life. Many of these people fail to mention the problem to their dentist, so the issue can never be resolved. For some people, sensitivity is a discomfort that forces them to modify their eating habits and has an effect of their quality of life.

Tooth sensitivity, when not caused by decay, trauma or infection, is due to a communication between the outside environment and the dental pulp (the soft mass of living tissue inside each tooth). This stems from a loss or thinning of the protective layer that encases our teeth, known as enamel, which consequently exposes the underlying dentine. Dentine is a much softer material than enamel and is penetrated by tubules that travel all the way through the thickness of the tooth to the pulp. When the dentine becomes exposed, water inside these tubules can be altered by temperature fluctuations. This in turn stimulates the nerve endings inside the dental pulp, causing the sensation of a sharp sensitivity.

Dentine can become exposed in two ways: the enamel over the top of it can be worn down through abrasion (e.g. aggressive tooth brushing), attrition (e.g. grinding teeth together) or erosion (e.g. an acidic diet). The other cause is gum recession, which exposes a type of dentine (root dentine) that doesn’t have any natural protection other than a soft tissue covering. Periodontal disease (a disease causing the tissues around teeth to recede and deplete) also exposes root dentine. The most recent Adult Dental Health Survey stated that 45% of adults have active periodontal disease and 15% have tooth wear that exposes underlying dentine. This makes for a large proportion of people suffering with sensitivity.

So how can we protect ourselves? To prevent the likelihood of ever suffering from sensitivity you should protect your enamel in the following ways:

follow a low acid diet
don’t brush too roughly
practice good interdental cleaning with floss to prevent periodontal disease
speak to a dentist if you suspect you grind your teeth

However, for some people sensitivity is something that cannot be avoided. In these instances, and for those where prevention can no longer be of aid, treatment is a necessity. In terms of home remedies, treatment comes in two options: materials that can ‘calm’ the nerve in the dental pulp or materials that ‘block’ the dental tubules so stimulation cannot occur. Toothpastes that claim to ‘calm’ the nerve contain potassium nitrate, like Sensodyne Total Care F, but there is no clear evidence to prove that this mechanism of sensitivity relief works. ‘Blocking’ the tubules, however, appears to be a long-lasting and effective way of managing sensitivity. These toothpastes include Sensodyne Rapid Relief and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, which contain materials such as calcium carbonate or strontium acetate that are able to effectively block dentine tubules. For maximum sensitivity relief, brush with these toothpastes at least twice a day (without rinsing afterwards) and apply the paste to sensitive areas with a fingertip at night.

While these toothpastes have had much success, here are a couple of examples of treatments that your dentist can do to help ease your sensitivity:

Covering exposed root surfaces with filling materials
Applying fluoride varnishes to weakened teeth to help strengthen them

With all these options available to ease sensitivity, you needn’t suffer in silence. Speak to your dentist about this very common problem and together you can find the right treatment for you.

Posted in: Emergency Dentist, General Dentistry

Alcohol Consumption and Dental Health

Posted by Phil Tangri on July 7, 2013

Different alcoholic drinks

In England, drinking alcohol is a common social activity. With over 90% of the population drinking, and alcohol tolerance so high, it is difficult to take a step back and assess how much we are really drinking and whether or not it is having an effect on our health.

The Royal College of Physicians state that woman should not exceed 14 units of alcohol a week, and men should not exceed 21 units. For women, this equates to a bottle of wine and two pints of beer. It sounds like a lot, but it is estimated that 26% of adults in England drink in excess of these limits and 3.6% are alcohol dependent, costing society an incredible £20 billion a year from the knock-on effects of alcohol misuse. More frightening still is that alcohol is suggested as the cause, or secondary cause, of 45,000 deaths a year.

Most of us are aware of the problems that alcoholism can pose: liver diseases, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms are just a few of these. It seems apparent that excessive alcohol consumption affects the entire body, and the mouth is no exception. Alcohol is known to correlate hugely with oral cancer, and possibly causes it by producing DNA-damaging breakdown products.

