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The importance of dental hygiene – not just tooth decay

Did you know that the consequences of poor dental hygiene could go far beyond tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, leading to more serious diseases.

At CK Dental in Bristol, specialist dentist Cornelius Krause offers patients a thorough oral examination at every visit, to help keep tooth and gum problems at bay, but this does need to be complemented by good oral hygiene at home, which means brushing thoroughly twice a day.

What problems can be caused by poor dental hygiene?

Alzheimer’s Disease

A study carried out by researchers from New York University (NYU) in 2010 suggested that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s. This was supported by research performed by the University of Central Lancashire in 2014.

Pancreatic Cancer

In 2007, researchers from Harvard School of Public Health reported a strong link between the gum disease periodontitis and pancreatic cancer. A follow-up study found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64% increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to men who had never had gum disease.

Heart Disease

A 2008 study conducted jointly by research teams from the University of Bristol and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, found that bleeding gums can increase the risk of heart disease.

According to the research, the risk is increased because when the gums bleed, bacteria from the mouth is able to enter the bloodstream, sticking to platelets and potentially causing clots, which can then lead to a heart attack.

How can I reduce the risk to me?

Firstly, you can book an appointment at CK Dental in Bristol, to see specialist dentist Mr Krause, who will examine your teeth and gums to check for any signs of existing gum disease. At home, Bristol dental surgeon Mr Krause recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice daily, flossing daily and rinsing with mouthwash to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy.

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CK Dental introduces Under Armour mouthguards

Bristol dental clinic CK Dental is pleased to announce that we now offer Under Armour Performance Mouthwear – mouthguards custom fit by the dentist, which are designed to maximise your sporting performance whilst also protecting your jaw.

How does it work?

The Under Armour mouthguards use patented ‘Power Wedges’, positioned between the molars, to stop you clenching your jaw – a natural reaction when playing sport.

What’s wrong with clenching your jaw?

Dentists see hundreds of patients who have problems related to bruxism (that’s tooth grinding or jaw clenching). These can range from headaches and aching jaws to cracked teeth and receding gums.

One more serious issue is neuromuscular imbalance, which can cause back pain, scoliosis and tinnitus, as well as many other issues. Under Armour Performance Mouthwear has been proven to help reduce the symptoms of neuromuscular imbalance.

What are the benefits to me?

A number of scientific studies have been carried out on Under Armour mouthguards, uncovering – among others – the following benefits:

  • Improved oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange, leading to improved performance
  • Reduced cortisol levels (allowing your muscles to repair faster)
  • Improved airway openings
  • Improved reaction time

Isn’t this only for professionals, or those involved in contact sports?

No! Studies have shown that Under Armour mouthguards can help participants in any sport, including:

  • Cycling
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Tennis
  • Weight lifting
  • Yoga and pilates
How do I get a mouthguard fitted?

Just book an appointment at our Bristol Clinic, where our dental surgeon Mr Krause will make an impression of your mouth. This will then be sent off to the ArmourBite lab, where your own personal mouthguard will be made. A follow-up appointment with the dentist will be scheduled, when you will receive your finished mouthguard.

For more information, please contact us.

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Put some sparkle in your smile this party season!

Christmas is on the way and everyone wants to look their best for all the parties – and where better place to start than with your smile? Forget about lipstick, the perfect smile is all about sparkling white teeth, and the team here at CK Dental in Bristol can help you achieve that.

White Christmas

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment by far, with more than 100,000 Brits having experimented with the procedure in one form or another last year. This Christmas, why not treat yourself to the professional treatment, and book an appointment with Bristol dentist Cornelius Krause here at CK Dental.

What does the teeth whitening procedure involve?

Mr Krause uses the Evolution Enlighten teeth whitening system, which involves two appointments with the dental surgeon, at the first of which a mould will be taken of your mouth. This mould is used to create your own personalised whitening tray, which you will take home to carry out a 14-day at-home whitening plan.

This home-use teeth whitening programme prepares the teeth for the final stage of the process, which is a 40-minute professional whitening treatment by the dentist at the second of your two appointments.

Will Evolution teeth whitening really work?

Absolutely. When you come for your initial appointment at our Bristol clinic, dentist Mr Krause will examine your teeth and provide you with a thorough consultation, explaining what kind of a result you can expect, but the Evolution Enlighten system has a proven track record of tackling even the most persistent stains, such as tobacco, red wine and coffee. We can even guarantee a specific shade of white.

How quickly will I see results?

Immediately after the final treatment. However, party season is fast approaching and bearing in mind the two-week home treatment programme, we’d advise you book an appointment at our Bristol clinic now if you want your smile sparkling in time for Christmas!

For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

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Look after your teeth this Christmas

The holidays are coming and for many of us that means an abundance of sweet treats and overindulgence in both food and drink. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but any dentist will tell you that Christmas is a danger time for oral health, as people tend to let good habits slide for the festive season.

In order to help you keep your teeth healthy while still enjoying yourself, the team here at Bristol dentists CK Dental has come up with some top tips:

Tip #1: Keep sweet treats for mealtimes

Don’t deny yourself a sugar hit, but try to save it for post dinner; if your mouth is already producing saliva, it will do a better job of protecting your teeth, as saliva helps to neutralise acid and wash away food remnants. Get the kids into the habit of this in the run-up to Christmas, by only letting them open the advent calendar immediately after breakfast!

Tip #2: Drink tap water

We all know it’s important to stay hydrated, but did you know drinking water can also help keep trips to the dentist to a minimum? Have a glass of water straight after indulging in anything sugary, and it will help to wash away the sugars coating your teeth, which can eventually cause decay. The fluoride found in tap water can also help to protect your teeth.

Tip #3: Wait half an hour before brushing your teeth

When you’ve eaten something sweet, the urge to brush your teeth straightaway can be overwhelming, but sugars soften the enamel of the teeth and if you brush immediately you can end up eroding the enamel away. GDC-registered dentist Mr Krause advises waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating something sweet.

We hope this advice helps you to enjoy the festivities without worrying about the damage you are doing to your teeth – and if you do slip up, don’t panic, just book an appointment at our Bristol clinic in the new year!

Merry Christmas from all of us here at CK Dental!

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