It’s likely that if you have been attending a dental practice regularly then you will have had x-rays (also known as radiographs) taken. But do you know why the dentist takes x-rays? 

X-rays are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They allow the dentist to see areas they otherwise would not be able to examine with the naked eye. Having x-rays taken at your dental health check allows your dentists to diagnose potential dental issues before they become a larger issue. 

These are the main reasons your dentist takes x-rays: 

• Look for early stages of tooth decay 
• Look underneath any restorations such as fillings or crowns for any tooth decay
• Look at the health of tooth roots
• Check the health of the bone levels around your teeth
• Determine if periodontal disease is an oral care issue
• To help diagnose which treatment is required

There are two main types of x-rays we use at Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester. These are called Bitewings and Periapicals. Both of these types of x-rays deliver a relatively low dose of radiation. 

Bitewing x-rays are called bitewings because you bite down on a wing-shaped device to hold the x-ray film in place. They are used to capture an image of both the upper and lower molar and premolar teeth. 

Bitewings can reveal cavities in between the teeth and underneath previous dental work, an area that dentists can’t visually inspect. Often at this early stage of decay, there may only be mild symptoms such as sweet or cold sensitivity. However, if left untreated the decay would advance. By the time it is visible to the naked eye or causes noticeable discomfort, more extensive work such as a root canal may be required. “ 

Bitewings are also useful for helping to diagnose periodontal disease and monitoring the bone levels around the teeth. Your dentist will compare x-rays he has taken over the years to see if there have been any significant changes. 

Periapical x-rays capture images of two or three teeth down to the root. They can reveal an abscess caused by an infection or root caries, which are lesions at the bottom of the tooth.  

If you’re a new patient and are looking at getting brace treatment or have extensive dental work already then it’s likely you may need a full mouth series of x-rays, which may involve both bitewings and periapical x-rays of the teeth. 

 How often should you have dental X-rays? 

This depends, children and adults that are at greater risk of tooth decay may require follow up x-rays 6 months later. If you are at low risk then the dentist will take more than likely just take two bitewing x-rays every 2-3 years. 

Remember if you’re at all concerned about having x-rays taken then discuss this with your dentist. They are always happy to discuss and advise. 

Ever wondered why the dental receptionist is so insistent on booking in your next dental appointment before you leave? It’s because they are vital to keeping your mouth healthy.

Regular dentist checkups or as we call them here at Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester – Dental Health Checks, are essential for spotting problems early.

If you leave without arranging your next dental appointment then you will often go over the advised interval your dentist has recommended an appointment. Sometimes 6 months turns into a year and before you know it your mouth will start to feel unhealthy.

At your check-up appointment, the dentist is looking at a lot more than just teeth! They will be carrying out a full oral health exam.

There are 10 points we review at your Dental Health Check:

1) Your awareness of the health of your mouth
2) The health of your teeth
3) The health, stability and appearance of any restorations (eg fillings, crowns)
4) The health of your gums
5) The health of the bones supporting your teeth
6) Plaque control and home care regime
7) The comfort and health of your bite (how teeth meet together)
8) Signs of tooth wear/grinding or clenching
9) The health of your jaw joint
10) Mouth cancer check

Often the dentist will also be keeping a close eye on any areas they are particularly concerned about and will want to regularly review it. This is one of the reasons it’s advisable to attend the same dental practice and not chop and change.

Attending regularly for you Dental Health Check is one of the best things you can do to prevent dental problems and avoid unnecessary dental treatment.

Once our checks are complete we also discuss our findings with our patients and help you to develop a personalised oral healthcare regime individually tailored to your needs.

Our goal is to help you keep your teeth and gums in the best possible condition.

Need to arrange your dental appointment at our Leicester based clinic? Give us a call on 0116 2891317

1. This one’s pretty obvious but it’s the most important thing you can do – brush your teeth! This is also a great time to either buy a new toothbrush or invest a decent electric one. Whilst giving your teeth a good brush don’t forget that tongue! Sometimes there are really smelly bacteria on there that can cause bad breath. One study found that by brushing the tongue, volunteers reduced their perception of bad breath by 70%!

2. Okay, this is sort of a gross suggestion but have you ever smelled your floss after flossing? If yes then you know what we mean! If no – try it! Bits of food can lay hidden between the teeth just rotting away if you haven’t been flossing.

3. A good old swish around with a mouthwash just before you leave to go on a date is a good idea. An antibacterial mouthwash will help to kill off any nasty bacteria and giving you a fresh minty zing.