Dentists check routinely for oral cancer these days. What once was a speciality of the dental tissues alone has become a much broader profession. Because many people visit the dentist every 6-24 months, it makes it the perfect place to discover oral cancers that would otherwise go unnoticed. Though dentists themselves do not diagnose oral cancer, they are trained to search for the tissue abnormalities that could either be, or may become, cancerous, which they then refer for further investigation. Dentists are estimated to save two peoples’ lives during their career merely from early cancer diagnosis. Most people do not routinely inspect their own mouth and often would only notice cancers when they became large enough to be both protrusive and painful: unfortunately the chance of survival when detection is left this late is markedly decreased.

But alcohol has further effects on the mouth besides oral cancer: studies have shown that people who drink alcohol to excess are more likely to have decay, plaque and calculus (the calcified form of plaque – also known as tartar). Alcohol is known to dry out the mouth: the absence of saliva encourages bacterial growth and plaque accumulation, but this may not be the true cause of the correlation between alcohol consumption and dental health. It is entirely possible that people who regularly drink to excess do not take the care of themselves that their more sober counterparts do. Furthermore, people who drink more alcohol have been shown to attend the dentist and hygienist less regularly, despite being more likely to suffer from halitosis.

Another interesting point about alcohol is the frequency with which people associate it with smoking. There are many people who only smoke when they have been drinking – and smoking is particularly bad for gum health. Not only does the prevalence of gum disease increase in smokers, but also its response to treatment is often limited. Alcohol also increases the rate with which the lining cells of the mouth can absorb carcinogens from tobacco, so combining the two can be especially deadly.

While alcohol is certainly common, tolerated and even celebratory, the unpleasant effects it can have on the body when enjoyed too frequently can be antisocial, uncomfortable and life-threatening. Like everything in our lives these days, we are encouraged to strike a balance when it comes to alcohol; by all means enjoy the odd G&T in the sun, but every now and then do your mouth a favour and reach for something non-alcoholic, but equally appealing and indulgent, like a cloudy lemonade, a cordial or even a virgin alternative like a ‘mocktail’ and reap the healthy benefits.

Tags: alcohol

Posted in: General Dentistry

Leave a Comment (0) →

Depression and the Dentist

Posted by Phil Tangri on July 1, 2013

A woman suffering from depression

The 15th April saw the beginning of Depression Awareness Week. The week has been taking place for the last 12 years and aims to raise funds for charities like Depression Alliance, end the stigma associated with depression and, most importantly, raise awareness about the crippling condition. With the Workplace in Europe Audit conducted last year showing that Brits are the most depressed workers in all of Europe, raising awareness is important. Depression is not only a personal issue, but an economical issue too: the audit showed that the UK was one of the top countries reporting depression-related absences from work.

It is commonly suggested that dentists, over all other professions, have the highest rate of both depression and suicide. There is actually no evidence to suggest that dentists have a high chance of depression, let alone the highest. But perhaps it is better to be thought of as miserable and unfulfilled than as the sadists portrayed in both Little Shop of Horrors and Marathon Man, where the dentists depicted take great pleasure in inflicting pain!

Luckily, stigmas associated with both dental treatment and dentists themselves seem to be changing. The Adult Dental Health Survey is reporting a rise in patient satisfaction with 80% of people having no complaints about recent dental visits.

Being a dentist is a rewarding and social job: for many it is a passion and a vocation as much as it is a profession. On applying to dental school, students without the obvious aspiration for hands-on work, maximum patient interaction and a desire to help are hastily encouraged to pursue other options. Even during dental school, students who prove themselves to be incapable of dealing with the demands of general practice are recommended to find other paths of study. Dental school in itself prepares future dentists for an active and sometimes taxing career and graduates students who are prepared and able to meet the demands expected of modern dentists.

