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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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The latest evolution in teeth whitening

Dental surgeon Mr Krause has extensive experience of many cosmetic dentistry procedures, including veneers, crowns, invisible braces and dental implants, all of which are offered here at CK Dental in Bristol. However, in recent years teeth whitening has emerged as an increasingly popular component of cosmetic dentistry.

For patients that have healthy teeth, which might have become stained, either from smoking or the consumption of coffee, tea or red wine or because they have just dulled over the passing of the years, then teeth whitening can be a relatively straightforward and effective way to transform your smile.

The importance of choosing the right teeth whitening system

The teeth whitening procedure offered by Mr Krause, here at CK Dental, is the Evolution Enlighten teeth whitening system, which consists of a 14-day at-home whitening plan, in combination with a 40-minute professional treatment, administered by GDC-registered dentist Mr Krause here in Bristol.

The treatment plan

At the first appointment with the dentist, an impression of your teeth will be taken, which Mr Krause will then use to make personalised moulded whitening trays. You will then take these home to be used with a low-level whitening agent for two weeks, before coming back into the Bristol clinic for a final appointment with the dental surgeon, when the 40-minute intensive whitening treatment will take place.

Will it work?

In short, yes. The Evolution system was launched in 2005 and still leads the teeth whitening market. The benefits of this system are:

  • A guaranteed outcome of a specific shade of white, no matter what colour your teeth are to start with
  • An easy to use system with no special diet
  • It can be used even by those with sensitive teeth
  • All the products conform to international safety standards

How white will my teeth be?

The Evolution system can show great improvement, even for those who smoke and drink heavily. At your first appointment with Mr Krause at the Bristol clinic, you will undergo a thorough consultation and the dentist will give you a realistic idea of how white your teeth are likely to be post treatment.

For more information, please contact us.

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Meet the team

CK Dental, based in the centre of Bristol, was the brainchild of dental surgeon Cornelius Krause. Cornelius wanted to build a general dentisty practice that offered the very latest in dental technology for the benefit of its patients.

But technological innovations only take you so far. A dental practice such as CK Dental sets itself apart by the quality of the people delivering its dental treatments. Teamwork is, in fact, highlighted by the General Dental Council as a key principle of best practice in providing good dental care for patients.

All members of the dental team at CK Dental contribute to ensuring a successful and positive patient experience and all have an important role to play.

Introducing the CK Dental team

Principal dentist Cornelius Krause and every member of the CK Dental team is highly qualified and experienced, as well as passionate about providing the best quality dental care.

Dr Michael Stiller, a leading European maxillofacial surgeon, regularly consults and treats complex maxillofacial and implant cases for the practice. He brings a wealth of expertise, meaning CK Dental in Bristol is able to offer dental treatment on a par with international centres of dental excellence.

Many patients suffer from dental phobia, but at CK Dental we are skilled at guiding nervous patients through their dental treatment. Anaesthetist Dr Claudia Paoloni plays an important role at our Bristol dental practice in providing a consultant anaesthetist-led sedation service for nervous patients.

While dentists concentrate on treating tooth and gum conditions, the dental hygienist has a vital role in helping to prevent problems arising. Suzanne Benjamin is a qualified dental nurse and hygienist and has spent many years in private dental practice, educating patients in caring for their teeth and gums by providing specific oral hygiene advice and providing manageable home care plans.

To learn more about the team and the treatments we offer, click here to book a consultation with Cornelius.

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Mouth cancer – the early warning signs

The prognosis for mouth cancer is usually very good, so long as it is diagnosed early. So what are the early signs to look out for? Bristol dental surgeon Cornelius Krause advises patients to be on the look out for the following symptoms:

Danger signs

  • A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks
  • White patches anywhere in the mouth (this is known as leukoplakia)
  • Red patches anywhere in the mouth (known as erythroplakia)
  • Numbness or bleeding in the throat
  • Pain when chewing or swallowing
  • A sensation that there is something stuck in the throat
  • A lump on the lip or tongue, or in the mouth or throat
  • Loose teeth or dentures not fitting properly
  • A lump in the neck
  • A change to your voice

Which are the most common symptoms of mouth cancer?

The most common indicators of oral cancer are pain in the mouth that does not go away, or a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal. The important thing is to be aware of any changes in your mouth and to see a dentist regularly, as they will be able to detect any warning signs as well as keeping an eye on your general oral health.

What should I do if I think I have one or more of these symptoms?

