Posts tagged “Oral Health”

January 6th, 2014

New Year, New You?

It’s that time of year again, time for us to choose a new challenge to commit to for 365 days, be it starting something new or quitting an old habit.

Studies have found that around 50% of the country will make some form of resolution for the New Year with “losing weight” being the most popular choice. However, success rates are low, with around 88% of people not completing their goal.

To achieve success, studies have found that smaller is better and what is easier than popping in for an oral health screening? This is a quick and easy way of taking control of your health, the starting point of your overall health MOT.

A check up allows us to examine all the teeth and tissues of the mouth, checking for any underlying issues as well as perform an oral cancer screen and check that the muscles and joints are performing as they should be.

So let’s not be in that 88% that fail to meet their goal, and make this the year that you take control of your oral health – here’s to sparkling smiles in 2014!

Tags: Dentist, Dentist Checkups, Dentists Chichester, Dentists Hampshire, Dentists Portsmouth, Dentists Waterlooville, Dentists West Sussex, oral cancer, Oral Health
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November 11th, 2013

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month!

November sees the practice promoting Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, with the focus being that regular checks by the dentist and hygienist can catch the disease earlier. We perform a mouth cancer check at every appointment.

The importance of these regular oral cancer checks is highlighted by a recent study that found the number of patients diagnosed with the disease is on the increase, by around 50% since the year 2000. The British Dental Health Foundation, the organisation raising awareness of the disease have found that there were over 7500 new cases of the disease in 2011. However, if caught early enough, the chances of survival could be as high as 90%. Another good reason for regular screening at your dental checks!

Oral cancer is caused by a number of factors including smoking, excessive drinking and poor diet, as well as the presence of HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus.

The advice we give to patients is to have regular checks of the tissues in the mouth at your dental appointments and if in doubt, get it checked out! Ulcers that won’t go away, any patches – red or white – lumps or bumps, come in and let us take a look. Remember – early detection is key!

Tags: BDHF, cancer checks, Dentists Chichester, Dentists Hampshire, Dentists Portsmouth, Dentists Waterlooville, Dentists West Sussex, mouth cancer, mouth cancer awareness month, November, oral cancer, Oral Health
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October 28th, 2013

A link between oral health and Alzheimer’s?

A thought provoking article created abit of a stir at Dental Studio recently, both in the practice and on Twitter and Facebook – is there a link between poor oral health and susceptibility to Alzheimer’s?

Gingivitis is a common occurrence, with figures estimating that almost half of the worldwide population have suffered with some form of gingivitis at some point in their life.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis occurs where there is a build up of dental plaque. The bacteria present in this plaque can irritate the gums, causing them to become red and inflamed with bleeding on brushing.

Gingivitis can be put right by good oral health – brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth with floss or small brushes, and regular hygienist visits can help to remove this plaque build up, getting the teeth back to their pale pink perfection.

However, where the plaque isn’t removed, and the gingivitis left to worsen, the implications become more serious. Gum disease affects 10-15% of the population, and can eventually cause bone loss – meaning that the supporting structure holding the teeth is lost and tooth loss can occur – a problem that becomes alot harder to solve, as well as other issues including pain, bad breath and sensitivity.

What has really caused some interest is a recent study from the UK, concerning the possibility that bad oral hygiene and the presence of gum disease could contribute towards the deterioration found in the brains of those patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Gum disease has already been found to contribute to the onset of poor health such as heart disease and diabetes.

In this case, the bacteria that is present in the gum disease have been found in the brains of patients suffering with dementia.

Although these finding are in the early stages of the research, it could be an opportune moment for us all to re-focus on our oral health, and the advantages of regular appointments with the dentists and hygienists could help to protect in the future.

If today is the day to make the change, and be proactive to protect your oral health, then give us a call. Recent rule changes means that it is no longer necessary to see the dentist before you can see the hygienist, so book in today!