But the rumours certainly stem from somewhere: being a dentist can be stressful. The profession comes with a relatively low status within the medical profession and many dentists report difficulty developing relationships with some patients. Not to mention that, for many people, visiting the dentist is not at all looked forward to; this certainly makes for a miserable day for the dentist too. Waiting lists, delays, prices, bad news – all can push the average patient to an irritation often aimed at the dentist, which can make for a seemingly unsuccessful day.

But regardless of which profession suffers most, depression can be disabling and supporting charities like Depression Alliance can help the thousands of people struggling. Depression Alliance provides local support, online services, supporter schemes and much more to aid the population who are suffering in silence.

To make a donation to Depression Alliance, visit the following link: www.justgiving.com/depression/donate

Tags: depression

Posted in: Uncategorized

Leave a Comment (0) →

National Smile Month

Posted by Phil Tangri on May 20, 2013

National Smile Month 2013

National Smile Month is commemorating its 37th anniversary this year and the team at Scott Arms Dental Practice are joining in the celebrations. From the 20th May to the 20th July, Scott Arms is the place to go for oral heath advice, personalised hygiene plans and is a destination for the whole family to learn about the importance of looking after your teeth.

At the heart of National Smile Month are the following simple messages:

- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
- Cut down on sugary drinks and foods
- Visit the dentist as recommended

National Smile Month is keen to show that now, thanks to their rigorous campaigning and awareness-raising every year, the majority of adults are free from visible dental decay, fewer children are suffering from decay and the proportion of people requiring complete sets of false teeth has fallen.

But there is always room for improvement, and those who are getting hands-on during National Smile Month are excited to improve these figures even more. 27% of people say they only visit their dentist when they are in pain, and 25% of adults don’t brush twice a day. Dentists are regularly hearing how a state of poor oral health prevents potential job-seekers from finding the confidence to apply for employment. Raising awareness through National Smile Month can help turn these statistics around.

While National Smile Month adopts simple key principles for achieving a good standard of oral health, Scott Arms Dental Practice advocates the following extra advice for optimum hygiene:

- - Clean in between your teeth every day, e.g. with floss or TePe brushes
  - Use mouthwash after cleaning in between your teeth to help flush away the loosened debris
  - Don’t brush immediately after eating – wait half an hour
  - Brush your teeth gently with small circular motions, being sure to brush the tooth-gum margin
  - Visit a hygienist every 6 months for a professional clean and polish

The team at Scott Arms Dental Practice are happy to provide further information about all these points, so take the opportunity during National Smile Month to book an appointment for the whole family. Learn recommended oral hygiene techniques from the dentists and get children enjoying looking after their teeth.

To book your appointment now, call Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 5000

Tags: national smile month, nsm

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry

Leave a Comment (0) →

Why Should I Get Fissure Sealants?

Posted by Phil Tangri on May 8, 2013

Fissure Sealants are a popular treatment option in preventing tooth decay

All back teeth have lines and grooves running across them; these are known as fissures and are notoriously hard to clean effectively. A technique to cover these fissures, known as fissure sealing, was devised in the 1960s and involved placing a flowable filling material into the fissures of teeth. Over the years, this technique has progressed to the extent that we are now not only able to use fissure sealants as a preventative measure, but also as a minimally invasive procedure to ‘seal’ in early signs of decay to stop them progressing further. Fissure sealants have been studied since their manufacture and have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by 33-71%. Despite the range in efficacy, fissure sealants have proven themselves to be a valid measure for decay prevention.

At Scott Arms Dental Practice we recommend fissure sealants for:

Children who’ve got their first permanent molars through
Adults with oral health concerns
Adults with naturally deep fissures
Adults with a history of dental decay

Whilst fissure sealants are popular amongst adults, especially those with a history of tooth decay and those with prominent and susceptible fissures, they are primarily used for the prevention and treatment of decay in children’s newly erupted adult teeth.

The first adult teeth come though around the age of 6: these are the first molar teeth that are at the back of the mouth, behind the baby teeth. Because these teeth will have to last for many years we recommend having fissure sealants placed within the first two years of these teeth coming through. Studies have shown that this makes a huge impact in decay incidence amongst children. The fissure sealants make cleaning the teeth easier and have a profound effect when coupled with good oral hygiene, fluoridated toothpaste and a balanced diet.

