January 2013

West Road Dental Practice www.wrdp.co.uk Welcome to our latest practice news letter. We would like to wish all our patients a very Happy New Year letter indicated that most mouthwashes, some of which the information provided. month’s newsletter. If you In addition to our newslet- by many, with several pa- always looking for new sub- Dental Health and had learnt something new enlightening for our patients. Should I rinse after The causes of mouth ulcers Too much water will • An auto immune system Treatments of mouth ulcers Sleepwell-the most clinically wash away the fluoride reaction to biological or germs which cause • Using a toothpaste or if your mouth ulcer does not tooth decay. It also mouthwash with sodium heal within a few weeks as it helps to repair any lauryl sulphate (SLS) in. There are several causes of tooth portant it is to brush and floss daily and discoloration, including: to see a dentist regularly. By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you may be wines, and certain fruits and vege- able to prevent teeth discoloration. For tables (for example, apples and example, if you are a coffee drinker potatoes) can stain your teeth. and/or smoker, consider cutting back or quitting all together. Also, improve your dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned brushing and flossing to remove by a dental hygienist every 6 months. plaque and stain-producing sub- stances like coffee and tobacco can Foods and Habits That Stain result in tooth discoloration. fect enamel (the hard surface of tend to be the biggest offenders. If the teeth) and dentin (the underly- you’re worried about spilling the food 3. Cola. Acidic and chromogen-rich, ing material under enamel) can lead or beverage on your white tablecloth, cola can cause significant staining. But to tooth discoloration. Treatments you can be sure it’s got the potential to even light-colored soft drinks are suffi- for certain conditions can also af- stain your teeth. The more intense the ciently acidic to promote staining of fect tooth color. For example, che- colour, the more potential there is for teeth by other foods and beverages. motherapy can cause teeth discol- staining. known to discolour teeth when dental enamel. But the presence of 5. Berries. Blueberries, blackberries, given to children whose teeth are chromogens isn’t the only thing that cranberries, cherries, grapes, pome- still developing (before the age of determines the staining potential of granates, and other intensely colored 8). Mouth rinses and washes con- foods and beverages. fruits (and juices, pies, and other foods teeth. Antihistamines (like Bena- Acidic foods and beverages-including cause stains. dryl, antipsychotic drugs, and drugs some that are not brightly coloured pro- mote staining by eroding the dental 6. Sauces. Soy sauce, tomato sauce, for high blood pressure also cause enamel, temporarily softening teeth and curry sauce, and other deeply coloured making it easier for chromogens to latch sauces are believed to have significant • Dental materials. Some of the on. And finally, a family of food com- staining potential. materials used in dentistry, such as pounds known as tannins promotes 7. Sweets. Sweets often contain teeth- amalgam restorations can cast a staining by further boosting chro- staining colouring agents. If your Teeth-Staining they are consumed regularly, these rally brighter or thicker enamel that contains chromogens and tannins, is notorious for staining teeth. But white wine, too, promotes staining. In a recent For a whiter, brighter smile! • Trauma. For example, damage study, teeth exposed to tea were stained mation in young children whose been exposed to white wine teeth are still developing. Trauma 2. Tea. Like wine, the ordinary black tea This is a safe and affordable option can also cause discoloration to most people drink is rich in stain- that can enhance your appearance. The promoting tannins. Dentists say it’s a results are long-lasting and achieved bigger stainer than coffee, which is rapidly. Whether it's for a special occa- How Can I Prevent Teeth chromogen-rich but low in tannins. sion or simply because you deserve to Herbal, green, and white teas are less treat yourself. Ask your dentist at your Determined to keep your teeth likely to stain than black tea.

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