Firstly, don’t panic. All of these problems can be related to other conditions, or could be entirely benign. If you are displaying any of these symptoms however, it is important to get it checked out by a dentist, such as Mr Krause, who offers thorough dental examinations here at our Bristol clinic.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be showing early signs of mouth cancer, please contact us to make an appointment with dental surgeon Mr Krause in Bristol.

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What are the signs of mouth cancer?

Symptoms of mouth cancer can appear on the lips, tongue, gums and cheek, in the form of ulcers which do not heal in three weeks, red and white patches, or unusual swellings in the mouth, head or neck. Early detection is crucial to survival, so it is important to visit your dentist regularly.

How can my dentist detect early signs of mouth cancer?

At CK Dental in Bristol, dental surgeon Cornelius Krause performs a thorough examination at every check-up, to look for early signs of mouth cancer. As part of the examination at his Bristol clinic, dentist Mr Krause will look at six key areas:

  • The head and neck, to check for any asymmetry in the form of lumps, bumps or swelling
  • The lips, to seek out any sores, lumps, bumps or changes in texture or colour
  • The inner cheeks, looking for red, white or dark patches, lumps or ulcers
  • The roof of the mouth, where there may be lumps or changes in colour that would be indicative of early stage mouth cancer
  • The tongue, checking for swelling or changes to the colour or texture of the surface
  • The floor of the mouth, where the specialist dentist will look for lumps, swellings or colour changes

If you’re concerned about mouth cancer, or think you may display some of the symptoms listed above, dentist Mr Krause can help to put your mind at rest. At his clinic in Bristol, Mr Krause offers the very latest in dental technology together with a calm and gentle approach, to provide complete reassurance for his patients.

Remember: “If in doubt, get checked out”. If you are concerned and need more information, click on www.mouthcancer.org.

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Let’s talk about Ears, Noses, Throats and Teeth

Mr Cornelius Krause from CK Dental will be speaking at the FREE ENT and Dentistry event at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital – The Chesterfield on Tuesday July 8th at 6:30pm.

Let's-talk-Ears,-Noses,-Throats-&-Teeth

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What’s in a Smile?

Bristol-Magazine---June-2014A great smile can make us appear more attractive, lift our mood, give us more confidence and, according to scientific research, even extend our lifespan.

Smiles are credited with increasing a person’s popularity and credibility, improving social connections and, even positively impacting career success. Furthermore, the website for National Smile Month reveals that a ‘smile’ comes top of the things we notice first when meeting a new person and is the most important physical attribute when it comes to finding a person attractive. With all this in mind, it’s perhaps not surprising that so many of us value our smile so highly and yet one in ten adults admit they regularly forget to brush their teeth and nearly half of us are unhappy with our grin.

Mr Cornelius Krause is the founder and lead Dentist at CK Dental based at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital –The Chesterfield in Clifton. He has over 10 years’ experience and has worked with internationally renowned dentists to develop his passion and skills for minimally invasive and cosmetic dentistry.

“Not being happy with your smile can make you feel very self-conscious and have a surprisingly detrimental impact on your life. From simple things like not wanting to appear in photographs to more deep-rooted issues around being comfortable in public, a person’s smile can’t be underestimated. The thing I enjoy most about my job is that I get to give people the smile they’ve always wanted,” said Mr Krause.

More than half of us think Brits have bad teeth but many adults are put off from having corrective treatments such as crowns, implants and teeth straightening because they are concerned the finished result won’t look natural or because they think the treatment process, such as wearing braces, will be embarrassing.

“Advances in technology mean that adults can now achieve a perfect smile with little inconvenience and at a reasonable price. Dentists no longer have to rely on metal work for a variety of cosmetic treatments, meaning we can blend the appearance of crowns, bridges and implants seamlessly with a patient’s existing teeth. Gone are the days of badly matched, patchwork teeth.

“One of the most exciting developments in cosmetic dentistry though is the introduction of Invisalisgn, a practically invisible alternative to traditional braces. Many adults dream of ditching their crooked teeth for a Hollywood smile but can’t bear the thought of the train-track style braces they remember from their teens. Invisalign is the perfect solution and works through a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners. Treatment times are similar or sometimes faster than regular braces and the fact that the aligners can be removed when eating means they don’t disrupt your lifestyle,” said Mr Krause.

“At The Chesterfield we treat every patient as an individual, tailor- making our treatment plan to take into account their age, lifestyle, budget and desired outcome. I would definitely urge anyone who has been considering cosmetic dentistry for a while and who wants to know more to attend our free event on Tuesday 8 July at 6.30pm. It’s never too late for a straight smile!” added Mr Krause.

“What’s in a Smile?” appeared in the June 2014 issue of Bristol Magazine

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