Fissure sealants prevent (and sometimes reverse) dental decay, protecting a child’s newly formed teeth – which need to stay with them throughout life – and therefore reduce the likelihood of the child needing fillings. Avoiding the need for restorative work during childhood can help eradicate dental phobias and support lifelong dental visits and dental health.

Benefits of fissure sealants:

Make deep fissures easier to clean
Prevent decay by 33-71%
Can reverse the initial stages of dental decay
Protect children’s newly formed adult teeth
Prevent the need for fillings in childhood, which can be frightening
Fissure sealants are quick and easy to place

Fissure sealants normally last for many years but can chip or wear over time, so it is important to have them checked at frequent intervals by your dentist. Adding to (or replacing) a fissure sealant is a quick and straightforward procedure.

At Scott Arms Dental Practice, fissure sealants are £25 each and can be placed quickly and easily, without the need for any drilling. If you would like to make an appointment for you and your child to discuss having fissure sealants placed, please call 0121 357 5000.

Tags: Caries, Tooth Decay

Posted in: General Dentistry

Leave a Comment (0) →

A Tax on Sugar and the Obesity Crisis in Birmingham

Posted by Phil Tangri on May 1, 2013

Fizzy drinks are linked to obesity and dental problems.

It has been long suggested that taxing the causes of conditions that strain the NHS is the way to a healthier, less economically costly future. There has been talk recently about the introduction of a “fat tax”, a tax we’ll shoulder for the unhealthy choices we make, which includes a 20% tax on sugary fizzy drinks. The tax could potentially raise £1 billion a year, which could benefit a Children’s Future Fund: this recently proposed fund would spend the money raised from a sugar duty on improving children’s health through providing healthy, free school meals with more fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, as consumption of sugar diminishes, the NHS would find itself under less strain as obesity levels fall: it has now been suggested that obesity is a bigger killer than smoking and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes, all of which burden our National Health Service.

So why are fizzy drinks in particular under scrutiny when fast food chains and cheap junk food are available at every corner? The government describe it as a ‘starting point’, stating that taxing sugar-sweetened fizzy drinks is straightforward to apply. They argue that the results could be profound: if a person were to cut down by one can of fizzy drink a day, at approximately 140 calories a can, they could lose a pound a month. With some predictions stating that nearly half of the UK will be obese by 2030, it is a change that some of us can’t afford to ignore.

We in the West Midlands are particularly culpable: Birmingham has been vying for title of ‘Europe’s Fattest City’ for a number of years. In 2010 we were named and shamed as a city where a quarter of our 11-12 year olds were clinically obese.

Though the ‘fat tax’ aims to tackle our nation’s obesity crisis, pursuing the path of a tax on sugar has a dental benefit for all. Fizzy drinks have always been a concern in dentistry and these days children in particular are drinking them more and more. Non-diet soft drinks are often drunk between meals and consequently wash our teeth in sugar when our saliva is too inactive to defend them. This constant bathing in sugar lowers the average pH of the mouth and increases the chance of dental decay. Furthermore, fizzy drinks of all kinds contain acid – often citric and phosphoric – which softens the surface of teeth, leaving them vulnerable to both dental decay and tooth erosion.

Despite the benefits – reduced tooth decay and erosion, a drop in obesity levels and, consequently, heart disease and diabetes, the raising of money for child health schemes – the proposal has been met with disdain from those who fear the rise of a ‘nanny nation’ that punishes us for our poor health choices. But regardless of one’s stance on the tax, something needs to be done to halt the epidemic that has befallen us. Without establishing a plan of action, we risk not only our waistlines but also our NHS wards bulging at the seams.

Tags: Caries, Obesity, Sugar

Posted in: General Dentistry

Leave a Comment (0) →

Page 12 of 17 «...10 111213 14...»