4. Drink plenty of water to prevent your mouth from getting dry. A dry mouth can be a cause for bad breath and also unpleasant to kiss!

5. Steer clear of the onion and garlic. Some foods though can actually help your breath to stay fresh such as apples, mint, celery and parsley.

6. Chew gum. Chewing gum will help with bad breath because the chewing action results in more saliva being produced which in turn cleanses the mouth. Xylitol chewing gum such a Peppersmiths also help to strengthen teeth and come in lemon and mint varieties.

7. Quit smoking? smoking never smells good whether it’s on your clothes, hair or breath. Tobacco tends to dry out your mouth and can leave an unpleasant smell that lingers even after brushing your teeth.

Still, have bad breath? Then it’s worth scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Your teeth may require a simple hygiene appointment or sometimes causes could be medical related. Either way, your dentist can help.

If your dentist/mother-in-law/friend (delete as necessary) has been getting on at you about your little one sucking their thumb it may just be for good reason.

Thumb sucking is a common habit that generally affects infants and children. It’s reported that up to 90% of children will dabble in thumb sucking at some point between the ages of 2 and 4 years old.  Most children stop sucking their thumb by 2 and 1/2 years of age, and thumb-sucking is often considered okay until age 3.

Children suck their thumbs because it’s comforting and calming. They turn to their thumb when they’re tired, scared, bored, sick, or trying to adjust to challenges such as starting nursery or preschool.

Long-term effects of thumb sucking occur when a child’s thumb sucking continues when their adult teeth start to come through. This usually happens around the age of 5-6 years old. It would be wise to try and break this habit by then.

The 5 consequences of thumb sucking

1) Teeth being pushed around, which might cause an overbite or an underbite to form. This can affect the way the face looks and how the teeth meet together.

2) Germs from your thumb and surrounding areas affecting your body. Frequent hand washing and keeping the nails short will help to minimise this risk.

3) The roof of the mouth becoming altered or more sensitive.

4) A lisp being formed because constant thumb sucking can affect the jaw bone positioning.

5) Skin Problems. When exposed to the moisture and enzymes found in the mouth, the skin can become vulnerable. In some cases, the skin may crack or bleed especially around the nail. This can make your child’s hands vulnerable to infection.

When trying to break the habit of thumb or finger sucking it’s important to be extra gentle with your child. As thumb sucking is often a comforter you don’t want to stress your little one as this may result in even more thumb sucking.

Our tips are:

• Teach your child the reasons why they can’t continue to suck their thumbs. Explain to them the long-term effects of such a habit and what that might entail.

• Observe and try to eliminate triggers that cause them to thumb suck.

• When your child sucks their thumb, distract them with a toy or a song.

• Ensure you give plenty of praise and perhaps track your child’s progress using a reward chart.

• Get your dentist to help! They can offer you support, guidance and possibly some handy tips!

• Try a thumb sucking aid. We have had patients report success when using a thumbsucking aid such as a Thumbsie.

If you’re at all concerned about any aspect of your child’s dental health than seek advice from your dentist.

Brushing and flossing are more important than you might think. Of course, you’re probably aware to brush and floss for better dental health but are you aware that your mouth health can have a direct effect on your overall health?

Your mouth is the gateway to your body and often if you have a healthy mouth then you will have a healthy body. Your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Usually, the body’s natural defences and good oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, help to keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper dental care, bacteria can reach high levels that might lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Diabetes
Inflammation impairs the body’s ability to utilise insulin. By improving your oral hygiene and treating gum disease you can help to bring diabetes under better control.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Treating periodontal disease has been shown to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart Disease
Though the reasons are still not fully understood, it is clear that gum disease and heart disease often go hand in hand. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease also have periodontitis. It’s suspected that periodontitis has a direct role in raising the risk for heart disease. The theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels.

Obesity
Two studies have linked obesity to gum disease. It appears that periodontitis progresses more quickly in the presence of higher body fat.

Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of gum related problems. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Researchers are looking into the connection but it is believed that gum infection and inflammation, in general, seem to interfere with a fetus’ development in the womb.

Lung Conditions
Periodontal disease may make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly by increasing the number of bacteria in the lungs.

It’s important to understand that the body and mouth are not separate. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can really help you live well longer. To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day by doing the following:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily
• Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
• Replace your toothbrush every three or sooner if needed
• Have regular dental health checks
• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol

Need to arrange a dental health check with us…