Month: April 2014

Alternatives to Amalgam Fillings in Bristol

Whiter teeth with tooth coloured, mercury-free fillings.

Having a dental filling is perhaps the most common dental procedure that most people will experience during their lifetime. Although some find them mildly unpleasant, in the vast majority of cases a filling can be carried out quickly and easily and will prevent further damage being caused by dental decay.

As well as replacing the part of the tooth that has become decayed though, a filling also needs to provide it with strength to allow its normal use when eating and chewing. This factor has led to the use of strong product called amalgam which is a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper and, most controversially, mercury.

Because of its strength, mercury has been used for a very long time and, until quite recently, there simply has been no alternative that offered the strength and durability that it afforded. There have, however, been a number of pieces of research carried out which has caused doubt about the safety of its use in dental work.

Mercury Poisoning

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Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gum disease prevention and treatment at Beau Monde Dental Care in Bristol.

Have you ever noticed a small amount of blood in your saliva after you have cleaned your teeth? If so, it is quite possible that you may have the beginnings of gingivitis.  This is the common name for the less destructive period of gum disease and is usually caused by the dental plaque caused by bacterial build up around the gums and teeth.

Gingivitis can have a number of symptoms, of which bleeding from the gums is one of the most common. Other symptoms include soreness or redness of the gums along with halitosis (bad breath).

The good news for anyone with those symptoms is that, in many cases, a simple improvement in your brushing and flossing can reverse it with few, if any, long term effects.

Do Not Ignore

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Relax – Dental Visits Should be a Positive Experience

Overcoming dental fear for better oral health.

It is a well documented fact that a significant portion of people in the UK suffer some degree of dental phobia. This can range from a simple, slightly worried state to absolute terror for an unfortunate few.

Dental care though plays an important part in our overall health and, as well as ensuring that our teeth and gums are in good condition, may also have other roles to play. For example, a dentist is in a prime position to spot early potential signs of oral cancers and, if anything suspicious is spotted, will refer you to your doctor.

Some dental issues such as gum disease have also been linked with heart disease. This may prove to be an important discovery in the early treatment of heart problems although research is at an early stage at the moment.

Staying Calm

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